A common question which is often asked of our support staff is “After Installing WordPress how do you customize it?” So it is about time for More WordPress Configuration Tips, to take you to the next step.
First of all, log on to the wp-admin pages using the account details you used when setting up. In order to make the site your own after installation, we suggest that you customize WordPress by completing the following steps:
In the WordPress General Settings (Settings, then General)
- Set up your Blog Title and Tagline, if not already to your liking
- Set the Date Format by clicking on one of the existing examples, or setting a Custom format; we normally use a custom j F Y to show the date in UK format 30 November 2009
- Click on Save Changes
In the WordPress Writing Settings (Settings, then Writing)
- Change the size of the Writing window if required
- Check WordPress should correct invalidly nested XHTML automatically
- Add any further Update Services to which you wish to subscribe (For more about this, see Update Services on the Codex.)
- Click on Save Changes
In the WordPress Discussion Settings (Settings, then Discussion)
- Check Users must be registered and logged in to comment in Other comment settings
- If You are particularly keen on keeping a tight rein on comments, check An administrator must always approve the comment Before a comment appears.
- Click on Save Changes
Once you are ready for your Blog to see the world (or is it the world to see your Blog?), in the WordPress Privacy Settings (Settings, then Privacy)
- click on I would like my blog to be visible to everyone,
- Click on Save Changes
In the next installment, we will show you how to install your new WordPress theme, in order to change the Appearance of your WordPress Blog rather than the default theme.