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WordPress New Site Launch Checklist

Ten-step technical setup checklist for launching a new WordPress site including MainWP, Rank Math, Wordfence, Optimole, WPvivid, WP Rocket, GSC, GA4, and Bing Webmaster Tools.

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Agent trigger phrases: new wordpress site · wordpress launch checklist · wordpress setup steps · add site mainwp · wordpress technical setup

Run these steps in order when launching a new WordPress site. Do not skip steps — each builds on the previous.

Launch Sequence

[ ] 1. Add site to MainWP (network management hub)
[ ] 2. Install and configure Rank Math (SEO plugin)
[ ] 3. Install and configure Wordfence (security)
[ ] 4. Install and configure Optimole (image optimization)
[ ] 5. Schedule WPvivid backups
[ ] 6. Install and configure WP Rocket (speed)
[ ] 7. Add site to Google Search Console (HTML or DNS method)
[ ] 8. Set up Site Kit + GA4 (analytics)
[ ] 9. Verify site with Bing Webmaster Tools
[ ] 10. Import any content via Bulk Markdown Import (optional)

Step 1 — Add to MainWP

  1. Install MainWP Child plugin on the site
  2. In MainWP Dashboard: Sites > Add New
  3. Enter site URL and admin credentials
  4. Verify connection status shows green

Step 2 — Rank Math

  1. Install Rank Math plugin
  2. Run setup wizard: choose "Advanced" mode
  3. Connect Google Search Console account
  4. Configure sitemap: include posts, pages, custom post types
  5. Enable breadcrumbs (use in theme templates)
  6. Set default meta patterns for posts and pages

Step 3 — Wordfence

  1. Install Wordfence Security plugin
  2. Enter license key (or use free version)
  3. Run initial scan
  4. Enable firewall — set to "Extended Protection" mode
  5. Configure login security: limit attempts, enable 2FA for admins

Step 4 — Optimole

  1. Install Optimole plugin
  2. Connect with API key
  3. Enable lazy loading, WebP conversion, smart cropping
  4. Set compression quality: 80 (balanced)

Step 5 — WPvivid Backups

  1. Install WPvivid Backup Plugin
  2. Connect remote storage (Google Drive or S3)
  3. Schedule: daily incremental, weekly full
  4. Retention: keep 14 days
  5. Test restore on staging before going live

Step 6 — WP Rocket

  1. Install WP Rocket (paid, per-license)
  2. Enable page caching, mobile cache, user cache
  3. Minify CSS and JS, defer JS
  4. Enable LazyLoad for images and iframes
  5. Configure Cloudflare integration if applicable

Step 7-9 — Search Consoles

GSC HTML method: Upload verification file to root, add property, submit sitemap. GSC DNS method: Add TXT record in DNS zone editor, verify in GSC. GA4: Install Site Kit plugin, connect GA4 property. Bing: Add site at https://www.bing.com/webmasters, verify via XML or DNS.

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