5 Things to Check Before Launching Your Website
Launching a new website is exciting, but before you hit “go live,” it’s essential to make sure everything is in place. A smooth launch doesn’t just avoid problems, it creates a better experience for your users and sets the tone for your brand. Here are five things you should always check first:
1. Final Copy, Links and Page Structure
Proofread everything, from the homepage headlines to the footer details. Double-check internal links, buttons, and forms to make sure they behave as expected. If you’re replacing an old site, set up proper redirects for any pages that have changed, and make sure your 404 page is working in case something gets missed.
2. Mobile and Browser Responsiveness
Your site should look and function perfectly across all major browsers and devices. Test on desktop, tablet, and mobile to confirm that layouts, menus, and visuals adapt smoothly, and that nothing breaks on different screen sizes.
3. Contact and Communication Touchpoints
Make it easy for people to reach you. Confirm that your contact forms work, your email addresses and phone numbers are correct, and your social links go where they should. These small details are often how potential customers first engage, so they need to be right.
4. Performance and Technical Setup
Speed matters. Compress images, remove unnecessary plugins or scripts, and make sure your hosting can handle expected traffic. Confirm that your domain is pointing to the right place, your SSL certificate is active, and any ecommerce payment gateways are working. Also ensure any tracking or analytics tools, like Google Analytics or Meta Pixel, are properly installed and tested.
5. Accessibility and Readiness for All Users
Check that your website is usable for everyone. This includes screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, colour contrast, and readable type sizes. Accessibility improves user experience and helps protect your brand both legally and ethically.
These are just some of the most important things to consider when launching or updating your website. The truth is, there are many other factors that can affect how your site performs, and with years of experience behind us, we’ve documented and tackled them all.
If you’re planning a new website or thinking about making improvements to your current one, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today for a friendly chat and expert advice.
5 Things to Check Before Launching Your Website
Launching a new website is exciting, but before you hit “go live,” it’s essential to make sure everything is in place. A smooth launch doesn’t just avoid problems, it creates a better experience for your users and sets the tone for your brand. Here are five things you should always check first:
1. Final Copy, Links and Page Structure
Proofread everything, from the homepage headlines to the footer details. Double-check internal links, buttons, and forms to make sure they behave as expected. If you’re replacing an old site, set up proper redirects for any pages that have changed, and make sure your 404 page is working in case something gets missed.
2. Mobile and Browser Responsiveness
Your site should look and function perfectly across all major browsers and devices. Test on desktop, tablet, and mobile to confirm that layouts, menus, and visuals adapt smoothly, and that nothing breaks on different screen sizes.
3. Contact and Communication Touchpoints
Make it easy for people to reach you. Confirm that your contact forms work, your email addresses and phone numbers are correct, and your social links go where they should. These small details are often how potential customers first engage, so they need to be right.
4. Performance and Technical Setup
Speed matters. Compress images, remove unnecessary plugins or scripts, and make sure your hosting can handle expected traffic. Confirm that your domain is pointing to the right place, your SSL certificate is active, and any ecommerce payment gateways are working. Also ensure any tracking or analytics tools, like Google Analytics or Meta Pixel, are properly installed and tested.
5. Accessibility and Readiness for All Users
Check that your website is usable for everyone. This includes screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, colour contrast, and readable type sizes. Accessibility improves user experience and helps protect your brand both legally and ethically.
These are just some of the most important things to consider when launching or updating your website. The truth is, there are many other factors that can affect how your site performs, and with years of experience behind us, we’ve documented and tackled them all.
If you’re planning a new website or thinking about making improvements to your current one, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today for a friendly chat and expert advice.
