Pre-Launch Website Checklist - Essential Steps for Success

A comprehensive website launch checklist ensures everything is perfect before going live. Follow these steps to launch with confidence.

Design and Branding

• Set your site title and upload a logo
• Verify brand consistency in fonts, colors, and spacing
• Add a custom favicon for browser tabs
• Consider adding a cookie banner if needed for privacy

Content Review

• Set and optimize your homepage
• Organize navigation menus logically
• Proofread all pages for errors and placeholder text
• Check URL slugs match page titles
• Ensure mobile responsiveness
• Keep page sizes under 5MB for optimal loading
• Create a custom 404 error page

Image Optimization

• Add featured images and social sharing images
• Verify all image links work correctly
• Check image formatting and cropping
• Optimize images for web performance

Technical Setup

• Configure custom domain settings
• Test all form submissions
• Verify social media links and integrations
• Set up custom email (optional)
• Consider multi-language support if needed

SEO Preparation

• Add SEO descriptions for all pages
• Implement meta tags and titles
• Check content structure and headings
• Verify mobile responsiveness

E-commerce Setup (if applicable)

• Configure payment processors
• Set up tax rules and shipping options
• Test complete checkout process
• Add product descriptions and images
• Configure email notifications
• Set up inventory tracking

Final Launch Steps

• Remove page passwords
• Disable "Under Construction" pages
• Adjust collaborator permissions
• Submit site to Google Search Console
• Test across multiple devices and browsers
• Set up analytics tracking

Post-Launch Marketing

• Share site on social media
• Implement email marketing strategy
• Enable social sharing features
• Set up promotional tools
• Configure e-commerce marketing integrations

Blog Setup (if applicable)

• Create initial posts
• Configure comment settings
• Set up categories and tags
• Configure RSS feed
• Set post display preferences

Event Pages (if applicable)

• Review landing page design
• Verify event details and timing
• Test booking system
• Configure calendar integration

Portfolio Pages (if applicable)

• Optimize gallery layouts
• Add project descriptions
• Configure showcase features
• Test viewing experience

Remember to continuously monitor and update your site after launch to maintain optimal performance and user experience.

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