Comprehensive WordPress Setup Guide

Table of Contents

1. WordPress Installation
2. WordPress Dashboard Overview
3. Customization
4. Themes
5. Plugins
6. Posts and Pages
7. Media Library
8. Menus and Widgets
9. WordPress Settings
10. User Profile
11. Social Media Integration

1. WordPress Installation

• Use a hosting provider like WPX (wpx.net) instead of wordpress.com
• Choose a plan (e.g., Business plan: $24.99/month for 5 websites)
• Follow the WP setup guide provided by your hosting service
• Enter your domain name or purchase one through the hosting provider
• Select your hosting location
• Complete the purchase and set up your account

2. WordPress Dashboard Overview

After installation, you’ll access your WordPress dashboard. Key areas include:

• Posts
• Pages
• Media
• Comments
• Appearance
• Plugins
• Users
• Tools
• Settings

3. Customization

Access the Customization menu:

1. Go to Appearance > Customize
2. Explore options like:

• Colors and Fonts
• Background
• Buttons
• Header
• Footer
• Page layouts
• Post layouts
• Archive layouts

4. Themes

To install or change your theme:

1. Go to Appearance > Themes
2. Choose from available themes or add a new one
3. Activate your chosen theme (e.g., Cadence)

5. Plugins

Essential plugins to install:

1. Rank Math (SEO)
2. Cadence Blocks (if using Cadence theme)
3. Cadence Starter Templates
4. ShortPixel (image optimization)
5. ThirstyAffiliates (affiliate link management)
6. Wordfence Security
7. WP Rocket (caching and performance, paid plugin)

To install plugins:

1. Go to Plugins > Add New
2. Search for the plugin or upload a ZIP file
3. Click Install and then Activate

6. Posts and Pages

• Posts: For blog articles and regularly updated content
• Pages: For static content like About, Contact pages
• Categories and Tags: Use to organize your content

7. Media Library

Access and manage all uploaded images and files.

8. Menus and Widgets

• Menus: Create and edit your site’s navigation
• Widgets: Add functionality to sidebars and footers

9. WordPress Settings

Update the following settings:

1. General Settings:

• Site Title and Tagline
• WordPress Address and Site Address (ensure both use HTTPS)

1. Discussion Settings:

• Uncheck “Allow link notifications from other blogs”
• Uncheck “Allow people to submit comments on new posts”

1. Permalinks:

• Set to “Post name” without a trailing slash

10. User Profile

1. Go to Users > Your Profile
2. Add your first and last name
3. Set up a nickname and choose how to display your name
4. Add your email and website URL
5. Write an author bio
6. Set up your Gravatar for your profile picture:

• Go to en.gravatar.com
• Create an account and upload your image

11. Social Media Integration

Even if you’re not actively using social media, create and link accounts for:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Instagram

This helps establish your online presence and provides social proof for Google.

Remember to regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins to ensure security and optimal performance.