My Favorite WordPress Plugins

Below is a list of plugins I use when first setting up a WordPress site for my clients. Although many of my favorite plugins are written exclusively for the Genesis framework and StudioPress child themes, I also use other plugins that can be installed on any WordPress theme.

Why I like Genesis

I like the default WordPress platform that’s downloaded when WordPress is first installed. The Genesis framework and StudioPress themes look and act like the default WordPress platform.

Other premium frameworks and themes can be so different, they require extra time learning how to build and use them. If these other frameworks and themes confuse me, I can only imagine how it may perplex and even frustrate my clients — many of whom who have some experience with WordPress.

My Favorite Plugins and Why

Broken Link Checker checks your posts, comments and other content for broken links, missing images, and notifies you if any are found.

Easily add a contact form to your site with Contact Form 7.

Genesis Simple Edits lets you
(1) easily remove the default theme info at the bottom of your site so you can input your own custom text and
(2) change the way your “by line” appears on your posts.

Add social media share buttons on your site with Genesis Simple Share.

Genesis Simple Sidebars lets you have a completely different sidebar on every page. Love this plugin!!!

Genesis Title Toggle allows you to turn your page titles off so you don’t repeat your navigation menu title twice.

MCE Table Buttons keeps things neat and tidy which is important if you have a products page with multiple products, but don’t want them running into each other and displaying willy-nilly.

Simple Social Icons makes is easy to create round social media buttons, scale them to the size you prefer, and add a color that best suits your website design.

WP Maintenance Mode adds a splash page to your website and prevents visitors from entering your site. It’s great when building a site, or performing routine maintenance, and you don’t want your visitors to see the final product…yet.