What is the first step a GIS user should take when geocoding for the first time in ArcMap?

When geocoding for the first time in ArcMap, the first step a GIS user should take is to use the Customize drop-down to add the Geocoding Toolbar. The Geocoding Toolbar provides access to essential tools specifically designed for geocoding tasks, such as adding an address locator and performing the actual geocoding process. This toolbar is crucial because it consolidates the functionalities needed to convert an address to geographic coordinates, facilitating the workflow for users.

The other choices, while they may seem relevant to the overall process, do not serve as the initial step in setting up geocoding. Opening the Geocoding toolbox from ArcToolbox, for instance, may be part of the process, but it assumes that the user has already accessed the necessary tools. Similarly, using the Go To XY tool or the Location search bar in the Catalog pane does not directly initiate geocoding; instead, these actions lean more towards mapping or searching for existing geographic data rather than facilitating the conversion of addresses to spatial locations. Therefore, activating the Geocoding Toolbar is a foundational step that prepares the user to effectively engage with the geocoding functionalities in ArcMap.