Website launch checklist – my 50 to-do items when launching a brand new website

Launching a new website involves a comprehensive checklist to ensure functionality, usability, and security. Here’s a detailed list of 50 essential tasks and items to check before and during the launch of a new website:

Pre-Launch Preparation

• Domain Registration: Ensure the domain name is registered and reflects the brand.
• Hosting Setup: Choose a reliable hosting provider and set up your hosting account.
• SSL Certificate: Install an SSL certificate to secure your website.
• CMS Installation: Install and configure your Content Management System (CMS) if applicable.
• Website Design: Finalize the website design including themes and templates.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure the website is fully responsive on all devices.
• Browser Compatibility: Check compatibility across all major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
• Content Review: Proofread content for grammar, accuracy, and clarity.
• Image Optimization: Optimize images for faster loading without compromising quality.
• SEO Basics: Set up basic SEO elements like meta titles, descriptions, and keywords.
• 404 and Error Pages: Customize 404 and other error pages.
• Favicon: Create and upload a favicon.
• Analytics: Integrate Google Analytics or another analytics tool.
• Social Media Integration: Add social media links and sharing options.
• Contact Forms: Set up and test all contact forms.
• Email Configuration: Set up and test website-related email accounts.
• Database Backup: Implement regular backup procedures for the database.
• Security Measures: Set up firewalls, security plugins, and other protections.
• Compliance Checks: Ensure compliance with legal requirements (GDPR, ADA, etc.).
• Pre-launch SEO Audit: Conduct a full SEO audit and fix issues.

Launch Phase

• Load Testing: Test the website under high traffic scenarios.
• Link Validation: Check for and fix any broken links.
• Functionality Testing: Ensure all features work as intended.
• Speed Optimization: Check loading speeds and optimize as necessary.
• Accessibility Audit: Verify that the website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
• Payment Systems: If applicable, test all payment gateways.
• User Testing: Conduct user testing for unbiased feedback.
• Content Management System Training: Train relevant personnel on using the CMS.
• Marketing Material Prep: Prepare marketing materials and announcements.
• Press Release: Draft and schedule a press release for the launch.
• Affiliate/Partner Communication: Inform partners or affiliates about the launch.
• Final SEO Check: Ensure all SEO elements are in place.
• Sitemap Submission: Submit the XML sitemap to search engines.
• Privacy Policy and T&C: Update and publish your privacy policy and terms and conditions.
• Newsletter Sign-up: Enable and test newsletter sign-up forms.

Post-Launch Monitoring

• Monitor Website Uptime: Keep an eye on website uptime and address downtimes quickly.
• Performance Analytics: Analyze traffic and performance analytics.
• Feedback Collection: Set up mechanisms to collect user feedback.
• Social Media Monitoring: Monitor social media for mentions and feedback.
• SEO Performance Tracking: Track SEO performance and adjust strategies as needed.
• Ad Campaigns: Launch and monitor ad campaigns.
• Bug Fixes: Address and fix any bugs reported by users.
• Content Updates: Regularly update the website with fresh content.
• Security Updates: Apply updates and patches to software and plugins.
• Regular Backups: Ensure backups are happening as scheduled.
• Competitor Analysis: Keep an eye on competitor sites for insights and improvements.
• Continual Learning: Stay updated with web standards and best practices.
• Customer Support: Establish robust customer support.
• Review Site Metrics: Regularly review site metrics to gauge success.
• Iterate Based on Feedback: Continuously improve the website based on user feedback.

Whether you are doing it yourself or with a freelance web designer, this comprehensive list ensures that you cover all critical areas, from technical setup to user experience and ongoing management, for a successful website launch.