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Must-have WordPress plugins

January 7th, 2009 by Quomo

Every time I install a new WordPress blog for a client, I also install a number of basic plugins that are crucial to turn the blog into a robust piece of software. This is a list of some of them. Feel free to comment and add those you may think are a must-have too!

 

WP-DB-Backup

The first thing you should do is to back up. Back up early, back up often. Seriously. Why? Well, I could give you a good example: I erased the database that drives this blog a few weeks ago, and though there wasn’t much in it cause I just finished the redesign -just a few posts, comments and pictures- it really was a pain. Obviously it was a mistake, and thanks God it was mine and not a client’s! The thing is that I logged in to MySQL server without noticing that Safari had added my own user/pass details instead of those of the client I was working on. And ‘it was late and I was tired’ as the Web Designer song goes. Unfortunately, the only WordPress install that didn’t have this plugin was mine, what a coincidence. 
The good thing of this plugin is that you have some fine options:
  • Save to server : this will create a file in /wp-content/backup-*/ for you to retreive later
  • Download to your computer : this will send the backup file to your browser to be downloaded
  • Email : this will email the backup file to the address you specify

So, pull up your trousers and back up.

 

wp-security-scan

Make sure your WordPress has no vulnerabilities and it is ready to tackle some shark hackers out there. This plugin will check:

  • passwords
  • file permissions
  • database security
  • version hiding
  • WordPress admin protection/security
  • removes WP Generator META tag from core code 

Highly recommended, and you can uninstall it once you pass with honors all the scans.

 

All in one SEO pack

After all that work creating your blog and skinning the thing to your specs, should the world know about its existence? Oh yes! And the best way to keep your metas all properly keyworded is by installing this pluging, that amongst other things:

  • Automatically optimizes your titles for search engines
  • Generates META tags automatically
  • Avoids the typical duplicate content found on WordPress blogs
  • For WordPress 2.7 you don’t even have to look at the options, it works out-of-the-box. Just install.
  • You can override any title and set any META description and any META keywords you want.
  • You can fine-tune everything
  • Backward-Compatibility with many other plugins, like Auto Meta, Ultimate Tag Warrior and others.

Now, the world should be able to find you.

 

Lightbox 2

Based on the ubiquitous Lightbox JS, this plugin throws your images into stardom by layering them above your post content. There are loads of other plugins doing similar stuff, this is just a simple-to-use and simple-to-install one. Options relate to the colour scheme and to its activation. 

 

Subscribe 2

I find that there is no better nor easier way to keep your followers informed than by letting them subscribe. Whenever I visit a site that I like -whether for its contents or design- the first thing I look for is a subscribe form, so I can be reminded to come back to it, keep an eye, without the need of bookmarking. 

Also, you have the option to send them an email with that post you just made public. Very useful!

 

Well, these are just some of the most useful plugins, but I will be adding more shortly. Am I missing anyone? 
There are loads of other lists of plugins online like:

But I wanted to keep it   v e r y   short.

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For the discerning Web Designer, Useful Lists » Must-have WordPress plugins. Wednesday, January 7th, 2009.
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