By jahanzaib 
Inheriting a large WordPress site can be an exciting yet daunting task. Whether you’ve taken over the site from a previous owner or are stepping into a new role managing it, there are crucial steps you should follow to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the site’s health and functionality. Here’s a comprehensive guide detailing the first 20 things to do if you’ve just inherited a large WordPress site:
1. Access All Admin Accounts
Ensure you have access to all necessary admin accounts. This includes the WordPress admin dashboard, FTP/SFTP, and any hosting accounts. Verify that the credentials are updated and secure. Change passwords immediately if you suspect any security issues.
2. Review User Permissions
Check the user roles and permissions within the WordPress site. Confirm that users have appropriate access levels and remove any outdated or unnecessary accounts. This helps maintain security and streamline site management.
3. Audit the Site’s Content
Conduct a thorough review of the site’s content. Check for outdated, broken, or irrelevant posts, pages, and media. This is an opportunity to clean up or update content to improve site quality and user experience.
4. Check the Site’s Performance
Evaluate the site’s performance by checking its loading speed and responsiveness. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to identify areas for improvement. Slow performance can impact user experience and SEO.
5. Inspect the Site’s Security
Review the current security measures in place. Ensure that security plugins are installed and configured properly. Check for any vulnerabilities and update the site’s security settings to protect against potential threats.
6. Review Installed Plugins and Themes
Take inventory of all installed plugins and themes. Verify that they are up-to-date and compatible with the latest version of WordPress. Remove any unnecessary or obsolete plugins and themes to reduce potential security risks.
7. Update WordPress Core
Ensure that the WordPress core software is up-to-date. Running the latest version of WordPress helps protect against security vulnerabilities and ensures compatibility with plugins and themes.
8. Backup the Site
Create a full backup of the site, including the database and all files. This is a precautionary step to safeguard against data loss during your management transition. Use reliable backup plugins or services for this purpose.
9. Review and Update the Site’s SEO Strategy
Examine the site’s SEO settings and strategies. Check for any broken links, outdated meta descriptions, or missing alt text on images. Update SEO plugins and ensure that the site is optimized for search engines.
10. Test the Site’s Functionality
Test all aspects of the site’s functionality, including forms, e-commerce features, and interactive elements. Ensure that everything works as intended and address any issues that arise.
11. Analyze Site Analytics
Review the site’s analytics data to understand visitor behavior and traffic sources. Use tools like Google Analytics to gather insights and identify trends. This information can help you make informed decisions about site improvements.
12. Review Hosting and Server Setup
Check the hosting environment and server settings. Ensure that the hosting plan is adequate for the site’s needs and review server performance. If necessary, consider upgrading or optimizing the hosting environment.
13. Check for Compliance
Verify that the site complies with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, such as GDPR or CCPA. Ensure that privacy policies, terms of service, and cookie consent mechanisms are in place and up-to-date.
14. Establish a Maintenance Schedule
Create a maintenance schedule for regular updates, backups, and security checks. Consistent maintenance is crucial for keeping the site running smoothly and securely.
15. Review the Site’s Monetization Strategy
If the site generates revenue, assess its monetization strategies. This might include affiliate marketing, ads, or e-commerce sales. Evaluate their effectiveness and consider opportunities for optimization.
16. Check for and Resolve Any Broken Links
Use tools or plugins to identify and fix broken links on the site. Broken links can negatively impact user experience and SEO. Regularly checking for and repairing broken links helps maintain site quality.
17. Review and Update Site Documentation
Ensure that any site documentation, including user guides, troubleshooting tips, and admin instructions, is current and accurate. Updated documentation can be invaluable for future site management.
18. Conduct a User Experience (UX) Audit
Evaluate the site’s user experience. Assess navigation, design, and overall usability. Gather feedback from actual users if possible and make improvements to enhance user satisfaction.
19. Establish Communication Channels
Set up communication channels with the previous site owner or relevant stakeholders. Establishing clear lines of communication can help you address any outstanding issues and gain valuable insights into the site’s history and needs.
20. Develop a Long-Term Strategy
Create a long-term plan for the site’s growth and development. Define goals, identify areas for improvement, and establish a roadmap for future updates and enhancements. Regularly review and adjust the strategy as needed.
Conclusion
Taking over a large WordPress site involves careful management and strategic planning. By following these 20 steps, you can ensure a smooth transition, maintain the site’s health, and set yourself up for long-term success. Regular monitoring, updates, and strategic improvements will help you keep the site running efficiently and effectively. Learn More