Website Launch Checklist: Complete Guide for Pre-Publishing Preparation

Website Launch Checklist: Complete Guide for Pre-Publishing Preparation

By Michael Turner

February 28, 2025 at 02:12 AM

Pre-Launch Website Checklist

Core Design Elements & Style

  • Set site title and upload logo for branding
  • Check fonts, colors, and spacing consistency
  • Add favicon for browser identification
  • Consider adding cookie banner for privacy compliance

Page Content & Structure

  • Set and optimize homepage design
  • Arrange navigation menus logically
  • Review all page content for errors and placeholders
  • Verify URL slugs match page titles
  • Keep page sizes under 5MB for optimal loading
  • Create custom 404 page (optional)

Image Optimization

  • Add featured images and social sharing images
  • Verify image links lead to correct destinations
  • Check image quality and formatting
  • Review image cropping across devices

Domain & Technical Setup

  • Configure custom domain
  • Set primary domain if multiple exist
  • Test all form submissions
  • Verify third-party integrations
  • Set up custom email (optional)
  • Add language translations if needed

SEO Optimization

  • Add SEO descriptions to all pages
  • Submit sitemap to search engines
  • Implement proper meta tags
  • Optimize content for target keywords

E-commerce Setup (If Applicable)

  • Configure payment processor
  • Set up tax rules and shipping options
  • Add product descriptions and images
  • Test complete checkout process
  • Set up email notifications
  • Create promotional discounts

Final Checks Before Launch

  • Remove page passwords
  • Disable "Coming Soon" page
  • Adjust collaborator permissions
  • Verify site on mobile devices
  • Set up analytics tracking
  • Test site across different browsers

Post-Launch Marketing

  • Share site on social media
  • Enable social sharing buttons
  • Set up email marketing campaigns
  • Create promotional content
  • Configure announcement bars
  • Set up social commerce integrations

Specialized Page Checklists

Blog Pages:

  • Publish initial content
  • Configure comment settings
  • Set up categories and tags
  • Arrange featured posts
  • Set posts per page

Events Pages:

  • Review landing page
  • Verify event details
  • Configure time zones
  • Set up booking system

Portfolio Pages:

  • Optimize gallery layouts
  • Add project descriptions
  • Configure viewing options
  • Set up filtering system

Regular Maintenance

  • Monitor analytics
  • Update content regularly
  • Check for broken links
  • Optimize performance
  • Back up site data
  • Update security settings

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