WordPress Plugins You May Need
- Image by teddy-rised via Flickr
I have been asked many different times from new bloggers what plugins they should use.
I think a big part of it comes down to personal taste. While there are some essentials many of them are just add-on plugins that make your readers experience on your blog better. Also plugins allows you to add social sharing elements to your blog.
I forget where I read it, but I did read in another blog that people like to share as long as it is easy for them to do it.
I tend to agree with that. I have a tendency to share stuff if buttons are clearly in my face. Here is a a huge list of wordpress plugins you might find useful.
WordPress Plugins List
Wp Super Cache
This plugin is a must have for two very important reasons. First, it makes your WP pages load lightning quick. If you’ve got a lot of graphics or big sites, this is critical to keeping your visitors from leaving too soon.
Second, it stores static versions of your site and uses a lot less CPU processing than if you just used WordPress by itself.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-super-cache/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.6 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-6-16
Average rating 4
Akismet
I don’t have to tell you what a pain in the backside spam comments are. Akisment stops them dead in their tracks. This is probably the one plugin that nobody should be without, especially if you plan on having a very popular blog and allowing comments by your visitors.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/akismet/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-23
Average rating 4
WpTouch Iphone Theme
With the Iphone being such a big thing today, this is a must have plugin. What it does essentially is this. If a person visits your site through an Iphone or some other mobile device, it displays a lighter version of the site specifically designed for mobile users.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wptouch/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-9
Average rating 4
WP DB Manager
Database management is something that not very many people give a second thought to but it’s critical to do, especially with all the hackers that are out there. This plugin has a lot of cool features in addition to backing up your database, including automatically emailing you a copy of your database each day.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-dbmanager/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Last Updated: 2009-6-8
Average rating 4
SEO Smart Links
This is such a cool plugin. If you’re not linking from one article on your WordPress blog to another, you should be. Well, this plugin interlinks keywords in your articles for you.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/seo-automatic-links/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.9.2
Last Updated: 2010-6-2
Average rating 4
WordPress Related Posts
This is a great little plugin for keeping people on your site. If they’re reading one of your articles, the best thing you can do is to put more articles in front of them to keep them going through your site. This plugin does just that.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpress-23-related-posts-plugin/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.8.4
Last Updated: 2010-6-22
Average rating 4
WP Postratings
This may not seem like much but this is a great way to get people to read your articles. With this plugin, people can rate your articles and then, if they’re rated high, other people will see the ratings and this can influence them to read your article. Subtle but brilliant.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-postratings/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Last Updated: 2009-6-13
Average rating 3.5
All In One SEO Pack
This is a must have. If you want your blog to be as SEO’d as humanly possible so that it climbs up the ranks, get this plugin. It may just be one of the most popular and widely used at WordPress.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/all-in-one-seo-pack/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-7-11
Average rating 4
Most Commented Widget
A simple but effective plugin. This one will show the most commented posts in a widget on your blog sidebar. This will gravitate visitors to that post in order to add their comments.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/most-commented/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.9.2
Last Updated: 2009-12-29
Average rating 4.5
Duplicate Content Cure
Quite simply, this handy little plugin tells the search engines not to index pages that have duplicate content.
This is a third party plugin so I have no stats for compatibility. You’ll have to check with the plugin’s creator.
http://www.seologs.com/downloads/duplicate-content-cure.zip
Google XML Sitemaps
In short, if you want your blog to be recognized by Google as quickly as possible, you MUST get this plugin. It generates a Google XML sitemap of your blog.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/google-sitemap-generator/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.1 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-5-29
Average rating 4.5
No Self Pings
This very useful plugin will WordPress from pinging its own site. This is useful for when you want to link directly related articles in a multi part series.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/no-self-ping/
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2007-4-22
Average rating 4.5
Subscribe Me
This is a must have plugin if you want your visitors to share your content.
