We use Wordpress for our blog. Wordpress already comes built in with a lot of widgets, like categories, archives, etc. Here are some of the additional plugins we use:
- Akismet: It’s an excellent spam blocker. Hasn’t missed one yet for us.
- All in One SEO Pack: Gives you SEO configuration options.
- Google Analyticator: Gives you the ability to use Google Analytics on your site.
- Google XML Sitemaps: Automatically notifies search engines when content is updated.
- Limit Login Attempts: Protects you from brute force password cracking.
- Secure Wordpress: Fixes a bunch of Wordpress weaknesses.
- Semisecure Login Reimagined: If not using SSL, keeps your password from being transmitted plaintext.
- SexyBookmarks: Allows sharing with just about every social media site imaginable.
- Twitter Tools: Gives you a lot of options to do things with Twitter, including auto-tweeting.
- Wordpress File Monitor: Notifies you of changes to your website.
- Yet Another Related Posts Plugin (YARPP): Does a good job of identifying related posts and puts them in a widget.
Photos: Flickr seems to be the go to place to get images, but personally I’m not a big fan. My favorite place for finding free images is Stock.XCHNG. I also like the Microsoft Office Image site – these images are free as well. iStockphoto has better quality images than the two other sites, but you have to pay for these.
For auto-posting to networks: We use Twitter Tools for Twitter, and the NetworkedBlog App on Facebook. For LinkedIn, I use the Wordpress App.
Jason has a post on his blog where he talks about the Wordpress plugins he uses. It’s worth reading. And also check out 8 Free Plugins to Protect Your WordPress Blog from Being Hacked.
