Learn WordPress Plugins

The information below is part of an ongoing training course for customers of IgniteHost website and WordPress blog hosting.  We will be releasing more training information on WordPress over the coming months.  What’s your favorite WP Plugin?  Please feel free to comment below:

What’s a WordPress plugin?
Plugins are applications that allow you to extend the power and functionality of WordPress. The Plugin Directory offers access to hundreds of useful plugins for your WordPress blog.

How do I install a plugin?
There are a few ways you can accomplish installing a plugin to your WP blog. Visit the Plugin Directory to find the Plugin that you’d like to install on your WordPress blog. You’ll find information on what the plugin will do for your blog. Download the .zip file to your PC and log in to your WordPress Dashboard. Select the Plugin Menu on the left-hand side of the dashboard and click “Add New”. Select “Upload” at the top of the menu and browse for your downloaded .zip file and then click the “Install Now” button.

The other way to install plugins is to search for a plugin by entering the name of the plugin you are searching for. Click the “Search Plugins” button and wait for the results to display. If the plugin you are searching for is in the results list you just click “Install Now” below the plugin name. Activate the plugin to have access to the plugins settings.

Don’t let the Ratings of a Plugin stop you from giving it a try since you can always uninstall any plugin you don’t like.

What plugins should I use?
IgniteHost recommends that you install the following plugins to your WordPress blog:

All in One SEO Pack – Improves your blogs Search Engine Optimization.

Disqus Comment System – Adds more functionality and options than the standard WP commenting system.

Odiogo Listen Button – Give your blog a voice. Translates your blog post from text and turns it into audio.

Sexy Bookmarks – Allows your readers to share your post to various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and more.

Wibiya Toolbar – Displays across the bottom of your blog in toolbar form to give readers options to share, like your blog posting, view recent or recommended post, subscribe to your RSS Feed and more.

WP Touch – Transforms your WordPress blog into an iPhone like theme for those accessing your site from a mobile device.

WP FB Like – Places the Facebook “Like” or “Recommend” button at the top and/or bottom of your postings. Links will show in the wall feeds of the Facebook users who click these buttons.

WP-DBManager – Backup your WordPress database and download it to your PC or have it e-mailed to you.

How do I update plugins?
When you log into WordPress Dashboard you will be notified of any new updates to any plugins you have installed and those that are installed but deactivated. You can update one at a time or you can do a bulk updated by selecting all plugins with an update.

How do I delete plugins?
Plugins can be deleted in the same manner as described above by checking those plugins you would like to delete.

More resources:
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/ - WordPress Plugins
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/browse/popular/
- Most Popular Plugins
http://codex.wordpress.org/Managing_Plugins - Managing Plugins
http://wpcandy.com/ - Blog on everything WordPress

WordPress Hosting from IgniteHost:
http://ignitehost.net/plans/index.asp?Plan=Ignite%20Blogger

5 Must Have Social Media Plugins for WordPress Blogs

With the explosion of Social Media many bloggers are discovering the power of sites like Facebook, Twitter, Google Buzz and LinkedIn to name a few.  With WordPress plugins you or your readers can share your blog postings with others just with a click of the mouse.  Here are 5 plugins for Social Media that I think are the must haves if you are serious about promoting your business or cause.

WP FB Like
With the exploding popularity of Facebook this is a must have plugin because it post to the king of social media.  WP FB Like is easy to setup and will add the Facebook “Like” Button at the top and bottom of all your post or pages.  When your reader clicks on the button a link to your blog post is added to their Facebook wall.  If their friends click on the link they are sent to your blog and directly to the post.

Sexy Bookmarks
Here is a WordPress plugin that does it all when it comes to sharing out your blog post.  Sexy Bookmarks lets you pick and choice the social media networks you’d like your readers to share to.  Plus you can drag and drop them into the position you’d like them to display on your page.  You can display the social media networks at the top or bottom of your post.  There over 80 social networks to choose from but I would suggest that you keep it under 20 so as not to overwhelm your readers.

WP Google-Buzz
With all the buzz about Google Buzz and Google's jump into the social media arena you’ll want this plugin for sure.  If you prefer to keep a minimalist look to your blog you might want to consider going with just a few buttons.  Facebook, Twitter, Digg and maybe even MySpace depending on the demographics of your readers.  WP Google-Buzz is easy to configure and has several customization choices to fit any bloggers needs.

Disqus Comment System
This plugin replaces the default WordPress commenting system by adding elements that will drive more traffic to your blog.  Both new and repeat traffic can be generated from the use of this popular plugin.  Most major newspapers and news organizations use Disqus on their websites.  Readers can check a like button just like the FB like button and can post their comments to Facebook and Twitter.  Readers can also subscribe by email or RSS and get notified when someone replies to their comment.  What’s not to like about this plugin?

PostRank

PostRank shows off the top post on your blog and is updated automatically as the rankings change.  The look and feel of the widget can be set to match the color of your WordPress theme.  Monitor your PostRank scores and social media analytic metrics right from the WordPress dashboard.  The PostRank plugin is easy to install and setup is a breeze.  Keep in mind that it might take a few hours for the top post to start displaying.

Wibya
The ultimate social media plugin for your WordPress blog is the Wibya Toolbar.  Integrate both your Twitter and Facebook Fan Page feeds into your blog along with a host of other choices.  Show off your YouTube videos or pick what videos you’d like displayed.  Customize the look and feel of the toolbar to match your WordPress theme.

Do you use any of the above plugins with your WordPress blog?  Have something else that’s a favorite?  Please feel free to leave a comment below and add to this list by letting others know your recommendations. 

If you know someone who could benefit from the information above please feel free to share with others.  I appreciate it and hope you’ll return again.  Thanks!