Launching a website feels a lot like launching a rocket. You’re excited, nervous, and there are a million little things that have to go right. I’ve been through it (multiple times) and I can tell you—having a checklist saved me from disaster.
A missing image? Broken link? Bad SEO settings? They can derail an otherwise perfect launch.
So I’ve put together the ultimate website launch checklist based on my real-world experience helping brands go live smoothly and successfully.
Use this as your go-to guide before you hit that tempting “Publish” button!
✅ 1. Test Your Website on All Devices
Your site needs to shine on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. I use browser tools and my own devices to check for:
- Broken layouts
- Overlapping text
- Unreadable fonts
👉 Pro tip: 60%+ of web traffic comes from mobile. Prioritize mobile experience.
✅ 2. Optimize Page Load Speed
A slow site kills conversions. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to optimize images, reduce heavy scripts, and enable caching.
👉 Real results: After optimizing a client’s images, their bounce rate dropped by 28%.
✅ 3. Set Up SEO Basics
Don’t let your site be invisible. Make sure you:
- Add title tags and meta descriptions
- Use descriptive alt text for images
- Structure headings properly (H1, H2, etc.)
- Submit a sitemap to Google Search Console
👉 Reminder: SEO is what drives organic traffic. Don’t skip it.
✅ 4. Check All Links and Buttons
There’s nothing worse than a visitor clicking a link and getting a 404 error. Test:
- Navigation menus
- Footer links
- Social media icons
- Call-to-action buttons
👉 My workflow: I manually click every link on the site before launch.
✅ 5. Set Up Analytics and Tracking
You can’t improve what you can’t measure. Install:
- Google Analytics
- Facebook Pixel (if running ads)
- Conversion tracking for forms and purchases
👉 Why it matters: Data gives you the power to make better decisions post-launch.
✅ 6. Prepare for Security and Backups
Even small sites get targeted. Essential steps include:
- SSL certificate (your site MUST be HTTPS)
- Strong passwords for all logins
- Regular site backups
👉 Tip: I set up automated daily backups for peace of mind.
✅ 7. Integrate Essential Tools
Make sure any third-party tools work before launch:
- CRM integrations
- Email marketing sign-up forms
- Chatbots or contact forms
👉 Test everything: It’s easier now than post-launch panic later.
✅ 8. Double-Check Your Content
Proofread every page. Grammar or spelling mistakes can hurt credibility fast. I also recommend:
- Re-reading headlines
- Making sure CTAs are clear
- Replacing any “lorem ipsum” filler text
👉 My method: I get a second set of eyes (or use Grammarly) for final review.
✅ 9. Prepare for Launch Marketing
Get the buzz going BEFORE you hit publish:
- Draft your launch announcement posts
- Prepare email blasts
- Create social media teasers
👉 Bonus: I often run a countdown on Instagram to build excitement.
✅ 10. Go Live (and Monitor Closely!)
After launching, keep an eye on:
- Site traffic
- Conversion rates
- Feedback from users
👉 My rule: I always plan for small post-launch tweaks in the first 48 hours.
Final Thoughts
Launching a website is a big milestone. It represents your brand, your passion, and your business goals.
But trust me: the smoothest launches happen when you plan for the small details.
Use this checklist as your roadmap and you’ll avoid the headaches I’ve seen too many people face. Once you’re live… celebrate it! You’ve earned it 🎉
Your next big opportunity starts here.
