I just want to share a bit about WordPress. Like most of you, I used to blog using Blogger. However, I realized that there are lots of things that I want to do that I couldn't easily implement on Blogger. For example, if I want to add a widget, I would need to scout the web for a particular javascript code. I know how to tweak codes but it is very time consuming. That's why I finally decided to switch to WordPress. Now, with WordPress, you can make use of Plugins. With WP Plugins, you can simply search for a plugin that you want to use and presto! You can easily customize your WP blog. For beginners, here are the Five Essential WordPress Plugins that you should consider: WordPress SEO by Yoast - this plugin will help improve your blog's performance in search engines. Shareaholic Social Share Buttons - this plugin will allow your users to share your posts on FB, Pinterest, Twitter, StumbleUpon, Digg, etc. nRelate Related Content - this is one of the most reliable related content plugins for WordPress. You can easily configure the settings of this plugin through your admin panel. Google Analytics for WordPress - with this plugin, you will be able to integrate the Google Analytics tool on your blog with ease. Disqus Comment System - this will replace the default WP comment system. You will also be part of the ever growing Disqus community.
As a user for WordPress, I would suggest to have these plugins. All in One SEO Pack Google XML Site Map Google Analytics BackUp Buddy And my favorite PushButtonSEO
I would also include some security plugins, such as, login lockdown, ultimate security check, wp security scan. dean
FYI, I use the default wordpress comment system still. I've tried Disqus for a few weeks and never liked it. Ok, for my 5 Plugins that should be installed right after you install the blog are: WordPress SEO Yoast Google xml sitemap Captcha (I use this to put this on login pages and in comment box to help prevent the bots from registering or submitting comments) Google Analytics Injector W3 Total Cache
My top 5 are: All in One SEO Google XML Sitemap Google Analytics Sociable SociableAwesome Ads (Adsense plugin)
I'd disagree with Google Analytics, use of it may attract too much attention from Google, making it easier for them to derank your site for 'overoptimizing,' even if you aren't. And instead of replacing the comment system, just add the Askimet plugin to protect your blog from comment spam. And a security plugin might be helpful to protect your site from hackers.
All in One SEO Pack Google Analytic Google XML Site Map its enough and mostly used by the professional on their sites ....