The first things you should do when you start out with a new WordPress blog are:

  • Explore the entire Admin area thoroughly
  • Turn on the Akismet plugin
  • Turn off comment moderation
  • Update your nickname and display name in the Users section
  • Select and install a theme you like
  • Customize the theme

After you’ve done these things you are ready to start posting!

Don’t forget to delete the sample post that is created during installation.