Hey everyone,
Just thought I’d post a list of my most regularly installed WordPress plugins and why they are installed on virtually every WordPress installation I do. If there are any plugins I haven’t listed that should be, please let me know in the comments. 🙂

1. Maintenance Mode

This plugin is truly awesome. It allows the developer and end-user to test the WordPress installation thoroughly, on the server where it will eventually be hosted, without displaying it to the world. It also allows the user to, as it says in the title, take the website down for maintenance at any stage and leave a message for users letting them know of the downtime.

2. All-in-One SEO Pack

I know this isn’t the be-all and end-all of SEO. It does have some nice features though. SEO-friendly re-writing of page titles (if this isn’t already in your theme, or you don’t have access to change it), canonical URLs and page-specific descriptions and keywords. All in all, a straight-forward and very useful plugin.

3.  Google Sitemap Generator

Assists with dynamic generation of an XML sitemap, to be submitted to Google. This plugin also allows for various sitemap formats (XML, zipped, etc) and customisation of priority settings for various areas of your WordPress installation.

4. Askimet

It comes standard with your installation and has proven very useful in blocking spam comments. Does what it says on the box, really.

5. Your Own

Writing your own functionality is, I believe, very important. It has helped me work my way around the WordPress system, how it all hooks together, how to use functionality correctly and how to further enhance WordPress websites. It doesn’t have to be shiny and new… as long as it serves a purpose and helps. 🙂

A short and sweet list of a few plugins that I like to keep in the box. What’re yours? 🙂

* These plugins are in no particular order.