Most WordPress problems don't happen because someone made a big mistake. They happen because a small step was skipped early on — a setting left at default, a plugin not configured, a security measure not put in place.

This checklist covers everything that needs to be in place before a WordPress site goes live, and what to verify after launch. Work through it in order. Each section builds on the one before it.

Hosting and domain configuration

WordPress core settings

Essential plugins - what to install and why

Security setup

Performance and speed

Before launch checklist

After launch checklist

7 pages. Immediate download after purchase. Plain language with technical notes for each step, useful whether you're a small business owner setting up your own site or a developer building for a client.

Who this is for: Small business owners launching a WordPress site and developers who want a reliable setup reference they can use on every project.