WordPress is the most popular blogging and CMS platform on the web. When setting up a WordPress site, the following plugins are necessary for security and success.

WP Super Cache
Pages generated by WordPress are dynamic and can use a lot of server resources when loading, especially with heavy plugin use. WP Super Cache serves static versions of PHP pages, speeding up a site considerably.

Akismet
This plugin protects a site by blocking comment spam. It will also cut down on moderation time and reduce the site’s overhead.

All in One SEO
A site is only as successful and effective as its SEO. All in One SEO will optimize meta tags and post titles, while also helping to avoid problems such as duplicate content.

Google XML Sitemap
A site map can help a blog become more visible to search engines and increase its ranking. The plugin does all the work automatically, without having to edit any files or call scripts.

CForms II
A contact form is an easy, secure way for visitors or customers to get in touch. CForms is a sophisticated plugin that outputs a powerful contact form that allows for attachments and multiple instances.

WordPress is an excellent start to a personal or business site. Using the plugins above will ensure security, stability and good search engine placement. For those who are inexperienced, it may be useful to engage the services of an SEO or design expert to optimize the site.

These are my favorite plugins – Jude Kirk, 2011