Congratulations! You’ve just set up your WordPress website. Whether you’re starting a blog, building a business site, or creating an online portfolio, WordPress offers endless possibilities. But with so many options and tools available, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin.
This guide will walk you through the top 20 essential steps every new WordPress user should take to configure, secure, and optimize their website. Let’s get started!
1. Install an Easy-to-Use Backup Plugin
Before making changes, ensure you have a reliable backup system. Backups safeguard your site against data loss due to errors, hacks, or server issues.
Recommended Plugins:
- UpdraftPlus (free and premium options)
- BackupBuddy (premium)
Set up automatic backups to an external location like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3.
2. Secure Your Website
WordPress’s popularity makes it a target for hackers. Implement basic security measures to protect your site.
Steps to Take:
- Install a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri Security.
- Change your login URL using a plugin like WPS Hide Login.
- Use strong passwords and a two-factor authentication plugin like Google Authenticator.
3. Set Up SEO Tools
Search engine optimization (SEO) helps your site rank higher in search results, increasing visibility and traffic.
Recommended Plugins:
- Yoast SEO: Ideal for beginners.
- Rank Math: Feature-rich and beginner-friendly.
Configure your SEO plugin to optimize meta descriptions, keywords, and sitemap submissions.
4. Install Google Analytics
Track your website’s performance and understand visitor behavior by connecting Google Analytics.
How to Set It Up:
- Create a Google Analytics account.
- Use a plugin like MonsterInsights or Site Kit by Google to integrate Analytics with WordPress.
5. Check Mobile Responsiveness
With over 50% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, ensuring your site is mobile-friendly is critical.
Steps to Ensure Mobile Responsiveness:
- Choose a responsive WordPress theme.
- Test your site on Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
6. Set Up Permalinks
SEO-friendly URLs make it easier for users and search engines to understand your content.
How to Configure Permalinks:
- Go to Settings > Permalinks in your WordPress dashboard.
- Select the “Post name” option.
- Save changes.
7. Install a Caching Plugin
Speed is crucial for user experience and SEO. A caching plugin improves load times by storing static versions of your pages.
Recommended Plugins:
- WP Super Cache
- W3 Total Cache
- LiteSpeed Cache
8. Optimize Images
Large images can slow down your website. Use an image optimization plugin to compress images without losing quality.
Recommended Plugins:
- Smush
- Imagify
- ShortPixel
9. Install an SSL Certificate
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encrypts data exchanged between your site and its visitors, boosting security and SEO.
Steps:
- Check if your hosting provider offers a free SSL certificate.
- Use a plugin like Really Simple SSL to enable SSL on your site.
10. Create Essential Pages
Every website should have these basic pages:
- About: Tell visitors who you are.
- Contact: Provide a way for visitors to reach you.
- Privacy Policy: Required by law in many countries.
- Terms and Conditions: Especially important for e-commerce sites.
11. Set Up a Contact Form
A contact form makes it easy for visitors to reach out without exposing your email address.
Recommended Plugins:
- WPForms (beginner-friendly)
- Contact Form 7
12. Choose and Install a Theme
Your theme defines your site’s appearance and layout. Select one that aligns with your goals and brand.
Where to Find Themes:
- WordPress Theme Directory (free options)
- Premium marketplaces like ThemeForest
13. Configure Your Homepage
Decide whether you want your homepage to display your latest posts or a static page.
How to Set It Up:
- Go to Settings > Reading.
- Choose “Your homepage displays” and select your preference.
14. Add a Social Sharing Plugin
Encourage visitors to share your content on social media by adding sharing buttons.
Recommended Plugins:
- Social Warfare
- AddToAny Share Buttons
- ShareThis
15. Enable Automatic Updates
Keep your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated to avoid vulnerabilities.
How to Enable Automatic Updates:
- Go to Dashboard > Updates.
- Enable auto-updates for plugins and themes.
16. Install an Anti-Spam Plugin
Protect your site from spam comments and bot submissions.
Recommended Plugins:
- Akismet Anti-Spam
- Anti-Spam Bee
17. Add Legal Compliance Features
Ensure your site complies with regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
Recommended Plugins:
- Complianz
- CookieYes
18. Create a Sitemap
A sitemap helps search engines index your site more effectively.
How to Create a Sitemap:
- Use an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math.
- Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console.
19. Set Up Analytics for Search Console
Track your site’s performance in Google Search results.
How to Set It Up:
- Verify your site in Google Search Console.
- Submit your sitemap for better indexing.
20. Test Your Website
Before going live, thoroughly test your site to ensure it works as intended.
What to Check:
- Broken links using a tool like Broken Link Checker.
- Load times with Google PageSpeed Insights.
- Browser compatibility on different devices.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a WordPress website is just the beginning. By following these 20 steps, you’ll create a solid foundation for a secure, optimized, and user-friendly site. Remember to regularly update your content, plugins, and themes to keep your site running smoothly.
Happy website building!