[Tweet "12 favorite WordPress plugins + free tracking printable #blogging "]
1. Akismet
When I first transferred over to WordPress from Blogger and didn't have anything set up, it felt like I got 2,000 spam comments in one hour. Akismet is a must for any WordPress blog.
2. Comment Email Reply
I prefer using the WordPress commenting system, but my dilemma was that I wanted my commenters to get my reply through email and also be able to respond through their own email if they wanted to. I tried one or two other plugins that were supposed to send my reply through email, but when I tested them with a friend, she never got the emails. This plugin though, worked beautifully! Now my commenters receive an email with my response and they can respond from their emails if they want.
3. Content Views
Ahhh, LOVE this one! I searched FOREVER trying to find something that would organize my posts in my categories section. The reason I love Content Views the most is because it automatically loads my posts when I publish them, so I don't have to go in with each new post and add them. Also, it has tons of options to customize everything to your liking. One day I may get the pro version (it's $29 a year) but seriously I love the way it looks now.
4. Google Analytics by Yoast
Really easy plugin to track Google Analytics stats on your WordPress blog.
5. Jetpack by WordPress.com
This plugin has SO MUCH. It's like a one stop shop for tons of things your blog needs, a must in my opinion.
6. Magic Action Box
I love this plugin because at the end of all of my posts, I can choose an action box that invites readers to sign up for my newsletter. It's all set up to go through my MailChimp account and I can make multiple boxes for different types of posts. I REALLY want to upgrade to the pro version so that I can match the design to my blog.
7. Mailchimp for WordPress
Adding this to my blog has helped me tremendously in easily connecting my MailChimp account to my signup boxes. And my subscriber list is EVERYTHING.
8. Related Posts by Zemanta
My favorite plugin for sharing related posts beneath my...posts. I like that I can pick which posts are shared and also I like that it's responsive. Also FYI, apparently nRelate is going to be discontinuing their plugin, so definitely check out this one if you're in the market for a new related posts plugin.
9. WP-Insert
This is my plugin that helps me monitor my Google Adsense ads. And unfortunately, they are temporarily removed from WordPress while they fix a licensing issue. Similar plugins with good reviews are Ad Inserter, Google Adsense, and Quick Adsense.
10. Wordfence Security
This was not the first security plugin I installed. My first one locked me out of my blog completely and for some reason I just didn't reinstall it. I went with this one instead. It has over 800,000 downloads and is rated 5 stars. I haven't had any security threats since installing it and I also love that it makes your site faster.
11. WordPress SEO by Yoast
A must have!!!! I use this plugin with every single post I write. It helps me set up keywords and descriptions for search engines.
12. WP Super Cache
I'm not super technical, so I can't explain this plugin in detail, but it makes my blog faster and that's always a good thing.
Free Plugin Tracking Printable
One thing I learned early on was that plugins can crash your blog if you aren't careful. And sometimes even when you are careful, things can turn sour quickly! My friend Jennifer over at The Deliberate Mom told me she keeps track of the date, time, and plugin that she either installed or updated. That way, if her blog were to crash, she would have her list ready for her web host so that they could easily figure out which plugin was the issue. Genius! This is a great tracking sheet to add to a blogging binder.
So...I could talk blogging all day...what are some of your favorite-must-have plugins?
Chelsea
You are seriously the best. This is so helpful! I had a lot of these already, but I just downloaded Wordfence Security and WP Super Cache. And what a great idea to keep track of updates! Having a crashed site is no fun for anyone, so keeping track of what updated last is a great idea!
Jessica Dimas
Thanks Chelsea! I'm so glad you found this helpful, I know I love reading other bloggers favorite plugins too, I always find at least a couple I hadn't heard of!
Tawnya
These are so helpful!! Pinning 🙂
Jessica Dimas
Thanks Tawnya!
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom
Awww, thanks for the mention friend! You know me... I'm a spreadsheet and tracking
nerdgenius! Any reason to make a spreadsheet and I'm golden! LOLI think I have 3/4 of the plugins you've listed here. I love Zementa and Content Views... such awesome plugins.
Thanks for sharing.
xoxo
Jessica Dimas
LOL me too!!! Content views, which you found for us, is seriously the best find ever. I searched for so long to find something like it and nothing came close.
Emily @ Words I Wheel By
Just started using Magic Action Box and Wordfence thanks to you!
Jessica Dimas
Woot woot! You picked two really good ones!
Keri
I had no idea on Magic Action Box- cannot wait to check that out. I have MailChimp so am so excited to connect these things. The tracking sheet is brilliant!
Jessica Dimas
Oh yes, I love that one! Magic Action Box has brought me so many subscribers!
Meg O.
I need to get content views! I am HORRIBLE at updating my category pages.
Jessica Dimas
Yes, it will make your life so much easier!
Jennie @ The Diary of a Real Housewife
Thanks!! Since I am still new to the whole wordpress thing I love finding wonderful new plugins!
Jessica Dimas
Yay! Me too, I'm seriously obsessed with awesome plugins lol. Life is so much better over here!
Tiffany
Girl you have really done wonders since switching to WP! I admire you. I seriously need like a weekend to myself to make changes. Pinning for sure! 🙂
Jessica Dimas
Thanks girl!! So have you, I'm in love with your blog and all the upgrades it got with the switch to WP. Why didn't we do this sooner?!
mel
Some one I haven't heard of! Thanks for the great list!
Tessa
Just switched from WP.com to self-hosted .org, so I'm needing awesome plugins. Great post!
Jessica Dimas
Thanks Tessa, glad you found it helpful!
Mark Henry
I have never heard of some but curious to try in my clients' websites. I used Jetpack & WordPress SEO so far. Both of them are really fine & easy. Also I want to recommend a plugin called Blog Designer for designing a blog. It is very easy to implement & delivers attractive looking blog. Thanks for writing...
Emma
Nice! Thanks for sharing this post. I did not know about some of these.
The British Blogger
These are great suggestions. Nice post.