Congratulations, you made it through domain registration, hosting sign-up and installing WordPress! {If you haven’t gotten that far yet, check out this post for help!} Here are the first 5 things you need to do now that WordPress is installed:
Check for updates
On the dashboard (the back end of your WordPress site or blog) click on Dashboard—Updates. There are almost always updates that need to be performed. Start with the version of WordPress, then proceed to themes (skip this if you don’t plan on using the stock themes that came with your WordPress installation) and finally update your plugins. Follow the on screen instructions (click the blue button to update the WordPress files, check the boxes and then the update button below for themes and plugins.)
Lock down your login
Install a login limiting plugin. This will lock down your WordPress dashboard protecting it from attack by bots and foreign hijackers. I recommend WP Limit Login Attempts for a fast, easy starting point in WordPress security.
Schedule backups
Nothing is worse than losing all your work. I’ve seen bloggers with YEARS of posts disappear in the bat of an eyelash from server crashes and hackers. Back that shit up now! Install this plugin for a quick, free and reliable backup experience. Keep a copy of the zip folder on your hard drive and a copy in the cloud for extra security.
Check your settings
Under the settings tab of the dashboard click on General. Make sure that your Site Title and Tagline are set to your site name and desired tagline. If you don’t want a tagline simply delete the text. Set the email address you would like all notifications of site activity to be delivered to. Set your timezone, date and time format and language. Make sure you hit Save Changes.
Set your permalinks
Set your desired permalinks option. This controls the name of each blog post. If you or your readers are accustomed to Blogger settings, choose Day and Name for your setting. Most WordPress users tend to favor Post Name as their permalink setting.
There you have it, now you are ready to move on to making your site look like you imagined it would. Browse the collection of feminine WordPress themes in the Theme Shop for some ideas.
