Launching a website involves many moving parts, and missing even a small detail can lead to significant issues. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth launch:
- Content Review
- Proofread all text for spelling and grammar errors.
- Ensure all images and videos are high quality and optimized for web.
- Check that all links are working and directing to the correct pages.
- Design and Layout
- Verify responsive design across different devices and screen sizes.
- Test browser compatibility to ensure consistent appearance in all major browsers.
- Ensure consistent branding elements (colors, fonts, logos) are applied throughout the site.
- Functionality
- Test all forms to ensure they are submitting data correctly and thank you messages are displayed.
- Check interactive elements like sliders, pop-ups, and navigation menus.
- Confirm that any eCommerce functionalities (cart, checkout, payment gateways) are working properly.
- SEO and Analytics
- Optimize meta tags, titles, and descriptions for all pages.
- Ensure that alt text is added to all images.
- Set up Google Analytics and Google Search Console for tracking and monitoring.
- Performance
- Test site speed using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.
- Compress images and enable caching to improve load times.
- Ensure the hosting server can handle expected traffic without slowing down.
- Security
- Install SSL certificates to secure data transmission.
- Update all plugins, themes, and software to their latest versions.
- Set up regular backups to prevent data loss.
- Legal Requirements
- Add a privacy policy and terms of service page.
- Ensure GDPR compliance, including cookie consent and data protection measures.
- Confirm that all necessary licenses for images, fonts, and other resources are in place.
- User Testing
- Conduct usability testing with real users to identify any issues.
- Gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.
- Ensure the site is accessible to users with disabilities, following WCAG guidelines.
- Final Review
- Double-check for any placeholder content that needs to be removed.
- Conduct a final walkthrough of the entire site.
- Schedule a soft launch to identify any last-minute issues before the official launch.
By following this checklist, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure a successful website launch that delivers a seamless experience for your users.