Website Launch Checklist: 20 Must-Do Tasks Before Going Live
- Daniele Pitkowski
- May 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 8
Launching a website is an exciting milestone, but it can also be overwhelming.
There’s a lot to consider to ensure your site functions smoothly, attracts traffic, and delivers the best user experience.
In this article, we’ll guide you through 20 must-check items (plus 5 bonus ones) that will set you up for a successful website launch.
Without proper preparation, your website could face technical issues, slow loading times, or even lost leads. Many website owners who skip a structured checklist end up wasting time and exceeding their budget.
That’s why having a checklist before going live is essential.
Whether you're creating a website with AI, using a template, building from scratch, or even hiring an agency to build it for you - as the website owner, you should make sure this checklist is performed on your website.
Essential Checks to a Smooth Website Launch
Our checklist is designed to guide you through the important tasks you need to complete before launching your website. We've divided it into 3 categories based on urgency:
Critical: These are the absolute must-do tasks to ensure your website is functional, secure, and ready for visitors and potential customers.
Important: While not immediately necessary, these tasks will enhance your website’s performance and user experience. its recommended to them before launch or in a short period after.
Optional: These tasks are nice-to-have and will further polish your site, but they’re not essential for launch.
By following this site checklist, you'll be able to prioritize your efforts, avoid missing crucial steps, and launch a website that works seamlessly, is secure, and is optimized for both users and search engines. Let’s dive in!
10 Critical Checkmarks For Website Launch (Must Do)
Test Mobile Friendliness
Mobile browsing isn’t just common—it’s dominant. According to last quarter of 2024 statistics, mobile devices (excluding tablets) accounted for more than 62% of global website traffic (Statista). Google recognized this shift by using mobile-first indexing, which means how your site performs on a smartphone could affect your visibility in search results. That’s why it’s essential to ensure your website is fully optimized for mobile. Make sure all pages load correctly on smartphones and tablets, and that users have a smooth, intuitive experience when navigating your site.
Check Site Speed
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to test your website’s loading time. Aim for a score of more than 75 to improve user experience and SEO rankings.
Test All Links Make sure all internal and external links on your site, are working correctly. Broken links or wrong links can damage your credibility and frustrate visitors. you can use tools like Screaming from or Check My Links chrome extension.
Install an SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate secures your website and turns your URL into HTTPS. This is essential for protecting user data and improving SEO rankings.
Optimize SEO Settings Configure key SEO elements such as title tags, meta descriptions, header tags (H1-H3), and image alt text. These help search engines understand your
content and improve your visibility in search results. Don’t forget to use relevant keywords naturally.
Add a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
Every page should have a clear and effective call-to-action (CTA). Whether it’s a sign-up form or a purchase button, make sure it’s visible and compelling.
Verify All Forms Work Properly
Check that contact forms, sign-up forms, and any other interactive elements are functioning correctly and sending data to the right places.
Set Up Backups
Ensure your website has a backup system in place. Regular backups protect against data loss in case of crashes or server issues.
Set Up Redirects (if applicable)
If you’re migrating from an old site, ensure all pages are redirected to the correct new URLs using 301 redirects.
Test All Content for Accuracy
Review all text, images, and media for any errors or broken content. Double-check that all details, such as your contact info, business address, or pricing, are up to date.
10 Important Checkmarks For Website Launch (Make Sure These Are Done Before or Soon After Launch)
Optimize Image and File Sizes
Compress large images and files to boost page load speed and reduce server bandwidth usage. Here are 2 main tips for image SEO:
Aim for image file sizes between 80–100KB (You can use this tool for image compression) for optimal performance (unless you're running a high-end design or photography site or something like that).
Use efficient formats like JPG or WebP for faster loading without compromising quality.
Add Google Analytics
Implement Google Analytics to track your website’s performance, monitor traffic, and gain insights into user behavior. Why It’s Important: You need to track visitors, user behavior, and conversions to understand how your site performs. Analytics will help guide future optimizations.
Test Browser Compatibility
Ensure your site works on all major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.). Some designs or elements might look different across browsers.
Set Up Google Search Console
Submit your website’s sitemap to Google Search Console to help Google index your website and alert you to any issues that could affect its performance.
Connect your website to google search console Add Social Media Links and Sharing Buttons
Ensure that your social media links are working, and add sharing buttons to your content so visitors can share easily.
Optimize for Local SEO (if applicable)
If you have a local business, add your location details to your website and submit your site to Google My Business.
Double-Check Security Settings
Ensure your website has appropriate security features to protect against hacking attempts. Use strong passwords and update security plugins regularly.
Set Up Email Marketing Integration
If you plan to run email marketing campaigns, make sure your email sign-up forms are connected to your email service provider (e.g., Mailchimp, ConvertKit).
Ensure Compliance with Legal Regulations
Check that your website complies with privacy laws such as GDPR. This includes having a privacy policy, terms of service, and cookie consent notices where applicable.
Check User Permissions and Access Levels
Make sure that all user permissions and access levels are correctly configured—whether it’s admin access, content editors, or guest contributors. Regularly reviewing and updating who has access helps prevent unauthorized users, like former employees or collaborators, from retaining entry to your site.
This is crucial not just for maintaining control over your content and settings, but also for protecting sensitive information. Improper access management can lead to security vulnerabilities, data breaches, or even your site being compromised.
Optional Checkmarks For Website Launch (Nice-to-Have Before Going Live)
Create a Blog or Knowledge Base
If content marketing is part of your strategy, create a blog or resource hub to engage visitors and improve SEO rankings.
Set Up Affiliate or Partner Programs
If your business uses affiliate marketing or partner programs, ensure all the necessary tools and tracking are in place.
Create a Favicon
Add a favicon to give your website a polished, professional look and make it easier for users to recognize your site in their browser tabs.
Add Schema Markup for Rich Snippets
Implement schema markup to enhance your search engine listings with rich snippets, making your content stand out.
Test Payment Gateways (if applicable)
If you have an e-commerce website, ensure that your payment gateways are working and secure.
Final Thoughts: Ready, Set, Launch this website!
Launching a website is a significant step, and having everything in place before you go live is crucial for long-term success.
Each item on this checklist—from ensuring your site is mobile-optimized and secure to setting up SEO and analytics—plays a vital role in providing a smooth user experience, increasing visibility, and ensuring your site runs efficiently.
And remember, a successful website launch is just the beginning of your online journey.
Do you have any other tips to add to the checklist? Or maybe a question about the launch process? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