Essentially, what it does is it adds buttons to your blog that allows visitors to share your content on many social sites like Bloglines or Google Reader. This is a MUST have.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/sem-subscribe-me/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-3-5
Average rating 5
Bookmark Me
This is a simple plugin that adds social bookmarks buttons to posts and pages.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/bookmark-me/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.1 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.7.1
Last Updated: 2009-5-22
Average rating 4
NextGEN Gallery
Want to build a gallery of photos? This plugin does it with super cool ease. Just install and you’re done.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/nextgen-gallery/
Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-8
Average rating 4
All In One Adsense And YPN
Want Adsense on your blog? Just get it. You won’t regret it. You can customize how you want your ads to look 20 ways to Sunday. A must have for Adsense marketers.
http://www.linewbie.com/wordpress-plugins/all-in-one-adsense-and-ypn
Requires WordPress Version: 1.5 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-9
Average rating 3.5
OZH Admin Drop Down Menu
Want to make your administration a breeze? This plugin makes all admin links available in a neat CSS driven drop down menu. No more having to click on “Manage†and “Pages†to edit pages. Just get it!
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/ozh-admin-drop-down-menu/
Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 9.9
Last Updated: 2010-8-6
Average rating 4.5
WordPress Stats
Not a glamorous plugin, which explains the low rating, but too many people ignore this gem. It gives you concise stats with no additional load on your server. Just get it!
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/stats/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-10
Average rating 3
BuddyPress
Simple…build a social network. This is one of WordPress’ most highly rated plugins.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/buddypress/
Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-7-6
Average rating 5
Wickett Twitter Widget
This is a really cool plugin. If you’re into Twitter (and who isn’t?) this plugin displays tweets from your twitter account in the sidebar of your blog.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wickett-twitter-widget/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2009-12-26
Average rating 4
Google Analytics For WordPress
The name says it all. If you use Google Analytics, get this plugin…period.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/google-analytics-for-wordpress/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-26
Average rating 4
Fast Secure Contact Form
Want your visitors to contact you and block all automated spammers? Get this plugin…PERIOD. One of their best.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/si-contact-form/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-6
Average rating 5
WordPress Importer
What this plugin does is it imports posts, pages, comments, custom fields, categories, and tags from a WordPress export file. Very useful.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpress-importer/
Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-5-20
Average rating 4
Smart YouTube
What this plugin does is it allows you to insert full featured YouTube videos into your post. Way cool!
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/smart-youtube/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-2
Average rating 4
Secure WordPress
Anybody who doesn’t have this is just plain nuts.
Here is a list of the things it takes care of.
ü removes error-information on login-page
ü adds index.php plugin-directory (virtual)
ü removes the wp-version, except in admin-area
ü removes Really Simple Discovery
ü removes Windows Live Writer
ü remove core update information for non-admins
ü remove plugin-update information for non-admins
ü remove theme-update informationfor non-admins (only WP 2.8 and higher)
ü hide wp-version in backend-dashboard for non-admins
ü Add string for use WP Scanner
ü Block bad queries
Just get it!
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/secure-wordpress/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.6 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-10
Average rating 5
WPML Multilingual CMS
Want to build WordPress sites for multiple languages? This plugin is pure genius.
Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-6
Average rating 4.5
Lightbox 2
Want lightboxes for your WordPress pages? This is the plugin to get. Really cool.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/lightbox-2/
Requires WordPress Version: 1.5 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.9.2
Last Updated: 2010-2-10
Average rating 4
Favicons
Too many people ignore how much this plugin can help your site be more attractive to visitors. Favicons are very important for eye-catching sites.
Requires WordPress Version: 2 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.9.2
Last Updated: 2010-9-3
Average rating 5
Redirection
This is a VERY handy plugin. What it does is it handles 301 redirections and keeps track of 404 errors without the need for Apache .htaccess files.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/redirection/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-4
Average rating 4
Simple Tags
It’s not glamorous, but this must have plugin manages all your tags.
Here’s a list of what it brings to the table.
Administration
ü Tags suggestion from Yahoo! Term Extraction API, OpenCalais, Alchemy, Zemanta, Tag The Net, Local DB with AJAX request
ü Compatible with TinyMCE, FCKeditor, WYMeditor and QuickTags
ü tags management (rename, delete, merge, search and add tags, edit tags ID)
ü Edit mass tags (more than 50 posts once)
ü Auto link tags in post content
ü Auto tags !
ü Type-ahead input tags / Autocompletion Ajax
ü Click tags
ü Related tags !
