Online site owners and creators can ensure their website is ready for public launch by following these essential steps:

Step 1 - Design and Styling

• Set required site title and optional logo
• Review style customization (fonts, colors, spacing)
• Add cookie banner if needed for privacy
• Upload custom favicon for browser tabs

Step 2 - Page Setup

Essential tasks:

• Configure homepage with branded content
• Organize navigation menu ordering
• Review all page content for errors
• Verify URL slugs match page titles
• Set mobile layouts in Creative Editor
• Match collection page styling to main site

Optional improvements:

• Keep page sizes under 5MB
• Create members-only sections
• Design custom 404 error page
• Add any missing key pages

Step 3 - Image Optimization

Essential:

• Add high-quality images throughout
• Include social sharing images
• Test all image links

Optional:

• Check image resolution/clarity
• Verify banner/image cropping

Step 4 - Technical Setup

Required:

• Configure custom domain
• Set primary domain if multiple exist
• Test all form submissions
• Verify social media/integration links

Optional:

• Setup custom email addresses
• Enable multiple language support

Step 5 - SEO Preparation

• Complete SEO checklist
• Add meta descriptions for all pages

Step 6 - eCommerce Setup

Store requirements:

• Configure payment processing
• Set tax rules
• Add shipping options
• Test complete checkout flow
• Verify product details/pricing
• Disable test mode

Optional features:

• Add product tags/categories
• Customize email notifications
• Style checkout page
• Plan launch promotions

Step 7 - Launch Process

Essential steps:

• Remove page passwords
• Disable "Coming Soon" page
• Update team permissions
• Submit to Google Search Console

Recommended:

• Test on multiple devices/browsers
• Setup analytics tracking

Step 8 - Post-Launch Marketing

• Share site link with network
• Implement social sharing
• Maintain SEO best practices
• Setup email marketing
• Add promotional features
• Enable social commerce

Special Section Checklists

Blog Pages:

• Publish initial content
• Configure comment settings
• Add content organization
• Set display preferences
• Verify author details

Event Pages:

• Design landing page
• Verify event details
• Add supplementary sections

Portfolio Pages:

• Create/style subpages
• Choose layout options
• Include additional content

The site can continue to be refined after launch, but following these steps ensures a professional and functional website from day one.

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