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How about the true suggestions from an experienced blogger to help you choose the most reliable and useful plugins? Please welcome Chitra with her guest post “8 Free WordPress Plugins for Every Newbie Bloggers”. Chitraparna is a professional blogger and writes for a website which features midPhase hosting coupons and An hosting coupons. You can make use of great hosting deals offered by MIDphase and AnHosting where reseller web hosting is made easy.
I believe these plugins and suggestions are useful to you. Don’t forget to comment and leave some feedback on the post below.
~ Suresh Khanal
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8 Free WordPress Plugins for Every Newbie Bloggers
If you are a WordPress blogger with less than 6 months of experience, here are 08 free WordPress plugins that you absolutely need. If you already have them, it’s good! If not, start installing them.
Note: Free WordPress hosting does not allow plugins. Hence, your blog should be on a paid hosting account with WordPress installed.
As a newbie blogger, here are your three main purposes with blog setup.
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- Make the blog socially sharable.
- Protect the blog from unwanted attacks.
- On-page SEO & indexing
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The plugins below are divided according to the above factors.
Making the Blog Socially Sharable
1. Add This Social Bookmarking
This plugin helps you to spread blog content over 360 networks! Just sign in for AddThis.com account, install the plugin, place the widget, select the display and you are done.
With this plugin you are making the blog highly socially scalable. In other words, it won’t be restricted to just Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon and Digg shares. In the AddThis.com account, you can see reports of how visitors are sharing your content and the kind of content often shared.
The above social analytical data will let you judge the audience pulse.
Plugin Owner – AddThis.com team
2. Slick Social Share
This social share plugin adds a floating or a slide out tab on the left-hand side of the blog for easy social share. In this, you can link Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, Digg, StumbleUpon, Reddit, Delicious, Pinterest and Buffer accounts.
There is also a plugin admin panel in the WordPress ‘Settings’ section where all the Slick Social Share data can be seen and analyzed.
Plugin Owner – Lee Chestnut
Blog Protection
3. Anti-Spam Bee
It is one of the best blog protection plugin I have used till date. Of course, there are better paid versions but here we are just concentrating on the free ones. The anti-spam bee plugin stops all spam comments coming to your blog.
The spam commented are saved in one folder. You just have to click “Empty Folder” to get rid of them.
Plugin Owner – Sergej Muller
4. WordPress Database Backup
This is a very important plugin. With this you can backup the blog and use in case of emergencies like if someone hacks the blog. One you download and install this plugin, you can choose how would you like the backup to be sent. Type the main email id and choose if you want the backups to be sent daily or weekly to the email address.
Plugin Owner – Austin Matzko
5. WP Copy Protect
This plugin protects the blog against copying. Though people can still copy looking at the blog source code, it’s still worth using it because many won’t go into the trouble of looking into source code just to copy a blog.
Plugin Owner – Chetan Gole
On-Page SEO & Indexing
6. All in One SEO Pack
It is one of the best plugins for on-page SEO even though some bloggers tend to debate about it. After you download and install the free version of this plugin and set up the account, you can see the All in One SEO feature with every blog post.
After you write a blog, this plugin will ask for custom title, custom description and keywords. Ensure that the description is kept within 160 characters and obviously, all the key phrases used in writing the blog goes in the keywords optimization section.
This way every blog post has a completely optimized blog page.
Plugin Owner – Michael Torbert
7. Google XML Sitemaps
As a blogger you obviously want the search engines to locate and index the blog faster, right? Use the Google XML Sitemaps plugin which creates a special XML sitemap of the blog to enable Yahoo, Google, Bing and Ask.com to index the blog quickly.
Plugin Owner – Arne Brachhold
8. WP Touch
Mobile SEO is a trend these days. Any blog stands to lose traffic if it is not optimized for mobile browsers. Use this plugin to format the blog with a mobile theme and make it ready for Blackberry, Google Android, iPod Touch, Apple iPhone, Torch, and Palm users.
Plugin Owner – Brave New Code Inc.
I know there are many more plugins which a newbie blogger can use, depending on the purpose of the blog. Nevertheless, these eight plugins are the must-haves in the beginning. As you start gaining experience and experiment with new things, keep changing the plugins to suit your needs.
It is very important that you understand in detail of plugin as to what are the features or uses for your blog that it provides.
nice post.
Becca recently posted…Locksmith
Plugins should be dependent on the blog. I tried to put up a list of those plugins which every blogger may need
Thanks for visiting Becca.
Chitra recently posted…SEO Guidelines from Google Revisited
Hi chitra,
Just found this post through Blokube.
These is a great list but you missed some fantastic plugins like The Slide, Digg Digg & Hellobar.
Keep up the good work, chitra.
-Dev
Devesh recently posted…Create a Viral Launch Page with Launch Effect Theme for WordPress
Yep and the list goes on and on
Chitra recently posted…SEO Guidelines from Google Revisited
All pug-ins are essential but All in one SEO is the back bone of a WordPress blog.
Azam@silpada recently posted…Being a Sales Rep for Silpada Designs
I completely agree with you Azam
Chitra recently posted…SEO Guidelines from Google Revisited
True Azam.All these plug-ins are really very helpful to optimize a wordpress website but All in One SEO plug-in win trust of many wordpress users.