ü Importer for embedded tags
ü Possibility to tag pages (not only posts) and include them inside the tags results
ü Embedded tags ([tags]tag1, tag2[/tags]) for compatibility with old plugins
ü Easy configuration ! (in WP admin)
Blog
ü Meta keywords generate from tags in your header’s blog
ü Technorati, Flickr and Delicious tags
ü Dynamic Tag Clouds with colors with Widgets (random order, etc)
ü Related content since common tags
ü Possibility to add related posts inside RSS
ü Extended the_tags function (outside the loop, technorati, etc)
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/simple-tags/
Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-6-17
Average rating 4
PodPress
Want to host a podcast? Get this plugin. In spite of the relatively low rating (what are people thinking?) this is a great little plugin if you can use it.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/podpress/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.0.4 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-25
Average rating 3
Maintenance Mode
The last thing you want, if your site is down for maintenance, is for visitors to find nothing there. This simple, but effective plugin, adds a splash page to your blog to let them know that it’s down for maintenance.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/maintenance-mode/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0-RC1
Last Updated: 2010-6-3
Average rating 4
Audio Player
Want to play MP3’s on your blog? Get this plugin.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/audio-player/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.2 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.9.2
Last Updated: 2010-1-27
Average rating 4
Breadcrumb NavXT
This is a really cool plugin. It shows the visitor to your blog the path that he took to get to where he is now.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/breadcrumb-navxt/
Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-24
Average rating 4.5
My Page Order
Does just that…allows you to set the page order in your blog through a drag and drop interface.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/my-page-order/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-6-19
Average rating 4.5
WP-Polls
Another plugin that does just what it says…allows you to add Ajax style polls to your blog.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-polls/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Last Updated: 2009-6-10
Average rating 3.5
Keyword Statistics
For you article writers who are fanatical about keyword density, this plugin checks the keyword density of your posts. A must have for article writers.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/keyword-statistics/
Requires WordPress Version: 1.5 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-6
Average rating 5
Theme Test Drive
Want to test a new theme but don’t want visitors to see it if it screws up? This plugin will let you safely test drive a new theme while visitors use the default one. Very handy.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/theme-test-drive/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-2
Average rating 4
Blog Protector
Protects your content and images from being stolen.
Enough said.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/blog-protector/
Requires WordPress Version: 2 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-11
Average rating 4
Featured Content Gallery
Creates a customizable rotating image gallery anywhere on your blog.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/featured-content-gallery/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.7.1
Last Updated: 2009-3-9
Average rating 3.5
WP-Table Reloaded
One of their highest rated plugins. Quite simply, it lets you manage tables on the backend without any knowledge of HTML…way cool.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-table-reloaded/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-5
Average rating 5
WordPress Video Plugin
What is cool about this plugin is that it works for MANY video sites…not just YouTube. Otherwise, just get the YouTube plugin if that’s all you need.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpress-video-plugin/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.0.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-7-20
Average rating 4.5
Blogger Importer
Not a highly rated plugin, probably because most people hate blogger, but if you have a blogger blog and want to import posts from it, you MUST have this plugin.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/blogger-importer/
Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-17
Average rating 3
S2Member
One of the most powerful plugins out there if you want to use your WordPress blog as a membership site.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/s2member/
Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-7
Average rating 4.5
Grand Flash Album Gallery
Want to do a Flash slideshow with ease? Get this plugin.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/flash-album-gallery/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-31
Average rating 4.5
Regenerate Thumbnails
This plugin allows you to automatically regenerate all thumbnails after changing the thumbnail sizes. A real time saver.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/regenerate-thumbnails/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-6-30
Average rating 5
Statcounter
Simple plugin that is quite useful. Generates real time visitor stats.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/official-statcounter-plugin-for-wordpress/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.0.2 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-4-8
Average rating 4
Skype Online Status
If you use Skype and want people to be able to get in touch with you through Skype, this plugin allows you to add customizable Skype buttons to your blog.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/skype-online-status/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-4
Average rating 4.5
All In One Webmaster
If you care about submitting site maps to more than just Google, this plugin handles Ask, Bing, Alexa, Yahoo, Facebook & BlogCatalog.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/all-in-one-webmaster/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-23
Average rating 5
Robots Meta
This simple plugin allows you to easily manage your robots tags and handle things like making your blog no follow. Very useful.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/robots-meta/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-4-4
Average rating 4
Link Cloaking Plugin
This is a MUST HAVE for affiliate marketers. It cloaks all your links easily and effortlessly.
