Launching a website is an exciting endeavour, but success lies in meticulous planning and execution. From pre-launch preparations to post-launch optimisation, here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you through each crucial step.
Pre-Launch Checklist
Crawl Your Old Website if you have one:
With crawling you can gain insights into your site’s current structure, pages, and assets. This essential step in formulating your website development plan provides a clear understanding of pre-existing pages, existing redirects, and the current state of metadata
Implement a Reliable Backup Solution:
Avoid data loss nightmares with a robust backup solution. Safeguard your website’s content and configurations for peace of mind.
Secure with SSL Activation:
Prioritise security by activating a robust SSL certificate. Establish trust with visitors and search engines through data protection measures.
Keep Your CMS Updated:
Maintain website security and functionality by updating your Content Management System (CMS) to the latest version. Stay ahead of vulnerabilities and enjoy enhanced features
Check for Mobile Compatibility:
Mobile-friendliness is non-negotiable. Verify that your website is responsive, providing an optimal viewing experience on various devices.
Create a robots.txt File:
Guide search engine crawlers effectively. Craft a robots.txt file to instruct search engines on which pages to crawl or avoid.
Implement an SEO Strategy:
Enhance your website’s visibility. Incorporate on-page SEO elements such as meta tags, headers, and keyword-rich content.
Make Sure You Have Clear CTAs:
Drive conversions with clarity. Ensure your Call-to-Action (CTA) buttons are prominent and persuasive, and guide users toward desired actions.
Create Social Media Profiles:
Expand your online presence. Create and optimize social media profiles to connect with your audience and promote your brand effectively.
Add Your Website to the Search Engines:
Facilitate discovery. Submit your website to search engines, ensuring it gets indexed for relevant queries.
Website Post-Launch Checklist
Get your website indexed:
After publishing your website, it’s crucial to get it indexed on Google to ensure visibility on search engines. To achieve this, register on Google Search Console and submit a sitemap. Sitemaps provide valuable information to search engines, indicating the pages on your site and their last update timestamps.
Evaluate the speed of your new website:
The speed of your webpage, known as page speed, determines how quickly its content loads. This factor significantly influences usability, conversion rates, and the overall ranking of your site on search engines. Generally, a favourable speed is achieved when the page loads in under three seconds on average.
Test your UI (User interface)
Regularly test your UI to catch any emerging issues and to adapt to evolving user expectations. Monitor user feedback and analytics to gain insights into user behaviour.
How Do You Announce a New Website Launch?
Create a social media strategy for the announcement:
Leverage your social media platforms to create anticipation and share the news. Craft engaging posts, teasers, and countdowns leading up to the launch. Use visually appealing graphics and encourage followers to share the announcement.
Email Newsletter:
Send out a newsletter to your existing subscribers, informing them about the upcoming website launch. Provide a sneak peek into what they can expect and emphasize any exclusive offers or content.
Blog Announcement:
Publish a blog post on your existing website, detailing the reasons behind the new website, its features, and the benefits for users. Include screenshots or visuals to showcase the design and functionality.
Collaborate with Influencers:
If applicable, partner with influencers or industry experts to spread the word. They can create content, reviews, or testimonials about your new website, reaching a wider audience.
