Top 25 Things to Do After Installing WordPress

Are you looking for the best things to do after installing WordPress? If you are looking for it, keep reading this article. Here are the best 25 things to do after installing WordPress on your website.

Starting a new website with WordPress is exciting, but once you’ve completed the installation, the real work begins.

WordPress is a powerful content management system that gives you endless flexibility, but to get the best results, you need to set up the essentials right from the start.

From customizing your WordPress dashboard and site identity to configuring WordPress permalink settings and WordPress media settings, each step builds the foundation for growth. Adding tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and an SSL certificate helps improve performance, website security, and search engine visibility.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most important things to do after installing WordPress to create a secure, optimized, and professional website.

Let’s see the main things you need to do after installing WordPress CMS on your website.

Best 25 Things to Do After Installing WordPress

• Change the site title, tagline, and timezone.
• Update the permalink structure for SEO-friendly URLs.
• Delete default posts, pages, and comments (Hello World, Sample Page).
• Remove unused themes and plugins.
• Change the default admin username to a more secure one.
• Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication.
• Install an SSL certificate for HTTPS.
• Set up a security plugin (firewall, malware scan).
• Limit login attempts to prevent brute-force attacks.
• Set up a backup plugin with automated backups.
• Install an SEO plugin and configure basic SEO settings.
• Generate and submit an XML sitemap.
• Create essential pages: About, Contact, Privacy Policy, etc.
• Configure navigation menus for easy browsing.
• Choose a mobile-responsive theme.
• Customize the homepage settings (static page or blog feed).
• Install a caching plugin to improve speed.
• Optimize images with a compression plugin.
• Minify CSS, JS, and HTML for performance.
• Set up Google Analytics and Search Console.
• Install a spam protection plugin (e.g., Akismet).
• Test mobile responsiveness on different devices.
• Configure widgets and sidebars to clean up clutter.
• Check that core, theme, and plugin updates are enabled.
• Test your site with PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix before launch.

Let’s take a close look at each option and see why it matters.

1. Change the Site Title, Tagline, and Timezone

After installing WordPress, the first step is to update your site title, tagline, and timezone via the WordPress dashboard. This helps define your website identity and ensures correct time stamps on blog posts and profile pages.

A clear site title and tagline improve user experience and are important for SEO. Adjusting the timezone ensures that scheduling posts, tracking analytics via Google Tag Manager, and monitoring website activity align correctly. These basic settings form the foundation of your blog template and overall website management.

2. Update the Permalink Structure for SEO-friendly URLs

After setting up your WordPress site, updating the permalink structure is essential for SEO-friendly URLs. Access the WordPress dashboard to configure the URL format so that blog posts and profile pages have clean, descriptive links.

A proper permalink structure improves indexing by search engines, enhances user experience, and makes your content easier to share on social media accounts.

It also complements your blog template, Genesis Framework setups, and Google Tag Manager tracking, ensuring that your source code and analytics data reflect accurate, well-organized page URLs across the site.

3. Delete Default Posts, Pages, and Comments (Hello World, Sample Page)

After installing WordPress, it’s important to clean up your site by deleting default posts, pages, and comments, such as the “Hello World” post and “Sample Page.” Removing these placeholders keeps your WordPress dashboard and profile pages organized, and prevents confusion when publishing new content.

It also helps with website security by reducing unnecessary clutter that could be exploited. Cleaning up defaults improves the user experience for visitors and ensures your blog template, social media accounts, and content management system start with a professional and well-structured setup.

4. Remove Unused Themes and Plugins

After installing WordPress, it’s essential to remove unused themes and plugins to keep your site clean, secure, and optimized. Unnecessary themes and inactive plugins increase the risk of security vulnerabilities and can slow down your website performance.

By managing your WordPress dashboard and plugins directory, you ensure that only essential tools, such as website security plugins, backup hosting services, or content restriction plugins, remain active.

This also streamlines plugin activation, reduces clutter in profile pages, and contributes to faster site speed and better overall management of your WordPress environment.

