Website Launch Checklist: Everything You Need Before You Go Live
You’ve poured time, energy, and strategy into your new website — and now you’re almost ready to hit “publish.” But before you do, one crucial step remains: double-checking everything.
A smooth, successful website launch goes far beyond aesthetics. It’s about preparing your digital presence to perform, convert, and grow your business from the moment it goes live. This checklist covers the key elements you’ll want in place — the kind of things DIY site owners often miss, but experienced designers never overlook.
1. Your Homepage Headline Is Clear and Benefit-Focused
Your homepage should immediately communicate what your business offers, who it’s for, and why it matters. If a visitor can’t figure that out within five seconds, they’ll likely click away.
Not sure if yours is working? Ask someone unfamiliar with your brand to look at your homepage and describe what you do. If they can’t get it right away, it might be time to revise the headline.
2. Call-to-Actions Are Clear and Consistent
Every page on your website should guide users toward the next logical step. Whether that’s booking a discovery call, exploring your services, or downloading a free resource — the path should be obvious.
Use action-focused CTA language like “Book Now,” “Explore Services,” or “Get the Free Guide,” and be sure to repeat your calls-to-action in key areas across your site. Then test all buttons and links on both desktop and mobile devices.
3. Navigation Is Simple and Intuitive
If users can’t find what they’re looking for quickly, they’ll leave your site. Limit your main navigation menu to four to six core items, and label them clearly. Avoid clever or vague titles — clarity always outperforms creativity when it comes to navigation.
Make sure your menu works seamlessly on mobile, and consider including a standout call-to-action in your header or sticky menu.
4. All Pages and Links Function Properly
A broken link or missing form can instantly erode trust. Before launch, go through every internal and external link on your site to confirm they’re working.
Test all forms — including contact forms, newsletter opt-ins, and lead magnet downloads. Check that your privacy policy and terms pages are linked in the footer, and that they load correctly.
5. Your Site Is Optimized for Mobile
With the majority of users browsing on their phones, mobile responsiveness is non-negotiable.
Make sure text is readable without zooming, buttons are easy to tap, and images are formatted correctly. Test your site on multiple screen sizes — not just your personal device — to catch layout or functionality issues.
6. Basic SEO Is Set Up
You don’t need to be an SEO expert to launch — but the fundamentals matter. At a minimum, ensure that every page has a unique meta title and description.
Structure your headings correctly using H1, H2, and H3 formatting. Include alt text for images, and incorporate keywords that your ideal client might search for. Submit your site to Google Search Console so it can start indexing right away.
7. Analytics and Tracking Are Installed
If you want to improve performance over time, you’ll need to measure it. Install Google Analytics (GA4) and connect your site to Google Search Console.
If you’re running ads or using social media for marketing, consider adding a Meta Pixel or Pinterest Tag as well. This data will help you understand which pages are performing and where your traffic is coming from.
8. Legal Pages Are Live and Visible
It’s not the most exciting part of launching, but it is essential. Every professional site should include a Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, and a cookie consent banner if you’re using tracking tools or collecting emails.
These pages protect both you and your visitors, while also building trust and showing your business takes compliance seriously.
9. Your Website Speed Is Optimized
A slow website won’t just frustrate visitors — it can also hurt your search engine rankings. Compress your images, remove unnecessary plug-ins or animations, and use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to run a performance test.
Even shaving a few seconds off your load time can make a big difference in user experience and conversion rates.
10. You’ve Tested the Entire Experience
Before you launch, walk through your entire site like a brand-new visitor. Does it clearly communicate what you offer? Is it easy to find information and take action?
Go page by page, test every interaction, and look for opportunities to improve the flow. Better yet, have a friend or colleague do a live walkthrough and share their feedback.
Launch With Confidence — Not Chaos
A website launch isn’t just a design milestone — it’s a marketing opportunity. When done right, your website becomes your hardest-working business asset: educating, converting, and serving clients around the clock.
Make sure you launch strategically, not just aesthetically.
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