6 Crucial WordPress Set Up Features

I got the idea for this post the other day when I couldn’t figure out why my meta -tags were not showing up on my pages.  After testing several plugins and coming to the conclusion that it wasn’t a plugin issue, I knew it had to be theme/ code related.  As it turns out, it was.  The header.php file was missing one very small piece of code.  After adding it, like magic, all of my meta-tags appeared.

1. The missing tag attribute that allows meta tags or any plugins that manage them,  to work properly is:
<title><?php wp_title(); ?> – <?php bloginfo( ‘name’ ); ?></title>

2. Turn a post into a page or a page into post with ease by installing a plugin called Post Type Switcher.  Change  it to your desired type and that’s it.  The plugin does all the work.

3. Build Child themes – updating is an important security measure and themes have regular updates.  If you don’t want to fix your site everytime you update so it has all your changes, build child themes.

4. If you are building your site online be sure to block search engines during the design phase as this can negatively affect your site ranking and overall placement later on.  *Be sure to uncheck this feature (found under the settings+reading section) when your site is completed and ready to allow all visitors.

5. If you aren’t allowing registrations on your site such as other users, writers, or other member types be sure this feature is unchecked.  It’s a favorite way for hackers, spammers and other malicious types to wreak havoc.   This setting is found under Settings + General – About 1/3 of the way down on the page is the word Membership – in the right column it says:  “Anyone can register” Uncheck the box if it isn’t already unchecked if you will not be having registrations on your site.

6. Do install a cache plugin.  There are more complicated ones like W3 Total Cache.  Installing this may require you to enter some code to files residing on your server.  If you don’t feel comfortable doing that then sticking with something like “Quick Cache” is my recommendation.  This is a light cache plugin that stores pages on your website for quick retrieval upon access by your visiting traffic.  The settings are good right out of the box, requiring very little technical knowledge.  W3 Total Cache on the other hand while may be more extensive is a bit complicated, especially for the general user.  Remember if you make changes to your site and can’t figure out why your changes aren’t showing up.  It’s probably because your cache is storing old versions of the page and serving those up instead of the new one.  Clear it always  after making changes or simply turn it off while you are doing edits to the site.  Remember to turn it back on though!