WordPress powers millions of websites around the globe. This free content management system is not only easy to learn, but it provides an astounding number of plugins that help blog writers enhance their site. You can download plugins to optimize your site for the search engines, manage your RSS feed, or create a subscriber list. If you’re not taking advantage of these programs, you’re not getting the most out of your site. Whether you’re new to online content writing or have been blogging for years, here are five WordPress plugins that you need to know about:
1) All in One SEO Pack. “All in One SEO Pack” automatically optimizes your blog for the major search engines, ensuring your site gets indexed by the spiders. Not only does “All in One SEO Pack” generate meta tags automatically, this plugin upgrades your article titles. It works out of the box, so even if you’re a WordPress newbie, you can get started optimizing your site right away. No need to worry about configuring options or reviewing tricky settings.
2) WordPress SEO by Yoast. This is another SEO plugin that can’t be missed. This program makes sure your blog is found by Google, Bing, and Yahoo and it offers several ways to improve your offerings. You can preview snippets of your entries before you publish them, allowing you to double-check if your title is the right length or if your meta-tags make sense. “Word Press SEO” also includes a page analysis option that lets you know if your post is too short or if you’ve forgotten an image for your latest article. Keep an eye on the nuts and bolts of good online writing by downloading this plugin.
3) Google XML Sitemaps. Much like the name suggests, this generates XML sitemaps that helps not only Google, but all the major search engines to better index your website. A well-done sitemap lets spiders to find your web page more efficiently, preventing you from getting lost in the shuffle. Good indexing is crucial to appearing at the top of the search results page, so be sure to add this gem to your blog.
4) WordPress to Twitter. These days you can’t avoid social media and Twitter is one of the fastest growing social media sites. Use “WordPress to Twitter” to create a status update for your Twitter account based on your latest piece or blog post. This plugin uses a URL shortening service to provide a link back to your entry from Twitter, allowing you to catch your readers who are on the go.
5) Google Analytics for WordPress. If you crave Meta data, then this is the plugin for you. Simple to install and brimming with useful information. With “Google Analytics for WordPress” you can take advantage Google Analytics API by authenticating and selecting the site you want to track. Once installed, you’re able to access Automatic Google Analytics site speed tracking, view outbound link and downloads tracking, and track a variety of custom variables that range from author to post type.
Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com
