I don't run WordPress but I do occasionally set-up one and help fellow bloggers run it.
So I assembled essential WordPress plugins that everyone needs:
- Akismet - if you run latest versions (and you should!) this is already built in. Activate and setup and enjoy absence of spam.
- Analyticator - Elegant way to include Google Analytics code on your blog. You should create Google Analytics account first.
- FeedBurner FeedSmith - Elegant way to substitute your feed with FeedBurner one. You should create FeedBurner accounts first.
- Google Sitemaps - Google really likes sites with sitemaps. This will automatically create it for you.
- Optimal Title - This will also raise your search site rankings a bit.
- Recent posts - Simple plugin for listing recent posts. Some manual work needed.
- Recent Comments- Simple plugin for listing recent comments. Some manual work needed.
If above plugins are essentials, this list could be called recommended:
Did I miss anything? Post your suggestions in comments!