# What to check before a WordPress theme goes live > A theme that looks right in the browser can still let you down after launch. The list we go through first: the editor, speed, accessibility, updates and handover. Source: https://ginner-tech.com/blog/wordpress-theme-launch-checklist/ Published: 2026-10-10 [WordPress](https://ginner-tech.com/blog/?topic=wordpress) 10 October 2026 · Luke Tran · 2 min read A theme that looks right in the browser can still let you down after launch: pages that load slowly, an editor nobody dares to touch, a plugin update that breaks the layout. This is the list we go through before a WordPress theme goes live. ## The editor - Can the people who run the site change what they need without touching code? Block patterns and block styles give them ready-made layouts, and in a block theme `theme.json` sets the colours, fonts and spacing they can choose from. - Are the blocks they should not use switched off, so a page cannot drift away from the design? ## Speed - **Images.** WordPress makes several sizes of every upload and lets the browser pick one. It also lazy-loads images, so check that the large image at the top of the page loads straight away. - **Plugins.** Each one can add scripts, styles and database queries to every page. Keep the ones that earn their place. - **Caching.** Page caching on the server or at the host makes repeat visits fast. ## Accessibility - Headings in order, text alternatives on images, enough colour contrast, a visible focus state and a skip link. - Every menu, form and slider can be used with a keyboard alone. WordPress’s requirements for themes tagged “accessibility-ready” make a good checklist, even for a theme built for one site. ## Updates and safety - Changes live in a child theme or a theme of your own, never in the files of a theme you installed: an update would wipe them out. - WordPress, the plugins and the theme are up to date, and there are backups that you have restored at least once. - Updates are tested on a staging copy before they reach the live site. ## Search basics - Every page has a clear title and description. - The sitemap WordPress builds at `/wp-sitemap.xml` lists the pages you want found, and only those. - Any address that changed redirects to its new page. ## Handover - A short guide for editors: how to add a page, a post and an image. - Admin accounts that give each person only the access they need. We build [WordPress themes](https://ginner-tech.com/services/wordpress-themes/) from your design with this list in mind, and we can run it over a theme you already have. **Tags** - Launch - Themes - WordPress Luke Tran Founder and senior full-stack developer Luke has worked with Shopify and WordPress for more than 12 years and runs five apps on the Shopify App Store. [More about us](https://ginner-tech.com/about/) **More posts** [Next post Where a Shopify store loses its speed](https://ginner-tech.com/blog/where-shopify-stores-lose-speed/) ## Keep reading [All insights](https://ginner-tech.com/blog/) - App blog: AHA - Onboarding Tours **[How to Launch a New Collection with a 4-Step Store Tour](https://ginner-tech.com/blog/launch-a-new-collection-with-a-4-step-store-tour/)** A new collection usually gets a banner and an email. A four-step store tour walks shoppers across the collection page and points at what matters. Here is how to build it. 28 October 2026 · 4 min read - App blog: AHA - Onboarding Tours **[How to Answer Common Shopper Questions with a Store Tour](https://ginner-tech.com/blog/answer-common-shopper-questions-with-a-store-tour/)** Some questions come back again and again, like where the size chart is. A short store tour can answer them where shoppers are looking. Here is how to build one. 28 October 2026 · 4 min read - App blog: AHA - Onboarding Tours **[How to Build Your First Store Tour with AHA – Onboarding Tours](https://ginner-tech.com/blog/build-your-first-store-tour-with-aha/)** A store tour is a short guided walk across one page. Here is how to build your first one with AHA – Onboarding Tours, step by step. 28 October 2026 · 5 min read ## Planning a WordPress theme? Send us your design, or a link to the site you have. [Start a WordPress project](https://ginner-tech.com/contact/?service=wordpress-themes) [Email us](mailto:lucdkny@gmail.com)