Free Website Development Checklist

Introduction

Creating a website involves several steps, from initial planning to post-launch maintenance. A well-structured checklist can help ensure that no critical aspects are overlooked during the development process. Use this checklist to guide you through each phase of your website project, ensuring a smooth and successful launch.

1. Planning and Strategy

• Define website goals and objectives.

• Identify target audience and user personas.

• Conduct competitor analysis.

• Create a sitemap outlining website structure and content.

2. Design

• Choose a color scheme and typography.

• Create wireframes for key pages.

• Develop design mockups or prototypes.

• Ensure designs are responsive (mobile-friendly).

• Gather feedback from stakeholders and iterate.

3. Content Creation

• Create a content strategy (blogs, articles, videos).

• Write SEO-optimized content for each page.

• Create or source images and multimedia.

• Ensure content is accessible (alt text, captions).

4. Development

• Choose a tech stack (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, CMS).

• Set up the development environment.

• Develop front-end (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).

• Develop back-end (server, database, APIs).

• Ensure mobile responsiveness and cross-browser compatibility.

• Implement a content management system (if needed).

5. Testing

• Conduct functionality testing (forms, buttons, links).

• Perform usability testing with real users.

• Test for browser compatibility (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.).

• Ensure mobile responsiveness on different devices.

• Check page loading speed and performance.

• Conduct security testing (vulnerabilities, SSL certificate).

6. SEO and Analytics

• Optimize on-page SEO (title tags, meta descriptions, headings).

• Set up Google Analytics and tracking codes.

• Create an XML sitemap and submit it to search engines.

• Implement schema markup (if applicable).

7. Launch Preparation

• Finalize content and design.

• Set up hosting and domain configurations.

• Ensure search engines index all pages.

• Create a launch plan (marketing, announcements).

8. Post-Launch

• Monitor website performance and user feedback.

• Conduct ongoing SEO and content updates.

• Regularly check for broken links and fix them.

• Plan for future enhancements and updates.

• Schedule regular backups and maintenance checks.

Optional Considerations

• Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulations (GDPR, ADA).

• Backup Solutions: Set up regular backups.

• Security Measures: Implement firewalls and security plugins.

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