BTW many thanks for sharing such a very helpful blog post.
Good Luck!
Thanks for the appreciative words Amit.
Chitra recently posted…SEO Guidelines from Google Revisited
Azam, Amit and Chitra, I’d like to draw your attention to WP SEO plugin that is much more light and effective compared to AIO. On top of that WPSEO shows the SEO Score and suggest the checklist. I’d really appreciate if you share you views comparing these two plugins
Suresh Khanal recently posted…Should You Fake it Till You Make it in Blogging?
Suresh,
I agree. All three are good plug-ins. However, it depends on the blogger to choose. Some may feel AIO is better than Yoast and vice-versa.
But yes, since SEO is changing rapidly; personally, I am not comfortable using plugins like SEOPressor.
Chitra recently posted…SEO Guidelines from Google Revisited
This seems excellent list of plugins, but one thing is it could be helpful, if you place the links to WordPress plug-in database or to developer website.
Naveen@SEOHallmark recently posted…WP Robot Premium Auto Blogging WordPress Plug-in – Review
Well, actually I thought of that but I didn’t know if the admin of the blog will accept so many outbound links so skipped it.
If the admin agrees, I can add them
Chitra recently posted…SEO Guidelines from Google Revisited
Hey Chitra,
I don’t know why you didn’t valued the Comment Luv plugin.Most of the pro blogger are perfectly used that plugin and comfortable with it.
Rizwan Sultan recently posted…usb keylogger
Hi Rizwan, this blog post was targeted towards new bloggers primarily. So Comment Luv, even though useful, can be skipped in the first few months at least.
Chitra recently posted…SEO Guidelines from Google Revisited
I agree on all but one, why the copy protect plugin.?
As I see it, it makes more harm than good. For example if one of the users wants to answer another users comment, and thereby want to copy some of it into the answer. That can’t be done with the plugin, thuse harming the debate/answer and i worst case the blog.
The ones that want to copy the blog will always find a way to do it, then why remove this option for the real users..?
I agree with you Jimmy. I’ve faced it many times. I wish to discuss on a particular paragraph the author has written and need to copy that para to quote. It is really troublesome when it is not allowed.
On top of that, those who intend to copy your content can easily view the source and copy the HTML. So, I think we are doing harm to those who need it rather than stopping bad guys.
Suresh Khanal recently posted…8 Free WordPress Plugins for Every Newbie Bloggers
Well I marginally agree with both your points. Those who want to copy can still do by looking into the source code…right? Still prevention is better than cure.
And if someone wants to quote – its good to take permission before quoting.
Chitra recently posted…Choose – Corporate Blogging vs Social Media Engagement
Hi Chitra,
Awesome plugins you shared with us, most of favourite plugins are “All in One SEO” WPTouch, XMP Sitemaps!
Let me add “Pin Optimizer Plugin” very useful and helpful, protect your blog to get banned from Ping sites and search engines. You know that WP has default ping system, Everytime whenever you publish a post or edit a post WP ping the post at the same time and chances are you will get banned from Ping sites and search engines. Becuase its Ping spam. So you should add this plugin.
Thanks!
Ajnabii@Blogging Tips recently posted…Top 10 High Pagerank Blogs That Accept Guest Posts
hey, thanks. Didn’t know bout this plugin. Will give this a shot!
Chitra recently posted…Choose – Corporate Blogging vs Social Media Engagement
Nice list of plugins, I was looking for something to replace my outdated Sharebar plugin, going to give Slick Social Share a try.
Thanks Chitra.
Note: Hey Suresh, I tried clicking the “Pin it” button on your floating bar to the left but for some reason it’s opening a blank page, might want to check the link bud.
Sayed recently posted…How To Create A Sitemap
You are most welcome
Happy to help!
Chitra recently posted…SEO Guidelines from Google Revisited
I have used most of these plugin but I don’t know about WP Copy Protect. It seems very useful for bloggers. Thanks for share
Ahsan@Tech Blogger recently posted…How to Make More Money While Blogging Online
I need to install some of them in my wordpress sites. I have the seo plugin that you have mentioned. But I need to get the backup plugin as well. Thanks for these.
Shalu Sharma recently posted…Introduction to buying services on Fiverr
WordPress plugins are very important for us and bloggers are already aware with this..I hope this can really help a lot..
Kazzsandra recently posted…Relaxation Techniques For Anxiety
Welcome Shalu and Ahsan. Feels good to help fellow bloggers.
Chitra recently posted…SEO Guidelines from Google Revisited
I admire how wordpress continues to add features and plug-ins to make sites more SEO friendly. I signed in with AddThis.com and I honestly love how it works. I know how social media sites can enhance traffic to my site and would love to learn more about Slick Social Share. Thank you for the recommendations.
Betty recently posted…DTS Home
You are welcome Betty. I absolutely love AddThis. It eases social media content marketing. Isn’t it?
