Pre-Launch Website Checklist

Pre-Launch Website Checklist

Launching a new website is an exciting milestone, but it’s essential to ensure everything is in place before going live. A thorough pre-launch checklist helps avoid technical issues, ensures a smooth user experience, and optimizes your site for search engines. Use this checklist to verify that your website is fully prepared for launch day.

1. Content Review

  • Proofread all text for spelling and grammar errors.

  • Ensure all images and videos are optimized for the web.

  • Verify that all links are working and direct to the correct pages.

  • Check that all call-to-action buttons are functioning properly.

  • Confirm that legal pages (Privacy Policy, Terms of Service) are included.

2. Design and User Experience

  • Test the website’s layout on different screen sizes (mobile, tablet, desktop).

  • Ensure consistent branding (fonts, colors, logo) across all pages.

  • Check for intuitive navigation; ensure menus are clear and functional.

  • Validate that forms (contact, subscription) work and send notifications as intended.

  • Conduct usability testing with real users for feedback.

3. Technical Aspects

  • Verify that the website is mobile-responsive.

  • Test website speed using tools (e.g., Google PageSpeed Insights).

  • Ensure all scripts and plugins are updated to the latest versions.

  • Check for broken links and missing images using online tools.

  • Set up 301 redirects for any old URLs, if applicable.

4. SEO Readiness

  • Ensure proper use of meta tags (title, description) for each page.

  • Use header tags (H1, H2, etc.) appropriately for content hierarchy.

  • Implement alt text for all images for accessibility and SEO.

  • Create and submit XML sitemap to search engines.

  • Set up Google Analytics and Google Search Console.

5. Security Measures

  • Install SSL certificate for secure HTTPS access.

  • Implement security plugins or features to protect against attacks.

  • Set up regular backups of the website.

  • Ensure user data is encrypted and stored securely.

6. Performance Optimization

  • Optimize images and other media for faster load times.

  • Minimize HTTP requests and enable compression (e.g., Gzip).

  • Use a content delivery network (CDN) if applicable.

  • Test the website speed and performance on various devices and networks.

7. Launch Planning

  • Create a launch announcement plan (email, social media, etc.).

  • Prepare press releases or blog posts announcing the launch.

  • Set up social media accounts if not already done.

  • Determine a backup plan for any potential launch issues.

8. Post-Launch Tasks

  • Monitor website performance and user engagement post-launch.

  • Check for any immediate issues and address them quickly.

  • Collect feedback from users for future improvements.

  • Regularly update content and check for technical issues.

By following this checklist, you can ensure that your website is polished, secure, and ready to deliver a great experience to visitors on launch day.

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