WordPress is the most popular platform for blogging in the cyberspace. Innumerable new WordPress websites go live daily, with no chances of slowing down. It is an incredible content management system (CMS). However, after installation, you cannot leave a blank slate.
Not only is WordPress reasonable to use, it is also challenging to find a way through its many themes, configuration settings, and plug-ins. Not to mention, the general setting adjustments, contact form establishment, data analytics installation, and various other website essentials. Once installed WordPress is installed, you would be asking yourself, what next?
Moving forward with WordPress development may seem intimidating, but you must. Website designers have innovative ways to do up the site, but one at a time.
Here’s a handy checklist of things you should do after WordPress installation:
Step#1: Enter Website Information
The first step to WordPress development is to enter critical information for your visitors, such as:
Title & Tagline: On the dashboard, which you can access after installation, go to Settings >General
Here, you can enter the website name, tagline detailing what the website is about, mentioning the brand etc. Websites usually prefer to use this space for display brand motto.
Time Zone: Stay in the General section and scroll down, adjust the format of date and time to be displayed on the website, and the time zone.
Create Profile: Creating compelling profile information is a good idea.
From the dashboard go to Users> Your Profile. You can enter username, contact info, biography, and add a profile photo.
Step#2: Delete Unnecessary Content
As a website designer, you should focus on minimalistic view. The first view of a WordPress website is filled with placeholder content. It is just for demonstration. Delete it.
Delete all sample posts, pages, etc. to give a clean look to the dashboard. Go to Posts > All Posts > trash
In the same way, remove samples pages. Go to Pages > All Pages > Trash
Delete default and unwatched these to clean up navigation and free space. Go to Appearance > Themes > Delete option
Step#3: Select a Theme
After WordPress installation and information entry, give a new look to the website. Choose a WordPress theme.
You can find plenty of free and paid themes on WordPress. Depending on your budget and taste, choose a theme that is easy to customize, has frequent updates, offers support, and functions properly.
Note that each theme is different because these are coded differently. So refer to the respective support document when making changes to the theme or verifying plug-in compatibility.
Step#4: Select Plug-in
Website designers can find plug-in in WordPress directory or on third-party websites.
Plug-in extend the overall functionality of WordPress websites. As WordPress is packed with everything bloggers need, these additional features like product and service listing, payment processing, two-factor authentication, and more require plug-in.
Step#5: Secure the Website
After WordPress installation, you are likely to have a secure website. However, the secret is to keep the website safe with proven security practices.
According to reports, 80 percent of security breaches on websites are attributed to poor use of password.
Use a strong password with a hidden URL for administration to ensure protection. WordPress also has security plug-in to enhance the defence of websites such as two-factor authentication.
IN addition, SSL connections also defend against data theft and interception.
Step#6: Link WordPress Website to Google Analytics
When you have website, ensure that it performs well consistently.
Monitor the website’s statistics with Google Analytics. It would allow you to analyze website traffic, user behaviour, and useful insights for better understanding of your audience.
Step#7: Create Plan B
Before launching the website, create a plan B, or a backup strategy.
While you may be tempted to skip this plan, do not. It could be instrumental.
Imagine as you launch the website with high hopes and someone hacks it. It is possible.
However, with a strong backup system for the website, you can restore everything.
Note that WordPress does not feature a default backup system. Therefore, you have to choose a plug-in for this purpose.
After installing WordPress, do everything as mentioned above to run a smooth website.
Though websites may require installations and certain methods to meet the goals, these seven steps are crucial for WordPress development.