Chitra recently posted…Unraveling Taxation Mysteries for Bloggers – India and USA
I would also recommend the Bulletproof Security and Firewall 2.0 plugins, both of which really help prevent WordPress blogs being hacked. Both are free and it takes less than 5 minutes to set them up.
Carlita recently posted…Are you overpaying for international money transfers?
Thanks Carlita. Haven’t heard of them before. Will check them out. WP security is of major concern these days.
Chitra recently posted…Unraveling Taxation Mysteries for Bloggers – India and USA
Add this and WP touch are my favourite. It is a really nice start for newbie bloggers. Thanks!
Telecom News recently posted…Buy Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000 Unlocked Phone
WordPress is an awesome website building platform that is relatively easy to learn, within days even the most timid internet user can have a professional looking blog and website up and running. With WordPress there is no need for HTML or JavaScript coding skills. Everything is created with an easy to use ‘plug n play’ style system. I guess that is why they call the add-ons ‘plugins’.
Andreas Pazer recently posted…5 Reasons Blog Marketing is Effective
I can’t agree with you more. Every blog that I have been associated with in the last 4 years were WordPress. Its just awesome!
Chitra recently posted…“I Earn More than You” – Should Bloggers Reveal Online Income?
Let me propose one more – a contact form plugin, as WP does not yet have that feature in-built in the engine. I would recommend either Contact Form 7 or CForms II
Tobias Wagner recently posted…DoggCatcher is sharing a Podcast/Article with you
Tobias, there are so many contact form plugins in WP database, I find it really difficult to select one
Chitra recently posted…“I Earn More than You” – Should Bloggers Reveal Online Income?
All fantastic plug-ins! I love WordPress, it’s so versatile.
Hi Chitra, great to see you guest posting here on Suresh’s blog. I’m a fan of Google XML sitemaps and I think it is a must for submitting your blog to Google Webmaster tools. For backups I use BackUpBuddy but that is a premium plugin and I know that the free solutions provide backups of the database but I like to backup everything!
Thanks for the post Chitra!
Ileane recently posted…How To Curate Content and Build Authority With Scoop.it
Hi Ileane
I am just amazed by your popularity. You are present everywhere and I really mean this as a compliment! How do you manage to find time for so much networking?
And yes, as you said, taking backup is ultra-important.
Chitra recently posted…Unraveling Taxation Mysteries for Bloggers – India and USA
Hey Chitra,nice post.You have nearly covered must install plugins for a newbie blog.
Thanks
Shashank recently posted…How to Download Photos from Instagram Account ?
your plugins post is very nice an i accept with your points.
Its true that we have many plugins but the choice is with blogger which they used.
Already we all are very much aware of these plugins and i’m happy to inform you that i’m also using these plugins in my blog.
Many thanks for sharing this post.
Thanks for visiting Shashank and Migisi.
Chitra recently posted…“I Earn More than You” – Should Bloggers Reveal Online Income?
Thanks for really outstanding collection of these plugins.Using many plugins slow down your wordpress,but you gave a lot of choice to your readers,they can select and read about any plugin they like.
Maya@New Gadgets 2012 recently posted…Latest Geeky Gadgets 2012
Yes, you are right Maya. When I tried installing CommentLuv and later Disqus, both of them slowed down my blog too much. That’s why am happy with the default WP comment system
Chitra recently posted…Installing Google Drive: Step-by-Step Instructions
Hi,
I totally agree, these plugins are the most useful ones for a newbie in wordpress platform. Disqus could be the most useful for commenting, I also like the Spambee plugin..
Thanks,
Rick.
Thanks Rick for visiting
Chitra recently posted…Intellectual Property Rights – Things You Should Know Before Using Google Drive
Thanks for really outstanding collection of these plugins. I am shocked that after being a WordPress blogger form past 4 years, I still did not know many of these, which are so interesting.I am definitely going to use them in my several news & niche blogs.Thanks again.
Maya@New Gadgets 2012 recently posted…Latest Kitchen Gadgets 2012
Using many plugins slow down your wordpress,but you gave a lot of choice to your readers,they can select and read about any plugin they like.
Mukesh@New Songs 2012 recently posted…Top R&B Songs 2012 List
Yes I do agree. My list is optional. Newbie bloggers should choose only what they think is “useful” for “their” blog
Chitra recently posted…How to Successfully Integrate Social Media with Your Day to Day Ecommerce Activities?
W3 Total Cache and WP Reply Me plug-ins should be added to the list. They are so useful…
Sumon @ WP Cypher recently posted…Google PR (Page Rank) Update May 2012
Thanks for the recommendation Sumon
Chitra recently posted…6 Reasons Why Your Business Needs an SEO Company
I have used almost of the plugins you mentioned above..I suggest to add security plugins from hackers such as Wp secure, login lockdown, or wordpress firewall. This is for extra protection for your blogs.
Good recommendations, thanks
Chitra recently posted…List of 09 Freelance Sites in India
I agree about what you’ve post .This plug in is a great idea and know the importance about this idea.It help us to organize and optimize our blog .Thanks for sharing this.Great job.
Check out Widget Logic. It lets you show widgets on certain WordPress posts and pages.
Lorenzo@WP Engine recently posted…Why I Recommend and use WP Engine