wordpress_pluginsThere are so many topics to write about when it comes to WordPress, that sometimes, my head spins. But, today, after receiving the latest email from Woo Themes, I decided it was time to discuss Functionality.

Woo Themes just introduced Sensei, which is a new plugin that will allow you to teach and sell online courses from within WordPress. Imagine being able to create courses, write lessons and add quizzes. Set lesson and course pre-requisites, allow user registration and even charge for your course content using WooCommerce if you want. In their words: “Sensei aims to capture the core features of a learning management plugin, while not bloating it with features other existing plugins can handle. Sensei integrates perfectly with any well coded theme, as well as WooCommerce allowing you to charge for your courses!” Watch the Sensei overview video to find out more.

But this post is not just about adding Classroom functionality. I would like to review plugins that enhance a viewer’s experience when they visit my site or other sites I have helped publish. First, think about your audience. What do you want to provide them? What do you want them to take away? How will your site help you create business?

  • Call to Action Buttons and Forms: Capture potential client interest and record leads.
  • Slide Shows: Great for Travel, Photography, Garden, Fashion, Craft Sites etc.
  • Shopping Carts: Market and sell your product and  integrate with Facebook, Etsy and other social networks.
  • SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Different types of SEO available.
  • Google Analytics: View your site’s traffic.
  • Member Only Sites and Pages: For clubs, families, non-profits or any organization.
  • Community Event Lisitngs: Invite the community to list on your site.
  • CAPCHA Spam Protection: Cut down on unwanted spam comments.
  • Automatic Back Ups: Set to back up weekly or monthly.
  • Newsletter Integration: Sign up or publish right from your wp postings.

These are just a few of the hundreds of plugins available to you as part of the WordPress community.  Next up will be a list of the Widgets and smaller pieces of functionality that may be packed into your theme and how to use them to make your site the best it can be.