Launching a website is an exciting milestone, but without a proper checklist, even the best designs can fall short. A successful launch requires more than just visual polish—it involves functional, technical, and strategic readiness. Here are 10 key things every developer and business owner should check before going live.
1. Test for Mobile Responsiveness
With over half of all web traffic coming from mobile devices, your website must look and function flawlessly across screen sizes. Test your design on multiple devices and browsers. Tools like Chrome DevTools and BrowserStack can help simulate various environments.
2. Optimize Speed & Performance
Slow websites drive users away. Compress images, use lazy loading, and minimize JavaScript and CSS files. A fast-loading site improves both user experience and SEO. Aim for a Google PageSpeed score above 90.
3. Finalize SEO Basics
Ensure each page has unique title tags, meta descriptions, and relevant headings (H1, H2). Use alt tags for all images and generate an XML sitemap. Submit the site to search engines like Google Search Console to help it get indexed.
4. Functional Contact & CTA Elements
Forms, chatbots, buttons—test them all. Ensure emails are being sent, chat tools are working, and CTA buttons link correctly. A broken contact form can cost you valuable leads.
5. Backup, Security, and SSL
Set up a full site backup in case anything goes wrong post-launch. Install an SSL certificate to enable HTTPS, which is vital for user trust and SEO. Implement security plugins or firewalls to protect against attacks.
Conclusion
Launching a site without these steps is like driving a car with flat tires. This checklist ensures you go live with confidence, knowing that your site is technically sound, user-friendly, and optimized for visibility.