KREATIVWP — WORDPRESS THEME CHECKLIST
https://kreativwp.com/theme-checklist/
Updated October 9, 2026

START WITH THE WORK
[ ] Name the site's main job: publishing, leads, a portfolio, or selling.
[ ] Choose one editing workflow: the block editor, full site editing, or a specific visual builder.
[ ] Ask the person who will maintain the site to try that workflow.
[ ] List the features you need now, separately from nice-to-have features.

CHECK THE BOUNDARIES
[ ] Check which required features are included in the free theme and which need an upgrade.
[ ] Write down the first-year cost, renewal cost, and number of licensed sites.
[ ] Identify required plugins, accounts, and subscriptions.
[ ] Confirm the theme is maintained and supports your WordPress and PHP versions.

TRY A REAL PAGE
[ ] Build a representative page on staging with your own text and images.
[ ] Test the header, navigation, forms, and footer on a phone.
[ ] Check keyboard navigation, visible focus, headings, and text readability.
[ ] For a store, test a product page, cart, and checkout with your required extensions.

KEEP THE SITE MANAGEABLE
[ ] Measure the completed page with its real images, fonts, and required plugins.
[ ] Check whether your host already supplies caching, backups, or security features.
[ ] Try changing a layout and publishing new content without a developer.
[ ] Find out what remains in your content if the theme or builder is disabled.

MAKE A REVERSIBLE DECISION
[ ] Compare two or three candidates against the same requirements.
[ ] Record the versions, configuration, and date you tested.
[ ] Confirm the support route and upgrade terms on the official site.
[ ] Back up the existing site and plan a rollback before migrating.

YOUR SHORTLIST
Candidate 1:
Candidate 2:
Candidate 3:
Chosen editing workflow:
First-year and renewal budget:
Required plugins:
Date and versions tested:
Main trade-off:

Build a shortlist: https://kreativwp.com/tools/theme-finder/
Editorial standards: https://kreativwp.com/methodology/