Free Website Development Checklist Template
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
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Define website goals and objectives.
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Identify target audience and user personas.
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Conduct competitor analysis.
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Create a sitemap outlining website structure and content.
2. Design
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Choose a color scheme and typography.
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Create wireframes for key pages.
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Develop design mockups or prototypes.
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Ensure designs are responsive (mobile-friendly).
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Gather feedback from stakeholders and iterate.
3. Content Creation
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Create a content strategy (blogs, articles, videos).
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Write SEO-optimized content for each page.
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Create or source images and multimedia.
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Ensure content is accessible (alt text, captions).
4. Development
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Choose a tech stack (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, CMS).
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Set up the development environment.
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Develop front-end (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
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Develop back-end (server, database, APIs).
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Ensure mobile responsiveness and cross-browser compatibility.
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Implement a content management system (if needed).
5. Testing
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Conduct functionality testing (forms, buttons, links).
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Perform usability testing with real users.
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Test for browser compatibility (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.).
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Ensure mobile responsiveness on different devices.
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Check page loading speed and performance.
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Conduct security testing (vulnerabilities, SSL certificate).
6. SEO and Analytics
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Optimize on-page SEO (title tags, meta descriptions, headings).
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Set up Google Analytics and tracking codes.
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Create an XML sitemap and submit it to search engines.
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Implement schema markup (if applicable).
7. Launch Preparation
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Finalize content and design.
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Set up hosting and domain configurations.
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Ensure search engines index all pages.
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Create a launch plan (marketing, announcements).
8. Post-Launch
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Monitor website performance and user feedback.
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Conduct ongoing SEO and content updates.
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Regularly check for broken links and fix them.
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Plan for future enhancements and updates.
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Schedule regular backups and maintenance checks.
Optional Considerations
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Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulations (GDPR, ADA).
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Backup Solutions: Set up regular backups.
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Security Measures: Implement firewalls and security plugins.
