Favorite Plugins January Edition

BackUpWordpress plugin

This is a great, and easy to use plugin for your WordPress site will backup your database (the heart of your website) and all your files.

1. How often to run: I recommend setting the plugin to database only and run set the schedule according to how often you blog.  I set mine to weekly.  Then run manually a backup of all your files and database.  You don’t need to run to do a files and database every time.  I set my weekly backup to just database.
2. When to manually backup all files and database:   The first time you install the plugin back up everything then make sure you download the file.  Save this file somewhere secure.  I save mine on DropBox, and/or Google Drive as well as on my computer (which I also back up to JustCloud).  Can you tell I am a freak about backups.  I HIGHLY recommend you backup all files and database and download them before you update or add any plugins, or update WordPress.  This will save you a lot of tears– I speak from experience on this one.

Spam Free WordPress

If you are tired of getting spam on your website then this is a great, and free, plugin.  There is a small charge if you want to have control over the styling (only $25. bucks).  Since I have installed the plugin it has cut down on all of my Spam.  If you are a business with a fair amount of traffic than this is a great affordable alternative to Akismet, the spam free plugin that comes installed with WordPress.

Carousel by Jetpack

Wow, this is such a fun plugin! It will turn your galleries in WordPress to an easy to view slideshow.  What is even cooler is the ability to comment on each photo.  For all you photo nerds out there there is an option to show the photos meta data!   First, install Jetpack.  Second, activate Carousel.  Third, go to settings and pick thumbnail size, and if you want meta data to show.  That is it– simple and easy.  (I was and still am a huge fan of Query Lightbox For Native Galleries, but the programer of this great plugin has discontinue updates in lue of Carousel.)

Pinterest Image Pinner From Collective Bias

Pinterest is the all the rage, especially with the Mama crowd.  I know I find so many good ideas for things to teach and do with Kodi via Pinterest.  This plug is great plugin for sites with images that do well on Pinterest.  If you have are using StudioPress Genesis theme/s use the selector “.entry-content img” to only have the pin on your post and pages.  Also I set the image size to over 200px so it would not pick up on my gallery thumbnails.