Every designer has a few favorite applications they like to use in their websites:
Forums
bbPress – This forum doesn’t seem to have as many options as others I’ve used. However, it’s the best option for seamless integration into WordPress. One huge benefit is the easy RSS feeding categories so you can pull forum-related content from bbPress and feed it into similar content-related WP pages.
phpBB – Stable and ready to roll. Improved admin and flexibility with Version 3.0. It’s very popular — mostly because it’s free!
Social Network
BuddyPress – BuddyPress is a suite of WordPress plugins and themes, each adding a distinct new feature. BuddyPress contains all the features you’d expect from WordPress but aims to let members socially interact.
Ning – A free social network that’s easy to set up but difficult to customize (for the novice). Ning is basically it’s own platform and doesn’t perform well with other applications. However, if you need a social network quick and cheap, it doesn’t get any better.
Website Stats
CounterCentral – This is a paid counter that’s worth it. You can crunch stats every imaginable way with CC. The coolest feature is that the stats are live, which means you can see who’s looking at your site in real time.
Google Analytics – Counts hits daily, tracks which search engines the hits came from (including which search term was used to find your website) and tracks hits geographically. Free 
StatPress – This is a MUST HAVE plugin for all WP sites. This plug gives site stats right on the WP admin panel. In addition to giving you stats, it gives you incoming links from search engines which gives you the tools to maximize your advertising dollars (if you advertise online).
WordPress Plug-ins
Akismet – Duh, great for spam blockage. Now standard with every WordPress install.
All in One SEO Pack – This little plug is a valuable tool to get your WP blog search engine optimization. I also use Dofollow and Google Site Map for SEO optimization.
Bible Verse of the Day – Adds daily scripture to your WordPress site.
BM Custom Login – Neat ‘lil plug that allows you to customize a login logo at the WordPress login screen. Examples
Breadcrumb Navigation XT – Cool little plug that allows readers keep track of where they are.
Featured Story Plugin – Used to create a featured content gallery anywhere within your WordPress theme. I used it on the this site’s home page. Co-developed by me 
Get Recent Comments – Display the most recent comments or trackbacks with your own formatting in the sidebar. Sometimes I’ll use Brian’s Latest Comments as well.
Google (XML) Sitemap This plugin generates a XML-Sitemap compliant sitemap of your WordPress blog. This format is supported by Ask.com, Google, YAHOO and MSN Search.
NextGEN Gallery – Great applet for photo albums. Has all the extras you need to assemble a creative album, including a sweet slide show option that’s super easy to set up.
PHP Contact Form – The marriage of communication and peace of mind in a contact form.
Popularity Content – Enable ranking of your posts by popularity; using the behavior of your visitors to determine each post’s popularity. You set a value (or use the default value) for every post view, comment, etc.
Random File – This is a cool plug I use on static sections of websites. It allows a random picture to be loaded with each visit. That keeps static pages looking dynamic.
ShareThis – Nifty plug that helps your posts become viral. I don’t use this much because I’ve found it’s not that effective. But I’ll still implement it upon request.
TweetMeme Button – The TweetMeme button easily allows your blog to be retweeted. The button also provides a current count of how many times your story has been retweeted throughout Twitter.
WP Cumulus – Rad tad cloud as seen on Critical Gamer’s sidebar.
WP Polls – Help your site become interactive with poll questions.
WP Database Backup – This plug e-mails you a data backup weekly (or more often if needed). No need to remember to back up anymore. Just throw those emails into a folder and if something should happen, you’re back in business.
Miscellaneous
E-Junkie – I can do virtual stores on WordPress to a point. But once you get over ten or more products you’re probably going to want a more powerful solution. E-Junkie is a great resource to sell your tangible and virtual products.
CafePress – Many businesses are too small to have a full advertising specialty product line. That’s no longer a problem with CafePress. This website takes your logo, theme, or idea puts it on a T-shirt, hat, or even key chain one item at a time, which means you don’t need to inventory your ad specialty products. I can set-up your CafePress site to integrate with your main website. Every sale made sends a percent back to your piggy bank. Cool 
FeedBurner – This site has multiple uses from tracking who’s feeding your site to collecting emails for newsletters and broadcasting your blog.
Google Calendar – A very powerful tool if you want to publicly broadcast your meetings and events. Integrate a full view calender into your site and/or an upcoming events list right in your sidebar.
SuperCali – This is an event calendar that highly customizable. You can display multiple calenders (for different groups or people). It works with Ical and is user-friendly.
*** Features in bold are considered essential and are used on all my WordPress installs.
*** Last updated on May 5th 2010.
