After completing a WordPress website, the handover process becomes one of the most critical stages. A properly managed handover ensures the site functions well, meets your requirements, and minimizes future issues. In this article, we’ll outline essential questions and steps to cover with your developer to ensure your site’s optimal performance and technical stability.

1. Test Site Functionality

Start by ensuring that all functions specified in the project requirements are working as expected. Key areas to test include:

• Core Features: Verify that all essential features, such as contact forms, shopping carts (if applicable), and user registration, are functioning properly.
• Navigation and Menus: Ensure the navigation is intuitive and that users can easily find the information they need.
• Performance Speed: Check the site’s loading speed on different devices.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Test the website on mobile devices to confirm it displays correctly.

2. Ensure Security and Protection

WordPress sites are particularly susceptible to security risks, so ask your developer the following:

• Security Measures: What steps has the developer taken to secure the site, and which security plugins are used?
• SSL Certificate: Is an SSL certificate installed, and does the site use the HTTPS protocol?
• Password Security: Has the developer implemented strong protections for admin and user passwords?
• Backup System: Is there a regular backup process to prevent data loss?

3. Optimize for Performance

Site performance is vital for user experience and SEO. Confirm the following with your developer:

• Caching Plugins: Are caching systems in place (e.g., WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache) to improve load speeds?
• Image Optimization: Have site images been optimized for size and quality?
• Lazy Loading: Is lazy loading used so that images load only as needed, preventing unnecessary delays?

4. Backup and Recovery Procedures

Since all sites are vulnerable to potential issues, it’s essential to have backups and a clear recovery process. Ask your developer:

• Backup Strategy: How and where are backups stored? Is automatic backup enabled?
• Data Recovery: What is the recovery procedure in case of data loss or a security incident?

5. Plan for Future Updates

WordPress requires regular updates to stay secure and functional. Discuss with your developer:

• Core Updates: How are updates for the WordPress core handled? Is automatic updating enabled?
• Plugin and Theme Updates: What is the process for updating plugins and themes to prevent conflicts?

6. SEO Optimization

SEO is crucial for the visibility and success of your site. Ensure your developer has addressed the following:

• SEO Plugin: Is an SEO plugin installed (e.g., Yoast SEO)?
• Sitemap: Has an XML sitemap been added to help search engines index your pages?

7. Documentation and Training Resources

Once you receive the site, you’ll need to know how to manage it. Ask the developer:

• Documentation: Are there instructions or guides for managing the site?
• Training Resources: Are there tutorials, videos, or resources to help you navigate the site?

A successful project handover is essential for long-term success. These questions and steps will help you ensure your site is stable, well-optimized, and easy to maintain for the future.