Launching a new WordPress website requires careful planning and preparation to do it right. Ensuring your WordPress site is properly configured, designed, and tested before going live is essential for providing the best user experience. This article will outline the most important steps to take when getting ready to launch your new WordPress site. Following these key recommendations will help set your website up for success.
Selecting a Domain and Web Hosting
The first essential step is registering your domain name and signing up for web hosting. Your domain name is your website address on the internet (e.g. yourcompany.com). Choose a domain name that is short, memorable, and accurately captures your brand. Double check that the .com version is available to register.
For hosting, go with a fast, reliable, optimized WordPress hosting provider. Key factors to evaluate include speed, uptime, storage space, security, and customer support.
Installing WordPress
After securing your domain and web hosting account, you’re ready to install WordPress. Most hosting providers offer simplified one-click WordPress installation. Another option is to manually install WordPress from WordPress.org and upload the files to your web host via FTP.
During the installation process, you’ll create a database and user account for WordPress. Be sure to choose a secure password. You’ll also configure important settings like your site title, admin username, email address, and more.
Configuring Key WordPress Settings
Once WordPress is installed, log into your admin dashboard to configure essential settings before launching. Important ones to focus on include:
- Permalinks – Change from default to a custom post name structure for better SEO.
- Time zone – Ensure your site’s time zone is set properly so dates/times display accurately.
- User roles – Set up any additional accounts you need like Editor, Author, Contributor.
- Plugins – Install crucial plugins such as security, backups, caching, contact form, SEO, and more.
- Theme – Choose and activate a fast, responsive WordPress theme. Pick one that suits your content. For example, a medical or health website would best suit a green/white colour scheme, whereas a casino site would look better with a black background and plenty of scope for adding graphics and dynamic content.
- Media – Configure image sizes, enable compression, and optimize images.
Migrating Existing Content
If you have an existing website, you’ll want to migrate that content over to WordPress to make the transition seamless. Use the built-in WordPress importer if migrating content from another WordPress site.
For importing from other platforms, CMS migration tools like CMS2CMS can automatically port everything into WordPress. Manually recreating content in WordPress is also an option for smaller sites.
Configuring Your Homepage
Determine what you want visitors to see first when they arrive at your site. Homepage options include:
- Default static page – Set a page like “Home” or “About” as the front page.
- Blog page – Display your latest blog posts and articles.
- Custom landing page – Use Elementor or Beaver Builder to design a custom homepage layout.
Choose the option that best aligns with your website goals and focus. Make sure your homepage design is polished, visually appealing, and user-friendly.
Creating Core Site Pages
In addition to your homepage, every WordPress site should contain a few fundamental pages:
- About – Share your brand story, team details, and offerings.
- Contact – Provide contact information such as phone number, email, and contact form.
- Services or Products – Describe what you sell or have detailed services pages.
- Blog or News – Display your latest articles, content, and updates.
- FAQ – Address common customer questions and concerns.
Keep navigation simple linking to these core pages. Optimize page content for SEO through keywords and structure.
Fine-Tuning Design and Styling
Proper design significantly enhances aesthetics and site usability. Start with a responsive WordPress theme that you can customize to your brand. Use the built-in theme customizer to update colours, fonts, layouts, and other styling elements.
For advanced design flexibility, utilize page builder plugins. Optimize images properly with compression tools like Smush. Confirm your site looks great on all mobile devices.
Testing and Launching
The final essential step is thoroughly testing your WordPress site before officially launching. Recommended launch preparations include:
- Proofread all pages and test forms/functionality.
- Verify site speed – optimize images, enable caching.
- Check mobile responsiveness on all devices.
- Submit XML sitemaps to Google Search Console.
- Install security plugins like Wordfence to protect your site.
- Initially soft launch to a small test audience.
- Monitor traffic and site performance closely after launch.
- Celebrate a successful launch that meets business goals!
Following these key steps will help you fully configure, test, troubleshoot, and optimize your WordPress site for a smooth public launch. Invest time upfront to ensure it provides an excellent user experience right from day one. Your strategic launch process lays the foundation for an impactful web presence.