5. Change the Default Admin Username to a More Secure One

Changing the default admin username is a crucial step after installing WordPress to enhance your website’s security.

Default usernames like “admin” are widely targeted by hackers attempting brute-force attacks. By updating your WordPress admin panel and user profiles to a unique username, you reduce security risks significantly. Pair this with a strong password and consider enabling two-factor authentication.

Regularly reviewing User Profile settings in your admin dashboard ensures that your account remains secure, safeguarding your site’s source code, content, and plugins from unauthorized access.

6. Use a Strong Password and Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Using a strong password is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to secure your WordPress site. Weak passwords make it easy for hackers to gain access to your admin dashboard and profile pages.

Pairing a strong password with two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, requiring an additional verification step during login. This helps protect your WordPress source code, plugins, and user data.

Ensuring your User Profile settings are updated and using security plugins can further safeguard your website from unauthorized access and online attacks.

7. Install an SSL Certificate for HTTPS

Installing an SSL certificate is essential for securing data transmitted between your website and visitors. HTTPS ensures that sensitive information, such as login credentials and user data from profile pages, is encrypted. It also boosts trust with your audience and improves search engine rankings.

Most hosting providers, like Bluehost Hosting, offer easy SSL installation through the dashboard or Softaculous Apps Installer. Combined with security plugins and proper site configuration, SSL protects your WordPress source code, plugins, and content, ensuring a safe browsing experience and helping maintain website credibility.

8. Set Up a Security Plugin (Firewall, Malware Scan)

Setting up a security plugin is crucial to protect your WordPress site from hacks, malware, and unauthorized access. Plugins like iThemes Security monitor your admin dashboard, user profiles, and WordPress core files for vulnerabilities.

They provide features such as firewalls, malware scans, and login protection, safeguarding your source code and profile pages. Regular monitoring ensures that plugins and themes in the plugins directory remain secure, while two-factor authentication and backup solutions work alongside to minimize risks.

A robust security setup maintains your site’s integrity and user trust.

9. Limit Login Attempts to Prevent Brute-Force Attacks

Limiting login attempts is an effective way to prevent brute-force attacks on your WordPress site. By restricting failed login attempts on the admin dashboard and user profiles, you protect your WordPress core, source code, and profile pages from unauthorized access.

Security plugins like iThemes Security or custom configurations can automatically block IPs after multiple failed attempts, reducing risk.

Combined with two-factor authentication, strong passwords, and regular backups, this measure helps safeguard your website, maintain user trust, and ensure uninterrupted access for legitimate users.

10. Set Up a Backup Plugin with Automated Backups

Setting up a backup plugin with automated backups ensures your WordPress site remains secure and recoverable in case of errors, hacks, or server issues. Plugins like UpdraftPlus or backup hosting services can regularly save your site’s database, source code, themes, plugins, and media files.

Automating the process removes the risk of forgetting manual backups. These backups can be stored locally or on cloud storage, allowing quick restoration. Regular automated backups protect your blog template, profile pages, and WordPress core, giving you peace of mind and minimizing downtime.

11. Install an SEO Plugin and Configure Basic SEO Settings

Installing an SEO plugin is essential for improving your WordPress site’s visibility on search engines. Plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math help optimize meta descriptions, headings, and alt tags, enhancing your site’s search engine optimization.

They also generate XML sitemaps, support rich snippets, and integrate with Google Search Console. Configuring basic SEO settings ensures that your blog posts, profile pages, and site content are properly indexed, driving organic traffic.

Proper setup improves user engagement, website performance, and long-term discoverability for both single posts and entire blog templates.

12. Generate and Submit an XML Sitemap

Generating and submitting an XML sitemap is crucial for helping search engines like Google and Bing crawl your WordPress site efficiently.

Most SEO plugins, such as Yoast SEO or Rank Math, can automatically create a sitemap for your blog posts, pages, and custom post types. Submitting it to Google Search Console ensures that your profile pages, content, and blog templates are indexed faster, improving visibility in search results.