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-15
Average rating 4.5
Mingle Forum
Want to add a forum to your WordPress blog? This plugin will do it easily.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/mingle-forum/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-3
Average rating 4
WP-UserOnline
Want to show how popular your blog is? This plugin will show how many users are online in real time.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-useronline/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-5-11
Average rating 4
No More Frames
This is a great little plugin to battle those sites that try to load your site into frames. Stops them cold.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/no-more-frames/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.0.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.0
Last Updated: 2010-9-1
Average rating 3.5
Banner Rotator FX
The most advanced banner rotator on the web…end of story.
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-9
Average rating 4.5
Search And Replace
Doesn’t seem like such a big deal until you realize that you have to search and replace a ton of content on your blog because a site name or URL changed. This plugin makes it a snap.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/search-and-replace/
Requires WordPress Version: 1.5 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-6-7
Average rating 4.5
Post Page Associator
This award winning plugin allows you to attach posts to a page. Very handy little plugin.
Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-7
Average rating 4.5
Dynamic Headers
This is such a cool plugin. It allows you to create dynamic header space on your blog.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/dynamic-headers/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-29
Average rating 5
Get The Image
This is another really cool plugin. What it does is it creates an image representation of your blog…plus a lot more. You just have to get this one.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/get-the-image/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-7-17
Average rating 5
WordPress Stats Smiley Remover
This may not seem like a big deal, but it removes that stupid smiley face that WordPress Stats places in the footer of your web page. Makes it look more professional.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpresscom-stats-smiley-remover/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.0.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.0
Last Updated: 2010-9-4
Average rating 4.5
Category Order
This simple plugin allows you to manage the category order of your blog with a simple drag and drop interface.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/order-categories/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.5.1
Last Updated: 2008-5-30
Average rating 5
Scribe SEO
You really can’t appreciate this plugin unless you’re a copywriter or content writer. This plugin instructs you how to tweak your content to get better SE placement. You simply don’t want to be without this one.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/scribe/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8.4 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-1
Average rating 4
Login Lockdown
Simple plugin that locks a person out after a number of login attempts. Quite simply, you need this.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/login-lockdown/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.5 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.8.4
Last Updated: 2009-9-17
Average rating 4.5
WP-Insert
Quite simply, the most powerful ad management plugin that you can get.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-insert/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-23
Average rating 4
WP-Minify
This simple plugin compresses JS and CSS files to improve page load time.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-minify/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-6
Average rating 4.5
WP Page Numbers
This might seem so insignificant but it’s yet another plugin that will make your site look just a little more professional.
This plugin replaces the “next†and “previous†page text with actual page numbers. Very cool.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-page-numbers/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.8
Last Updated: 2009-7-5
Average rating 5
What Would Seth Godin Do
This plugin displays one welcome message to new visitors and a different message to returning visitors. Very useful little plugin for that personal blog touch.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/what-would-seth-godin-do/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-7-5
Average rating 4
WP Optimize
This plugin allows you to clean up your WordPress database and optimize it without needing phpMyAdmin
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-optimize/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.9.2
Last Updated: 2010-1-8
Average rating 5
More Fields
This is a very cool and useful plugin that allows you to add any number of extra fields to the Write/Edit page in Admin.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/more-fields/
Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-21
Average rating 4
Custom Sidebars
This plugin allows you to created your own widgetized areas and custom sidebars.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/custom-sidebars/
Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.01
Last Updated: 2010-9-6
Average rating 5
Article Directory
Want to turn your WordPress blog into an article directory? Get this plugin.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/article-directory/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0+
Last Updated: 2010-9-6
Average rating 4
YouTube
I wish they named this better. This is SUCH a cool plugin. What it does is it shows your most relevant YouTube videos related to the search criteria typed into the search box on your blog.
Requires WordPress Version: 2.0.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-6
Average rating 5
Lifestream
This is just a monster of a plugin, streaming your activity from 50 different sources to your blog.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/lifestream/
Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-6-29
Average rating 4
WordPress Admin Bar
Does what it says. Creates an Admin bar at the top of your blog just like the one at the WordPress site itself. Very cool.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpress-admin-bar/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-18
Average rating 4.5
Countdown Timer
If you want a timer that will countdown certain events, like sales, this will do it.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/countdown-timer/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-4-13
Average rating 4
Plugin Central
Well, if you have a lot of plugins, you better get this one. What it does is it updates all plugins at once and can move plugins from one blog to another. Very, very useful.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/plugin-central/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.5 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-7-18
Average rating 5
Open In New Window Plugin
Wow, can you say cool? This plugin opens any links clicked in a new window keeping your blog open to the visitor.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/open-in-new-window-plugin/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.9.2
Last Updated: 2010-9-9
Average rating 4
Comment Rating
Does what it says. Allows visitors to rate other posters’ comments.
Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-10
Average rating 4.5
AnyFont
This plugin can use any custom or true type font to replace any font on your blog. Now THIS is cool.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/anyfont/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.5 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-22
Average rating 4
Search Meter
This plugin tracks what readers are searching for in your blog.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/search-meter/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-7-9
Average rating 4
Google DOC Embedder
Okay, this is REALLY cool. This plugin allows you to embed Word DOC files, PDF files, Powerpoint Presentations and TIFF files on your blog.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/google-document-embedder/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-5
Average rating 4
Job Manager
If you’re into this niche, this plugin manages job listings and job applications on your blog.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/job-manager/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-9
Average rating 4.5
Zopim Live Chat
Want to add live chat to your blog? This plug does it.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/zopim-live-chat/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.9.2
Last Updated: 2010-9-9
Average rating 4
WP Google Weather
How many times have you wanted to know what the weather was but didn’t want to go to a weather site? Well, this plugin displays Google weather right on your blog.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-google-weather/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-12
Average rating 4.5
PayPal Donations
Not enough people take advantage of PayPal donations. This plugin is great for managing those.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/paypal-donations/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-7-8
Average rating 4.5
PDF24 Article To PDF
Another really cool plugin that allows visitors to take any of your articles and convert them to PDFs on the fly.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/pdf24-post-to-pdf/
Requires WordPress Version: 1.5.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-2
Average rating 4
Quotes Collection
This cool little plugin allows you to show random quotes on your blog using Ajax’s random quote sidebar.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/quotes-collection/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.2 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-6-24
Average rating 4.5
Relevanssi
This is borderline Google cool. It basically replaces the default search functionality of your blog with a partial match search.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/relevanssi/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.5 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-11
Average rating 5
GigPress
This plugin is designed for musicians and performers. If that’s you, then you MUST get this plugin. Manages multiple artists with ease.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/gigpress/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-7-8
Average rating 5
Author Image
If you have guest authors on your blog, this plugin allows you to easily add author images.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/sem-author-image/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-2
Average rating 4.5
News Ticker FX
Want a news ticker? This is one of the most advanced ones on the web.
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-8
Average rating 5
ComicPress Manager
Are you using the ComicPress theme for your blog? Then this plugin is a MUST HAVE.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/comicpress-manager/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.9.1 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-20
Average rating 4.5
WP-Testimonials
Want to show testimonials on your blog and not have them look like crap? Then you need this plugin.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-testimonials/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-8-19
Average rating 3.5
WP Hide Dashboard
This is a very cool and useful plugin to improve the appearance of your blog.
What it does is it hides the dashboard menu, tools menu, personal options section and help link on the profile page from your blog subscribers when they are logged in.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-hide-dashboard/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-6-17
Average rating 5
Click To Call Me
How cool is this? This plugin allows your visitors to call you from anywhere in the world.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/click-to-call-me/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.9.2
Last Updated: 2010-6-17
Average rating 5
Mass Page Removal
Does what it says…removes multiple pages at once.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/mass-page-remover/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-7-13
Average rating 5
Watermark RELOADED
Simple plugin that adds watermarks to your uploaded images.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/watermark-reloaded/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher
Compatible up to: 2.9.2
Last Updated: 2010-5-5
Average rating 4
AmazonPress
Quite simply, if you are an Amazon affiliate you MUST get this plugin.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/amazonpress/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.3.2 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.0
Last Updated: 2010-7-16
Average rating 5
WP-Property
If you’re into real estate, this is one plugin you’re probably going to want to have. It creates a directory of real estate and rental properties.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-property/
Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2010-9-9
Average rating 5
Suckerfish Dropdown Menu
For those of you who actually care about your visitors who have outdated browsers, this plugin provides support for those people so they don’t feel left out because they can’t view your blog.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/ryans-suckerfish-wordpress-dropdown-menu/
Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher
Compatible up to: 3.0.1
Last Updated: 2009-7-31
Average rating 4
WordPress plugins Warning
Not all plugins play nice together. If you notice your blog slowing down or you keep getting new errors popping up deactivate your plugins one at a time and see which ones are causing issues for you.
