The website launch checklist: 25 checks before you go live

Launching is easy to rush. Run through this list on a staging or preview copy first, then repeat the key checks on the live site.

Content

1. All demo text and placeholder images are replaced.
2. Every page has a clear headline and one main action.
3. Spelling and names are checked, including your own business name.
4. Contact details are correct and consistent everywhere.
5. Images have useful alt text.

Navigation and links

1. The main menu works on desktop and mobile.
2. Every link and button goes where it should. Click all of them.
3. The 404 page is friendly and links back to the homepage.
4. The footer has policy links and contact information.

Forms and shop

1. Send a test through every contact form and confirm you receive it.
2. If you sell online, place a test order and check the emails customers get.
3. Prices, taxes and shipping options are correct.
4. Terms, privacy, refund and delivery policies are published and linked from checkout.

Mobile and browsers

1. Check the site on a real phone, not just a narrow desktop window.
2. Check the latest Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge.
3. Tap targets are comfortably large and text is readable without zooming.

Speed

1. Run PageSpeed Insights on the homepage and one inner page. Fix oversized images first. See our WordPress speed checklist.
2. Remove unused plugins, apps and scripts.

Search and sharing

1. Each page has a unique title and description.
2. A sitemap exists and is submitted to Google Search Console.
3. Make sure the site is not set to discourage search engines. A forgotten "noindex" is a classic launch mistake.
4. Sharing a link on social media shows a sensible image and title.

Security and tracking

1. HTTPS works on every page and the www and non-www versions redirect to one.
2. Admin accounts use strong, unique passwords, and software is up to date. Automatic backups are on.
3. Analytics and a cookie notice, where required in your region, are working.

After launch

Check the live site again within the first day, watch Search Console for errors in the following weeks, and keep a short list of improvements for the first month. If you want a second pair of eyes, we offer a website audit.