A well-structured sitemap supports proper indexing of your homepage, related posts, and other site sections, enhancing SEO performance and driving organic traffic.

13. Create Essential Pages: About, Contact, Privacy Policy, etc

Creating essential pages is a foundational step after installing WordPress. Pages like About, Contact, and Privacy Policy provide credibility and improve user experience.

The About page introduces your brand and purpose, while the Contact page ensures visitors can reach you through forms or social media accounts. A Privacy Policy is critical for compliance with legal regulations and builds trust.

These pages integrate seamlessly with your blog template and Genesis framework, and setting them up early helps structure your WordPress site effectively while enhancing navigation, profile pages, and overall site management.

14. Configure Navigation Menus for Easy Browsing

Configuring navigation menus is essential for a smooth user experience on your WordPress site. Properly structured menus help visitors find content quickly, whether it’s blog posts, pages, or custom sections.

Using the WordPress dashboard, you can organize primary menus, sidebars, and footer menus while integrating profile pages, social media accounts, or essential pages like About and Contact. Navigation menus also support mobile responsiveness and improve site structure for search engines.

With thoughtful menu configuration, your website becomes easier to explore, enhancing user engagement, user profiles, and overall content accessibility.

15. Choose a Mobile-Responsive Theme

Selecting a mobile-responsive theme is crucial for modern WordPress websites, ensuring your content adapts seamlessly to smartphones, tablets, and desktops. A responsive theme enhances user experience, keeps visitors engaged, and boosts SEO rankings.

With options like default themes, Genesis framework, or custom blog templates, you can maintain consistent design across all devices. Mobile responsiveness also supports proper display of profile pages, social media accounts, and navigation menus.

By choosing a responsive theme, your site becomes accessible, user-friendly, and optimized for search engines, improving engagement and overall performance.

16. Customize the Homepage Settings (Static Page or Blog Feed)

Customizing your homepage settings allows you to control the first impression visitors have of your WordPress site. You can choose a static page to showcase essential content like About, Contact, or promotional sections, or select a blog feed to display your latest posts.

Proper customization ensures your homepage aligns with your site layout and user experience goals. With tools like the WordPress admin dashboard, page builder, and blog templates, you can structure content effectively, highlight profile pages, social media accounts, and important sections, while keeping navigation intuitive and visually appealing.

17. Install a Caching Plugin to Improve Speed

Installing a caching plugin is essential for improving your WordPress site’s loading speed and overall performance. Plugins like WP Fastest Cache, Litespeed Cache, or similar tools store static versions of your pages, reducing server load and ensuring faster delivery to visitors.

This not only enhances user experience but also supports better search engine rankings. Proper configuration of caching settings, along with optimization of CSS, JS, and images, ensures smooth navigation. Regular updates and monitoring through the admin dashboard and performance tools help maintain optimal site speed consistently.

18. Optimize Images with a Compression Plugin

Optimizing images with a compression plugin is crucial for improving your WordPress site’s performance and page speed. Plugins like ShortPixel, Smush, or EWWW Image Optimizer reduce image file sizes without sacrificing quality, making pages load faster for visitors.

Optimized images also help improve your website’s core web vitals and enhance SEO. Integrating these plugins with the WordPress media library ensures that new uploads are automatically compressed. Regularly checking and optimizing existing images via the admin dashboard maintains smooth navigation, faster load times, and better user experience across devices.

19. Minify CSS, JS, and HTML for Performance

Minifying CSS, JS, and HTML is an essential step to boost your WordPress site’s speed and performance. By removing unnecessary spaces, comments, and line breaks, minification reduces file sizes and improves page load times.

Plugins like WP Rocket, Autoptimize, and W3 Total Cache can automatically handle minification while ensuring compatibility with your theme and plugins. Faster loading pages enhance user experience, core web vitals, and SEO performance.

Combining minification with caching and image optimization creates a streamlined, efficient website that performs well across devices and major platforms.

20. Set Up Google Analytics and Search Console

Setting up Google Analytics and Search Console is vital for monitoring your WordPress site’s performance and user engagement.

