Free Pre-Launch Website Checklist

Launching a new website is an exciting milestone, but it’s essential to ensure everything is in place before going live. A thorough pre-launch checklist helps avoid technical issues, ensures a smooth user experience, and optimizes your site for search engines. Use this checklist to verify that your website is fully prepared for launch day.

1. Content Review

• Proofread all text for spelling and grammar errors.

• Ensure all images and videos are optimized for the web.

• Verify that all links are working and direct to the correct pages.

• Check that all call-to-action buttons are functioning properly.

• Confirm that legal pages (Privacy Policy, Terms of Service) are included.

2. Design and User Experience

• Test the website’s layout on different screen sizes (mobile, tablet, desktop).

• Ensure consistent branding (fonts, colors, logo) across all pages.

• Check for intuitive navigation; ensure menus are clear and functional.

• Validate that forms (contact, subscription) work and send notifications as intended.

• Conduct usability testing with real users for feedback.

3. Technical Aspects

• Verify that the website is mobile-responsive.

• Test website speed using tools (e.g., Google PageSpeed Insights).

• Ensure all scripts and plugins are updated to the latest versions.

• Check for broken links and missing images using online tools.

• Set up 301 redirects for any old URLs, if applicable.

4. SEO Readiness

• Ensure proper use of meta tags (title, description) for each page.

• Use header tags (H1, H2, etc.) appropriately for content hierarchy.

• Implement alt text for all images for accessibility and SEO.

• Create and submit XML sitemap to search engines.

• Set up Google Analytics and Google Search Console.

5. Security Measures

• Install SSL certificate for secure HTTPS access.

• Implement security plugins or features to protect against attacks.

• Set up regular backups of the website.

• Ensure user data is encrypted and stored securely.

6. Performance Optimization

• Optimize images and other media for faster load times.

• Minimize HTTP requests and enable compression (e.g., Gzip).

• Use a content delivery network (CDN) if applicable.

• Test the website speed and performance on various devices and networks.

7. Launch Planning

• Create a launch announcement plan (email, social media, etc.).

• Prepare press releases or blog posts announcing the launch.

• Set up social media accounts if not already done.

• Determine a backup plan for any potential launch issues.

8. Post-Launch Tasks

• Monitor website performance and user engagement post-launch.

• Check for any immediate issues and address them quickly.

• Collect feedback from users for future improvements.

• Regularly update content and check for technical issues.

By following this checklist, you can ensure that your website is polished, secure, and ready to deliver a great experience to visitors on launch day.

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