Don’t Miss These Essential Plugins for Your Blog
By: Michelle Shaeffer (see my bio)
| Leave a commentMore posts by Michelle Shaeffer | Follow me on Twitter
 |
In launching my new Daily Blogging Ideas blog I’ve had a chance to look at what plugins are most important to get started with.
Here’s are the first WordPress plugins I installed and think every WordPress blogger should consider (in no particular order):
Posting Calendar – WordPress Editorial Calendar is my favorite plugin for keeping my posts organized and knowing what’s coming up next. It was the first plugin I installed on my new blog. Here’s a video about how it works.
Social Sharing – I prefer SexyBookmarks & 1-Click Retweet/Share/Like. But use whatever you like, as long as you use one! Make it easy for your readers to share your posts.
Stats Tracking – Knowing how much traffic you’re getting, where it’s coming from, and what posts/pages are most popular is valuable info. Check out JetPack & WP Stats Dashboard for simple stats tracking.
Better Comment Options – Install Subscribe to Comments Reloaded and CommentLuv to get more from your comments area. Also be sure your theme supports threaded comments (where replies show as replies right below the original comment so conversations are easier to follow) or install a plugin that creates threaded comment support.
Easy Contact Form Builder – Contact forms make it easier for readers to get in touch and protect you from the spam that happens if you put your email address on your website. I use Contact Form 7. There are lots of choices so just pick one you like.
Opt-In Promo Tools – Build your list! Look at options like Feedburner Footer SlideUp (or the versions of this plugin for Aweber, GetResponse, etc), Hello Bar, or WP Super Popup.
Search Engine Optimization Tools – I’m using All in One SEO Pack along with Scribe SEO.
What are your favorite plugins? What’s missing from my list that every WordPress blogger needs?
| Michelle Shaeffer's Twitter profile describes her as: "Caffeine powered, Libertarian gal enjoying life with my kids and husband. Empowering entrepreneurs by simplifying online business websites and marketing." That sums it up nicely. Depending on the time of day you might find her blogging compulsively, hosting a teleseminar, writing an ebook, homeschooling her three children, chatting on Twitter, managing her website hosting company, or playing with her kids in the beautiful Alaskan sunshine while enjoying a frappucino. In addition to a hopeless addiction to Starbucks, she's also a fan of political thriller novels and the Deadliest Catch. Catch up with everything she's into online and claim your free treasure chest of resources for entrepreneurs at michelleshaeffer.com. |
