WordPress Installation Checklist

Specific changes in the Dashboard

• Settings -> Permalinks : change permalink structure (factors to consider)
• Settings -> General : Title/Subtitle; Time-zone; date format; time format
• Settings -> Writing : Disable “Post Via Email” and “Remote Publishing” unless you plan to do these things. Note: “Remote Publishing” must be turned on to use ScribeFire or iPad/iPhone apps
• Settings -> Discussion : Review settings/make recommendations
• Posts –> categories: edit “Uncategorized” and rename it something meaningful, even if it’s just “Miscellaneous”. You can also add new categories here or when you are creating a blog post.
• Settings-> privacy: You must make your blog public — whether or not it is included in search engines or public listings is your choice.
• Options –> general: Change the timezone to [-8 / Los Angeles or San Francisco]
• Users -> Users -> Authors & Users : Set up new admin and disable default admin privileges or delete account (security)
• Menus -> Discussion

See selected screen captures

Must-Have Plug-ins

• Akismet [configure – get API key]
• Google Analytics for WordPress
• Google XML Sitemaps
• JetPack
• UpdraftPlus – Backup/Restore 

Social Plug-ins

• Add-to-Any
• All in one SEO Pack [competition: HeadSpace: WordPress SEO Made Simple and WordPress SEO]
• Sexy Bookmarks (my fav)
• Sociable

Resources

• CodeAcademy
• W3 Schools
• WP Gravatar (update/activate)