I’ve always been a fan of keeping Wordpress plugins to a minimum. Don’t get me wrong – there are some plugins that I just can’t live without – I even have a great list of recommended Wordpress plugins that I install on every single custom blog setup that I do. Fortunately, with the Thesis framework that I’m so fond of, a lot of plugin functionality is built right in. That means I can reduce the number of plugins needed, yet retain the same features.

Take the Google Analytics for Wordpress plugin. A fantastic plugin that lets you add Google Analytics tracking code, and thus track your visitors. It’s simple, functional, and written well. However, I’ve just removed it from my recommended Wordpress plugins. Why? Thesis allows you to install Analytics tracking code right from the Thesis options panel.

See the Footer Scripts box highlighted in the screenshot above? Paste your Google Analytics tracking code in that box, and you’re done. No plugin to worry about, and no plugin updates. If any bugs need fixing, they’ll be taken care of along with the Thesis updates. In other words, it’s set once, and you never have to concern yourself with it again. With all the challenges and demands on our time, doesn’t that just make sense?