How To Deliver The WEBSITE To Clients (WordPress)

Delivering a completed WordPress website to a client is a pivotal moment in any web development project. It’s more than just a technical handoff; it’s the culmination of your hard work and the beginning of your client’s journey with their new digital asset. A smooth, professional, and educational delivery process not only ensures client satisfaction but also minimizes post-launch support requests and establishes you as a trustworthy expert.

A haphazard handover can lead to confusion, frustration, and a tarnished reputation. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step framework for delivering a WordPress website to your clients with confidence and professionalism.

The Philosophy Behind a Successful Handoff

Before diving into the technical checklist, it’s crucial to understand the goal. You are not merely granting access to a website. You are transferring ownership, knowledge, and confidence. Your client, who may have limited technical expertise, needs to feel empowered and secure in managing their new site. Your process should be designed to educate, reassure, and provide clear pathways for future support.

Pre-Delivery Checklist: Polishing the Final Product

Never deliver a site that isn’t 100% ready. A thorough pre-delivery review is non-negotiable. This phase is about dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.

1. Rigorous Quality Assurance (QA) Testing
Go beyond a quick glance. Test every single function with a meticulous approach.

• Cross-Browser and Cross-Device Testing: Ensure the site renders and functions correctly on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and on various mobile devices and tablets.
• Functional Testing: Test every form, button, link, and interactive element. Confirm that contact forms send emails to the correct inbox and display success messages.
• Content Review: Proofread all text for spelling and grammatical errors. Check that all images are optimized, properly sized, and display correctly.
• Speed and Performance Audit: Use tools like GTmetrix, PageSpeed Insights, or Pingdom to analyze load times. Compress images, leverage caching, and ensure the site scores well on performance metrics.
• SEO Foundation Check: Verify that page titles, meta descriptions, and header tags (H1, H2, etc.) are properly configured. Check that a sitemap.xml exists and is accessible.

2. Final Client Review and Approval
Formalize the acceptance of the completed work. Schedule a final review meeting or send a formal email stating that the site is ready for their final inspection. Ask them to test the site thoroughly and provide a consolidated list of any final minor adjustments. This step creates a clear boundary between the development phase and the handoff phase.

The Handoff Process: A Structured Delivery

Once the site is approved, you can proceed with the official delivery. This should be a structured process, not just an email with a password.

1. Prepare Comprehensive Documentation
Documentation is your client’s first line of defense and a significant time-saver for you. Create a simple, well-organized document or video tutorials that cover:

• Welcome and Overview: A brief introduction to their new website.
• How to Log In: The direct login URL (e.g., yoursite.com/wp-admin) and username.
• Core WordPress Functions: How to create and edit pages and posts, including how to use the Gutenberg block editor.
• Managing Media: How to upload images and documents to the media library.
• Key Plugins Explained: Simple instructions for any complex plugins (e.g., how to add a new event via The Events Calendar, how to update a slider revolution slide).
• Basic SEO Practices: Guidance on how to edit meta titles and descriptions using your SEO plugin (e.g., Yoast or Rank Math).
• Contact Information: How to get support and what to include in a support request.

2. Provide Clear Login Credentials and Access
Securely deliver the keys to the kingdom.

• Create a Client-Specific User Account: Never hand over the administrator account you used during development. Create a new administrator account specifically for your client with a strong, unique password.
• Use a Password Manager: Use a service like LastPass or 1Password to securely share the login credentials. This is far more professional and secure than sending passwords in a plain text email.
• Include a Direct Login Link: Provide the direct link to the WordPress login page for their convenience.

3. Schedule a Handover Training Session
A live walkthrough is invaluable. Schedule a screensharing call (via Zoom, Google Meet, etc.) to walk the client through the website’s backend. This allows you to:

• Demonstrate how to perform common tasks (updating the homepage, writing a blog post).
• Answer questions in real-time.
• Reassure them and build their confidence.
• Record the session so they have a video reference for later.

4. Transfer Ownership of Key Services
Part of a full handover is ensuring the client owns all aspects of their digital presence.

• Domain Name: If you purchased the domain on their behalf, ensure it is registered in their business name, not yours. Transfer management access to them via the domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
• Hosting Account: Similarly, the hosting account should be in their name. Provide them with the login details for their hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel).
• Third-Party Services: Provide login details for any other services, such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and email marketing accounts (e.g., Mailchimp).

Post-Delivery Support: Setting Clear Expectations

The relationship doesn’t end at launch. Clearly defining what happens next prevents misunderstandings.

1. Define the Scope of Post-Launch Support
Be explicit about what is included after the site goes live. Most developers offer a limited period of complimentary support (e.g., 30 days) for fixing bugs that may appear due to the launch. Clearly state that this does not cover new features, design changes, or additional training.

2. Offer Ongoing Maintenance Plans
The launch is just the beginning. A website requires ongoing care. Present your client with a website maintenance plan proposal. This can include:

• WordPress, Theme, and Plugin Updates: Critical for security and performance.
• Regular Backups: Off-site storage of website data for disaster recovery.
• Security Monitoring: Scanning for malware and vulnerabilities.
• Performance Reports: Providing monthly insights on site speed and uptime.
  This creates recurring revenue for you and peace of mind for your client.

3. Formalize with a Handover Package
Compile everything—the documentation, credentials, and support details—into a single, well-branded digital package. A PDF document or a dedicated page on their new site serves as a central hub for all this information. This final touch reinforces your professionalism and provides an enduring resource for your client.

Conclusion: Delivering Value Beyond the Code

A successful WordPress website delivery is a process rooted in clarity, education, and professionalism. By moving beyond a simple access transfer and implementing a structured handoff framework, you do more than just complete a project; you build lasting client relationships founded on trust. You empower your clients, protect your work, and position yourself as a partner invested in their long-term success. This meticulous approach to handing over the keys ensures that the website you poured your effort into continues to thrive long after your initial work is done.