Before launching a website, check the content, test every form and contact button, confirm speed and security, set up search tools and analytics and plan the first month's fixes. Most launch problems are small and easy to fix before going live.
Most launch problems are small: a contact form that emails nobody, a missing title, an old phone number. They are easy to fix before launch and embarrassing after.
Use this checklist before you press publish. Tick every item or write down why you are skipping it. We run a version of this list on every project we deliver.
Content and design
Content errors are the most visible mistakes. Read every page on a phone as well as a desktop, because layouts can hide or break text in surprising ways.
- Every page proofread, including the footer and legal pages
- Phone numbers, emails and addresses correct everywhere
- All images load, with sensible file sizes and alt text
- Pages look right on a small phone, a large phone, a tablet and a desktop
- No leftover placeholder text such as lorem ipsum
- Privacy policy and terms present, with a cookie notice where needed
- Testimonials and claims are real and can be supported
Forms and contact
A website exists to generate enquiries, so test the paths that lead to them as if you were a customer.
- Every form tested, with the email actually received at the right address
- A confirmation page or message after submitting
- Click-to-call and WhatsApp buttons tested on a real phone
- Spam protection working, without blocking real enquiries
- Auto-reply emails reviewed for wording
- Someone named responsible for answering enquiries quickly
Speed, security and technical checks
Technical problems often show up only on the live server, so check again after launch day.
- SSL certificate installed and the site loads over https with no warnings
- Pages load quickly on mobile data, not only on office Wi-Fi
- Backups set up and a restore tested
- Admin passwords strong, two-step login on, and unused accounts removed
- A friendly 404 page present and working
- Old addresses redirected if this is a redesign
- Favicon and social sharing image set
Search and tracking
Search engines and analytics need to be set up from the start, because they cannot measure what happened before they were installed.
- Unique title and description on every page
- One main heading on each page that says what the page is about
- Sitemap file created and submitted to Search Console
- Site not accidentally blocked from search engines, which can happen when a staging setting is left on
- Analytics installed and recording visits
- Conversion tracking for forms, calls and WhatsApp clicks
- Google Business Profile linked to the new site address
After launch
Check the live site the same day, then again after a week. Look at Search Console for errors, test forms again and read your analytics. Small problems found early cost little to fix. Keep a short list of changes you want in the first month, and schedule time to make them.
If you do not have time to watch the site, consider a management plan so that someone checks it regularly.
Key takeaways
- Proofread every page and test it on real phones
- Test each form and confirm emails arrive
- Check security certificate, backups and speed
- Set up analytics, sitemap and Search Console
Common questions
How long should testing take?
Allow time for a full pass on several devices. Rushed testing leaves visible errors.
Should I tell search engines about the new site?
Yes. Submit your sitemap in Search Console after launch.
What should I check after launch?
Check forms, errors and analytics the same day and again after a week.
Keep reading
- Website Maintenance Checklist: What to Do Every Month
- How Long Does It Take to Build a Business Website?
Where we help
- Website design in Thane
- Get a free review of your website
- Areas we serve: Dombivli, Thane, Mumbai and more
Planning a Website? Let Us Help
Want a second pair of eyes before you launch? We can review your site against a full checklist. Tell us about your business and we will suggest a clear next step.
