I'm starting to build some sites using wordpress. Wondering if there are any Wordpress gurus here, or any local Wordpress clubs/meetups to join to exchange tips, themes, plugins, etc.

In particular, I'm looking for some advice on the best Wordpress business directory and discussion forum to use. I'm leaning towards BBPress for the latter.

[Edited on March 14, 2014 at 12:48 PM. Reason : k]

3/14/2014 12:48:04 PM

What type of sites are you going to build? How large? Any specific industry?

As for must-have plugins:
SEO by Yoast
Backup Buddy (for migrating and backups)
Gravity Forms
ManageWP (when you have to manage over 10 client sites)

Themes-
I've committed to PageLines DMS and it's pretty good. I'll post more about it later... gotta run.

3/14/2014 2:59:00 PM

also remember 2 disable dat pingbak y0: http://krebsonsecurity.com/2014/03/blogs-of-war-dont-be-cannon-fodder/

3/14/2014 8:46:32 PM

I've built several sites off wordpress....but ^^ really hit the nail on the head for major addons.

I would address SecurityFence...I pay for login via sms since most of these things are my livelyhood.

3/14/2014 9:33:51 PM

http://www.meetup.com/Raleigh-WordPress-Meetup-Group/

3/14/2014 11:42:45 PM

I'm building a local community magazine so i'm looking for things like a business directory, discussion forum, and events calendar to start. I know there are tons of wordpress plugins but trying to sift through which ones are the best is hard.

Thanks for everyone's help on the must have plugins.

3/15/2014 3:26:46 AM