But there are also a standard set of plugins that I install on almost every WordPress site I set up.  These plugins add to your WordPress site what I consider required functionality.

I’ll list the plugins below, along with a brief explanation of what each plugin does, in no particular order. In other words, the order has nothing to do with relevance, but simpy how my brain compiled the list. I”ll provide links to each plugin home page, but you can probably install all of these plugins from your WP Dashboard (Plugins > Install New) and then just do a search for the plugin.  Also, all the plugins listed here are compatible with WordPress 2.8

01. Context Widget

Context Widget helps you manage your (sidebar) widgets. This plugins gives you the ability to assign each widget to specific pages on your site.  If you are familiar with Joomla, Context Widget accomplishes what modules assignments in Joomla does.

02. WP Spam Free

WP Spam Free is an extremely powerful anti-spam plugin for WordPress that eliminates comment spam, including trackback and pingback spam. It works invisibly without CAPTCHA’s, or other inconvenience to site visitors. The plugin includes spam-free contact form feature as well.

03. All in One SEO

All in One SEO optimizes your blog for search engines and helps to make your Blog SEO friendly. You are able to set Page Titles, Meta Keywords, Meta Description, etc. Several options to setup, so make sure to visit the plugin config panel after you install. You’ll find it under your Settings tab.

04. Google XML Sitemaps

Google XML Sitemaps generates a XML-Sitemap compliant sitemap of your WordPress blog. Although not always needed, a sitemap is important if you post regularly. An XML sitemap will ensure that all your posts and pages will be indexed by Google

Google XML Sitemaps also updates Google, MSN Live Search, ASK.com, and Yahoo when your blog is updated.

05. Contact Form

A contact form gives your blog readers the option to send you messages directly without putting your actual email address on your blog.

WP Spam Free plugin includes simply contact form, but I generally use Contact Form 7 for a basis contact form. If you need more features for your contact form, I recommend using CformsII

06. WP Super Cache

WP Super Cache is a static caching plugin for WordPress. It generates html files that are served directly by Apache without processing comparatively heavy PHP scripts. By using this plugin you will speed up your WordPress blog significantly.

07. WP-DB Backup

WP-DB Backup allows you easily to backup your core WordPress database tables. It automatically backs up your website, with the option to email you the Database backups at a scheduled time. Enough said. We ALL know we need backups!

08. Maxblogpress ping optimizer

Maxblogger ping optimizer — When you publish or edit an article, your WordPress setup pings / notifies blog listing services. Too many pings can result in banned posts, and in the extreme case, your blog site may be banned. So if you tend to edit your posts multiple times, I recommend installing this plugin.

09. Feedburner Feedsmith – RSS Subscriber Stats

Feedburner Feedsmith changes the default feed addresses in WordPress to your feedburner address and also moves RSS subscribers on the old feed setup, to the new feedburner RSS. You will probably use Feedburner to offer RSS to your readers, so Feedburner Feedsmith is a must.

010. Subscribe to Comments

Subscribe to Comments allows people to receive email notifications when a comment is added to a blog entry, thereby increasing  the chance of a visitor returning to your website. It’s a great community builder, as it makes it easy for people to follow the comments on your posts.

011. Embed It

Embed It allows you to incorporate any  HTML code (including Youtube, Metacafe, Ustream.tv, affiliate code… ) into your WordPress posts. Simple to use and works perfectly.  A must have for your WordPress site if you want to embed HTML code into your posts and pages.

That’s a Wrap…

Well, not exactly, as there are hundreds of really useful WordPress plugins.  But I’ve tried to include the plugins that I think are necessary for just about any WordPress site. If you would like to recommend another plugin, please leave a comment or send me an email.