Website Development Checklist

Website Development Checklist

Introduction

Creating a website involves several steps, from initial planning to post-launch maintenance. A well-structured checklist can help ensure that no critical aspects are overlooked during the development process. Use this checklist to guide you through each phase of your website project, ensuring a smooth and successful launch.

1. Planning and Strategy

  • Define website goals and objectives.

  • Identify target audience and user personas.

  • Conduct competitor analysis.

  • Create a sitemap outlining website structure and content.

2. Design

  • Choose a color scheme and typography.

  • Create wireframes for key pages.

  • Develop design mockups or prototypes.

  • Ensure designs are responsive (mobile-friendly).

  • Gather feedback from stakeholders and iterate.

3. Content Creation

  • Create a content strategy (blogs, articles, videos).

  • Write SEO-optimized content for each page.

  • Create or source images and multimedia.

  • Ensure content is accessible (alt text, captions).

4. Development

  • Choose a tech stack (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, CMS).

  • Set up the development environment.

  • Develop front-end (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).

  • Develop back-end (server, database, APIs).

  • Ensure mobile responsiveness and cross-browser compatibility.

  • Implement a content management system (if needed).

5. Testing

  • Conduct functionality testing (forms, buttons, links).

  • Perform usability testing with real users.

  • Test for browser compatibility (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.).

  • Ensure mobile responsiveness on different devices.

  • Check page loading speed and performance.

  • Conduct security testing (vulnerabilities, SSL certificate).

6. SEO and Analytics

  • Optimize on-page SEO (title tags, meta descriptions, headings).

  • Set up Google Analytics and tracking codes.

  • Create an XML sitemap and submit it to search engines.

  • Implement schema markup (if applicable).

7. Launch Preparation

  • Finalize content and design.

  • Set up hosting and domain configurations.

  • Ensure search engines index all pages.

  • Create a launch plan (marketing, announcements).

8. Post-Launch

  • Monitor website performance and user feedback.

  • Conduct ongoing SEO and content updates.

  • Regularly check for broken links and fix them.

  • Plan for future enhancements and updates.

  • Schedule regular backups and maintenance checks.

Optional Considerations

  • Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulations (GDPR, ADA).

  • Backup Solutions: Set up regular backups.

  • Security Measures: Implement firewalls and security plugins.

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