Delivering a website is not just about handing over a link or login credentials. It’s about ensuring that your client receives a secure, optimized, and easy-to-manage website they can confidently use. Whether you’re a freelancer or a small agency, this guide will walk you through every important step of finalizing and handing over a WordPress site professionally.

✅ Step 1: Check the Speed and Performance of the Website

Speed plays a critical role in user experience and search engine rankings. Before delivery, make sure the website loads fast. A fast website reduces bounce rate, improves user engagement, and is favored by search engines.

What to do:

1. Visit Google PageSpeed Insights.
2. Enter your website URL and analyze its performance on mobile and desktop.
3. For improvements, go to Airlift.net.
4. Add the website URL and install the suggested optimization plugin.
5. Monitor the performance improvements after installation.

✅ Step 2: Secure the Website

Security is vital to protect your client’s website from malware, spam, and hackers. A clean and secure website keeps your client’s data safe and prevents downtime.

What to do:

1. Go to Malcare.
2. Choose a plan, create an account, and purchase.
3. Install the Malcare plugin on the WordPress website.
4. Click “Initiate Sync” to scan for malware.
5. If any malware is found, click “Clean Malware ► Continue” to fix it.

✅ Step 3: Customize the WordPress Login Page

The default WordPress login page is generic. Customizing it makes it look more branded and user-friendly for your client. It gives your client a more polished experience and improves website branding.

What to do:

1. Install the LoginPress plugin.
2. Customize the login page with the client’s logo, colors, and a branded look.

✅ Step 4: Set Up Automatic Backups

Backups are critical in case something goes wrong. It ensures your client doesn’t lose data or their website. Accidents happen. Having a backup can save hours of work and avoid costly disasters.

What to do:

1. Install the UpdraftPlus plugin.
2. Schedule regular backups (daily or weekly).
3. Store them securely (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

✅ Step 5: Make the Dashboard Easy to Use

The WordPress admin area can be overwhelming. Simplifying it helps the client focus on what matters. A clean and simple dashboard improves user experience and reduces confusion for non-technical clients.

What to do:

1. Install WP Admin Customize to reorganize and simplify the dashboard.
2. Install WP Hide Notifications to hide unnecessary alerts.

✅ Step 6: Set Up Google Analytics

Google Analytics helps track website visitors, their behavior, and traffic sources. It gives the client valuable insights into how their website is performing and how people are using it.

What to do:

1. Create a Google Analytics account using the client’s Gmail.
2. Connect it to the WordPress site using a tool like Site Kit or manual code insertion.

✅ Step 7: Restrict Page Builder Access

Limiting who can use the page builder (like Elementor) helps prevent accidental layout or design changes. Keeps the design intact and prevents accidental edits from non-designers.

What to do:

1. Go to WordPress Dashboard ► Elementor ► Role Manager.
2. Set roles (e.g., Editor) to only access content, not the layout or structure.

✅ Step 8: Add the Client’s Email Address

The website’s main admin email should be the client’s for receiving alerts, password resets, and plugin notices. It gives full ownership of the website notifications and keeps them informed.

What to do:

• Replace your email with the client’s email address.
• Go to Dashboard ► Settings ► General.

✅ Step 9: Create a User Account for the Client

Rather than giving your own admin account, create a dedicated user for the client. Maintains security and accountability. You can still manage the site with your own login if needed.

What to do:

• Create a new account using the client’s email and assign them the Editor role (or Admin if necessary).
• Go to Users ► Add New.

✅ Step 10: Manage Multiple Websites in One Place

If you manage several websites (yours and clients’), having a central place to update and monitor them saves time. Great for freelancers and agencies. It helps manage all your projects efficiently and reduces the chance of missing updates or issues.

What to do:

1. Go to ManageWP.com.
2. Create a free account.
3. Add all your WordPress sites.
4. You can perform backups, updates, security scans, and more from one dashboard.

By following these steps, you not only deliver a fully functional WordPress website—you deliver peace of mind. Your client receives a fast, secure, and easy-to-use website that’s built for growth.

Let your work stand out by delivering professionally and setting a standard in client experience.