WordPress Go-Live Checklist

This checklist serves as a systematic pre-launch verification tool for WordPress websites. While it assumes familiarity with WordPress implementation, each item includes key considerations and common pitfalls to watch for.

Basic URL and Access Verification

• Site accessible at intended URL
  • Verify both www and non-www versions redirect properly
  • Check HTTPS implementation and certificate validity
  • Confirm no mixed content warnings
  • Test mobile and desktop accessibility

WordPress Core Settings

• Site Identity Configuration

  • Site title matches brand guidelines
  • Tagline provides clear value proposition
  • Administrator email uses monitored address
  • Check email deliverability to prevent notifications going to spam

• URL Structure

  • Permalinks follow SEO best practices (typically /post-name/)
  • Custom post types have logical URL patterns (e.g. /projects/mars-landing/)
  • No duplicate content issues from multiple URL paths
  • 404 page exists and provides helpful navigation

• Visual Identity

  • Logo displays correctly across all breakpoints
  • Favicon appears in all major browsers
  • Touch icons set for mobile devices
  • Brand colors consistent throughout interface

Essential Functionality

• Email System

  • WordPress can send system emails
  • Contact forms deliver to correct recipients
  • Email formatting is professional
  • SPF and DKIM records configured if using custom domain

• Content Management

  • Comments policy implemented (moderation or disabled)
  • Time zone matches business location
  • Date format appropriate for target audience
  • Media library organized with proper file names
  • Internal links validated and functional

WordPress Optimization

• Content Display

  • Posts page configuration matches requirements
  • Archive pages show correct content
  • Category and tag pages properly formatted
  • Search functionality works as expected

• User Experience

  • Navigation menus are intuitive
  • Mobile responsiveness verified
  • Forms have proper validation
  • Error messages are user-friendly

E-commerce Considerations

• Product Management

  • Product pages display all necessary information
  • Product images optimize for performance and quality
  • Inventory management configured
  • Product categories and filters work properly

• Purchase Process

  • Checkout flow tested with multiple scenarios
  • Payment gateways properly configured
  • Order confirmation emails work
  • Tax calculations accurate
  • Shipping options make sense

SEO Implementation

• Technical SEO

  • XML sitemap generated and accessible
  • Robots.txt properly configured
  • No indexation blocks on important pages
  • Schema markup validates in testing tools

• Content SEO

  • Meta descriptions present on key pages
  • Title tags follow best practices
  • Image alt text implemented
  • Heading hierarchy logical and complete
  • Taxonomies have proper meta information

Security Measures

• Access Control

  • Admin username changed from default (e.g. 'greg', not 'admin')
  • Strong password policy enforced
  • User roles properly assigned
  • Development accounts removed
  • Failed login protection active

• System Security

  • WordPress core up to date
  • Plugins and themes updated
  • Admin login URL obscured (optional)
  • XML-RPC properly secured
  • Debug mode disabled in production

Performance Optimization

• Basic Optimization

  • Asset minification implemented
  • Image optimization active
  • Caching solution configured
  • Database optimized
  • GTmetrix scores acceptable

• Advanced Performance

  • CDN properly configured
  • Browser caching implemented
  • GZIP/Brotli compression active
  • Lazy loading for images
  • Critical CSS implemented

Legal Compliance

• Required Pages

  • Privacy policy comprehensive and accessible
  • Terms of service clearly presented
  • Cookie policy implemented if needed
  • Imprint page for applicable jurisdictions

• Data Protection

  • GDPR compliance verified if applicable
  • Cookie consent system working
  • Data collection disclosed
  • Clear opt-out mechanisms

Third-Party Integration

• Analytics and Tracking

  • Analytics tracker properly installed
  • Goals and events configured
  • Google Search Console verified
  • Conversion tracking active

• Social Integration

  • Social share buttons functional
  • Social profile links accurate
  • Open Graph tags implemented
  • Twitter cards configured

Maintenance Planning

• Backup Systems

  • Automated backup schedule established
  • Multiple backup locations used
  • Backup restoration tested
  • Critical files identified

• Monitoring

  • Uptime monitoring active
  • Performance monitoring configured
  • Security scanning scheduled
  • Error logging enabled

Final Verification

• Cross-browser Testing

  • Site functions in all major browsers
  • Mobile experience verified
  • Forms tested across devices
  • Print styling checked

• Content Review

  • Placeholder content removed
  • Contact information accurate
  • Legal text approved
  • Grammar and spelling checked