Google Analytics tracks metrics like page views, bounce rates, and visitor demographics, while Search Console provides insights on search queries, indexing issues, and SEO performance. Integrating these tools helps identify high-performing content, track affiliate links, and optimize your site for search engines.

You can use plugins or Google Tag Manager to easily connect your WordPress dashboard to these services. Regularly reviewing the data ensures informed decisions for growth, content strategy, and improved user experience.

21. Install a Spam Protection Plugin (e.g., Akismet)

Installing a spam protection plugin is essential to maintain the integrity of your WordPress site and ensure a smooth user experience.

Plugins like Akismet automatically filter spam comments and block malicious submissions in your comments section, contact forms, and user-generated content areas. This reduces the risk of SEO penalties from low-quality content and protects your admin dashboard from unnecessary clutter.

Configuring spam protection early helps maintain clean profile pages, supports user engagement, and safeguards your WordPress site from automated attacks, keeping both single posts and multisite networks secure.

22. Test Mobile Responsiveness on Different Devices

Testing mobile responsiveness ensures your WordPress site delivers a seamless user experience across smartphones, tablets, and other devices.

With mobile traffic forming a significant portion of website visitors, a responsive design improves engagement, reduces bounce rates, and positively impacts SEO. Check key elements like navigation menus, profile pages, blog posts, and media content on various screen sizes. Tools like PageSpeed Insights and responsive design testers help identify layout issues.

Ensuring mobile-friendly performance also supports proper rendering of single posts, sidebar widgets, and interactive elements, creating a polished, professional site experience.

23. Configure Widgets and Sidebars to Clean Up Clutter

Configuring widgets and sidebars properly helps organize your WordPress site for a clean, user-friendly layout. By placing relevant elements like profile pages, recent posts, social media accounts, and search bars strategically, you enhance navigation and improve user engagement.

Remove unnecessary widgets to reduce clutter and avoid distracting visitors. Use the WordPress dashboard to manage widget areas and customize sidebars according to your site’s design.

Proper configuration also supports blog templates, enhances site aesthetics, and ensures that important content like featured posts and user profiles is easily accessible.

24. Check That Core, Theme, and Plugin Updates Are Enabled

Keeping your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated is essential for website security, performance, and compatibility.

Enabling automatic updates ensures that your site receives the latest bug fixes, security patches, and new features without manual intervention. Check your WordPress dashboard or use tools like Softaculous Apps Installer and plugin activation settings to manage updates.

Regular updates protect against vulnerabilities, maintain compatibility with plugins like content restriction plugins, and optimize website performance. Staying current also helps avoid conflicts in source code and ensures a smooth user experience.

25. Test Your Site with PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix Before Launch

Testing your website’s performance with tools like PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix is crucial before going live.

These tools analyze load times, server response, and overall performance, providing actionable suggestions to improve speed and user experience. Optimizing elements such as CSS, JS, images, and caching with plugins like WP Fastest Cache or Litespeed Cache can significantly enhance site performance.

Regular testing helps identify bottlenecks, ensures mobile responsiveness, improves SEO rankings, and maintains a smooth browsing experience. Pre-launch checks save time, enhance user satisfaction, and strengthen website reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now, let’s see some of the frequently asked questions and answers regarding this topic.

Conclusion

After installing WordPress, completing the essential setup steps ensures your site runs smoothly, remains secure, and is ready for growth.

Configuring the WordPress dashboard, setting up site identity, and adjusting the homepage layout provide a solid foundation for content management.

Integrating tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEO plugins such as Yoast SEO or Rank Math allows you to track performance and optimize for search engines.

Implementing SSL certificates, backups via UpdraftPlus or hosting solutions, and security measures like two-factor authentication protects your website from potential risks.

Optimizing permalinks, activating key plugins, and managing media settings ensures better user engagement and efficient content delivery. By following these steps, your WordPress site will be fully prepared for long-term success and growth.

Do you know any other steps you should take after installing WordPress?

Let us know in the comments.