The plugin does not slow my blog down but the YOAST seo plugin does. I just had my web host manually edit the W3 Total Cache plugin as I am on manged VPS hosting. It's setup to best suite the server I am on. Before I had them do that, the plugin caused errors and was causing the site to load slow as the settings I enabled wasn't working well with the server I was on. I am a paid member for this plugin as well. I upgraded.
With WordPress Plugins, the thing is that functionality, security and cool-to-have are separate features and rarely a plugin possesses them all So I can some I found cool: - WooCommerce - the future of eShops (surprised noone mentioned it ) - Zedity - HTML5 design editor (available only for the last few versions of WP I believe) - BetterWPsecurity - LiteCache (very easy to configure cache plugin) For SEO I still think Yoast might be doing the best job, but there are really too many options here - AllInOneSEO, SEOultimate etc. With thousands and thousands of plugins the list can go on forever. Still, lets repeat once again - for better security its good to at least a/Have only the most necessary plugins active, b/Keep WP updated at all times, c/Use a security plugin, d/Keep your own computer/mails/ftp secured.
I would add Dave's Live Search : http://wordpress.org/plugins/daves-wordpress-live-search/ The default Search in wordpress sucks big hairy unclean balls, and an intelligent search feature, using a "search as you type" ajax engine, definitely improves the user experience.
wow that's quite a list! Doesn't it bog down your site though if you have all of those installed and activated? Just wondering.
It did slow down the loading of my blog and I actually had a bit of a problem with my hosting service because of very high CPU usage from some of my plugins. I actually cut down my Plugins list. I use about 17 plugins now and always looking to use the minimal amount of plugins to avoid any of these overload issues again. Thanks for pointing out! Cheers
I would also suggest Benchmark Email Lite. It allows you to send email-friendly versions of your blogs to your subscribers. It's easy and convenient for them to read your blog whilst checking their other emails too, and who doesn't like convenient??
I found Uber Grid to be an awesome plugin. Whether it's sharing portfolio pics, team members, or any other images, they make it easy and adjustable. Costs $15, but worth it in my opinion.
I know I'm late to the game on this thread, but I thought I'd post the default plugins that I upload with every fresh install: All In One SEO Google XML Sitemaps Link Juice Keeper Login Lockdown Spyder Spanker (even on non money sites it helps keep out bad bandwidth eaters) Ultimate Google Analytics Other plugins make the cut depending on use. For money sites, affiliate stuff, or any site I'm working on really bulking up for authority Column Shortcodes (on authority sites; strictly for appearance and layout, but really makes a difference visually for readers) Fast Secure Contact Form Google Plus Authorship Login Lockdown SEO Rank Reporter (not really a 'serious' tracking tool, and I've caught it making errors on occasion, but good for a quick glimpse) Simple URLs (cloaking affiliate/outbound URLs)
I hadn't seen either of those - and they're really good additions, especially the second one. I get so tired of those bot logins... thanks for that!
well. after having a quick reviews on the comments, one of the plugin that i use is social media plugin with name of Digg Digg so this well help you spread the word, and next gives a beautiful look at your site.