When I create a new WordPress website or blog, there are a few things I make sure I do for a basic setup. This means anytime I put it down or pick it up to work on, I am ready to go. Read my checklist for WordPress sites as a reference for those critical things to do on your WordPress website to make sure you are up and running:
- Update your version of WordPress
- Create a privacy policy
- Install a cookie/GDPR compliance banner (see why at the ICO website here)
- Set up an email address so users/readers can contact you. This is also important for your privacy policy.
- Install Google Analytics – free website tracking to check how many visitors you are getting, what content is most popular and other metrics to improve your website for its audience. I use the Google Site Kit plugin to link my Google Analytics, Ads and Site Console.
- Install Google Adsense – register for an account and add your website. Enable auto-ads and Google Adsense will automatically place ads on your website and optimise them for you. I use the Google Site Kit plugin to link my Google Analytics, Ads and Site Console.
- Install Yoast SEO or an equivalent plugin to optimise your content on each page or post for better search engine rankings.
- Install Limit Logins plugin to protect against hackers
- Upload your Sitemap to Google Search Console
Why are is this checklist for WordPress Sites important?
With these critical steps, you site will be in good condition. Always up to date, always a clear goal for any action you may need to take. By installing Google Analytics, for example, means you can see what people are doing on your WordPress site. This makes it easy to see how to improve it. Perhaps you can refine some content, improve your navigation or even find opportunities to place ads. Opportunities will be easier to find and help monetise your WordPress site.
