Technical Setup Steps For a New WordPress Website

The process of starting off a new website build can be relatively infrequent, and as a result, when you’re faced with trying to remember the technical setup steps for a new WordPress Website build you find yourself dredging the memory banks. So here’s the step by step on one of our installations including which standard plugins to install. Techie article, but a necessary checklist!

Step by Step Technical Setup For a New WordPress Website

Step 1 – Install WordPress CMS on the domain

Specific instructions will be unique to hosting provider. Bluehost has an almost 1-click install.

Step 2 – Delete plugins and themes to de-clutter

The standard installation of WordPress will have a bunch of rubbish automatically installed. Delete and start over.

Step 3 – Delete Pages and Posts

The standard example pages and posts just need to be deleted.

Step 4 – Install & Activate Theme & Child Theme (If available)

Install the theme you’ve selected, and if available, install the child theme too.

Step 5 – Install & Activate must-have list of plugins

Here’s our list of essential plugins for WordPress:

Each plugin will need to be setup in it’s own little way. Most are intuitive, if there are any areas of clarity required, just head on over to the plugin websites and seek out their documentation.

Other Plugins to Consider

Step 6 – Install SSL Certificate

Back to your hosting account, many provide a free SSL, in which case figure out how to install it and do just that. Bluehost has free SSL Certs for WordPress sites. Just find SSL in the cPanel and install the SSL on your selected domain.

Step 7 – Update WordPress Settings

As a minimum do the following;

  • Change site address & WordPress address to include https://
  • Change the permalink structure to “Post name” type
  • Set the Privacy Policy Page (you may need to create a new page for this)

Step 8 – Select Design Customisation Settings

Do whatever font and colour customisation is necessary for your site.

Step 9 – Force SSL on the site

404 pages don’t get SSL forced based on what you’ve done so far

Step 10 – Setup With Google Search Console & Verify Site

Follow the Search Console Instructions after clicking “Add New Property”

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