I know when I started messing around with different plugins my blog got all bugged up on me so just be careful. It is a good idea to back up your wordpress regularly. WordPress plugins can really spice up your blog so my advice is start using them. If you found this helpful comment and let me know or even better share it!!!

Hi Larry,
Awesome list, man. I’ve been installing most of these for the past hour or so. Thanks for sharing. Talk soon.
Gregory
My pleasure Gregory, I figured some would find this list helpful.
Thank you for this list! There are many I never heard of before and will be using most of them at some point. If you find more please let us know.
Patrick
Hi Patrick, thanks for stopping by
Jesus, thats a long list. 🙂 I use many of them, favorites are Wp Super Cache, Duplicate Content Cure and WordPress Related Posts, I use them all the time. Thanks.
Hi Johan, thanks for stopping by and you are welcome.
Hey Larry & Johan!
Stop using WP Super Cache. It is nothing in comparison to another plugin called W3 Total Cache. It completely caches your blog and even does the same thing to your CSS and JS files which in turn makes your blog so, so fast. I recommend that plugin to everyone.
It’s a bit hard to set up though — but it’s definitely better than WP Super Cache.
/Nabil.
Larry: My take regarding your blog is to encourage your self you can do it! If not you Who?
Paul Veenendall
Hi Paul, thanks for leaving a comment bud.. Make sure you do yourself a favor and go to http://gravatar.com and upload a picture of yourself so it shows up when you are commenting on blogs.
This is a very informative and useful post on WordPress. Now i must go to through the list again to make sure I have everything!
Hi Justin thanks for stopping by and commenting.
What wonderful timing! I got behind in my blogging/newsletter due to typing restrictions, which are mostly handled now — but it’s been on my mind to take some of the end of year downtime to tech up my Exhibiting Success blog.
Thanks for the input, it will be really helpful.
Hi Deborah, thanks for stopping by I am glad you found the post helpful
The most comprehensive list of WordPress plugins I have ever read. I really appreciate you taking the time to write this! Brilliant work!
I am glad you found it helpful. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Thank you so much for this list. I didn’t even know that some of these plugins existed. Thank you for helping my humble site be better. 🙂
Thanks for the detailed analysis on all the plugins. I pretty much use all of them in my blog. The only change is I use Platinum SEO instead of All in one SEO. Is that a good choice?
Hi Jenny,
I have used both of those seo plugins before, I really didn’t notice much of a difference in the two in terms of seo. I did like Platinum seo better though.
I just downloaded WP Supercahe now and SEO smartlinks. Going to try them both out. I’ve bookmarked this page because i have a feeling i might want some of the other plugins later.
Cool resourece, i like it.
With so many WP Bloggers out there, this is an excellent piece to understand the value of having a mobile version for your WP blog. Local Search Marketing is also an area that WP bloggers need to stay on top of.
I thought about using a couple of these tools to convert my WP Blog, but opted instead to build a “companion†version v. the MoFuse or plug-in approach and thus far, its doing ok.
BTW , thanks for the Great post and timely. I just installed WP Touch this week for one of my blogs. I am now creating a custom icon for it and then I will be installing it on all of my blogs!
Thank you larry rivera for sharing this Awesome list.I got more information and new more plaguing. I use this drop down plugin http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/ryans-suckerfish-wordpress-dropdown-menu/ on my sites.
Hey Larry,
I’ve seen that everybody is recommending the All In One SEO Pack. From what I’ve read it sounds like a really great plugin. However, when i created my blog i went with Thesis. I think its better to have most of the SEO settings “integrated” (Thesis is a WP theme) than adding them on top of an existing theme (that’s what a plug-in basically does).
WpSuper Cache is a great one and i strongly advise everyone to use it as the page-loading speed is one of the factors Google takes into account when ranking websites/blogs.
I wouldn’t use SEO SmartLinks however, as i like to have control over my links and anchors…but hey that’s just me. If you don’t have the time i guess it’s better than nothing.
Related Posts and Akismet are very useful on the other hand if you want to decrease the bounce rate and the number of spam comments respectively.
There are some plugins in your list i haven’t tried yet so i will definitely come back for ideas.
Heh this looks like most of the plugins I use. I’ve been experimenting with different SEO plugins. All in one SEO is good but I see people raving about a few others. There are a few other security plugins that could’ve made your list, I think they are very important as well. Very good list for every blogger out there.