Checklist for Launching Your WordPress Website: Things to Do Before Going Live

Create a child theme to ensure future theme updates do not overwrite customizations.
Verify that custom styles, templates, and functionality are working as intended.

Test the website on all major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
Test the site on various mobile devices (smartphones, tablets). Ensure the layout adapts to all screen sizes.
Verify that all navigation menus lead to the correct pages.
Test all internal links (including images, buttons, and text links) to ensure they are working correctly.
Test all buttons to ensure they redirect to the correct pages or trigger the correct actions.
Ensure a custom 404 page is set up and looks professional.

Test all forms (e.g., contact forms, quote request forms) to confirm they are functioning properly.
Add reCAPTCHA to forms to prevent spam.
Test form submissions to ensure both the client and user receive confirmation emails.
Set up an SMTP plugin (e.g., WP Mail SMTP or Post SMTP) to ensure emails are reliably delivered.
Test email delivery to verify the configuration is correct.
Confirm users are redirected to a ‘Thank You’ page after submitting forms.
Ensure the page has a clear confirmation message.

Ensure each page/post has a unique and properly optimized meta title and description.
Check that all images have descriptive alt text for accessibility and SEO.
Confirm that the permalink structure is SEO-friendly (e.g., /post-name/).
Ensure an XML sitemap is generated (via Rank math or another plugin).
Submit the sitemap to Google Search Console.

Ensure GA4 tracking code is installed on every page.
Verify that data is being collected correctly in GA4.
Add and verify the website in Google Search Console.
Submit the XML sitemap to GSC and check for crawl errors.
If required, ensure Facebook Pixel or other tracking pixels are installed and firing correctly.

Ensure the site is using HTTPS with a valid SSL certificate.
Set up automated backups using plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy.
Test the backup restore process to confirm it works.
Install and configure security plugins (e.g., Wordfence, iThemes Security).
Activate firewall, limit login attempts, and enable malware scanning.
Install a caching plugin (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache).
Optimize images using an image optimization plugin (e.g., Smush or ShortPixel).
Test website speed with Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix.
Clean up the database by removing post revisions, drafts, and unused plugins with a plugin like WP-Optimize.

Ensure social media icons are correctly linked to the client’s social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn).
Set up social media sharing buttons on blog posts and product pages.
If required, test social media login (e.g., Facebook, Google) to ensure it works.

Proofread all content (text, images, videos) for spelling and grammar mistakes.
Ensure all images are properly compressed for fast loading times without sacrificing quality.
Verify that fonts, colors, and logos match the client’s branding guidelines.
Ensure Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and Cookie Policy pages are set up and linked.
Update footer with the correct copyright year and client’s information.

Test the website speed. It should load in under 3 seconds.
Test pop-up forms and promotions to ensure they appear correctly without being intrusive.

Confirm the DNS settings are configured correctly if you’re handling domain setup.
Make sure the WordPress theme and all plugins are updated to the latest versions.
Deactivate and remove any unused plugins to enhance security and performance.
Verify that user roles (e.g., Admin, Editor) are properly set up for the client.
Set up 301 redirects for old URLs.
Verify the custom 404 page is working.

Provide the client with WordPress admin login credentials.
Provide hosting login details.
Provide domain registrar access (if applicable).
Provide email account settings.
Offer basic training on how to edit pages, blog posts, and manage forms.
Provide video or written tutorials for common tasks.
Provide details on ongoing support options (e.g., contact info, service agreement).

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