Website Launch Checklist
Launching a website shouldn't feel like a guessing game.
You’ve put in the work, but there’s always that nagging feeling: Did I miss something? Is the contact form actually working? Does this look weird on an iPhone?
I’ve helped businesses in Toronto and beyond go live with confidence. To help you do the same, I’ve put together this Free Launch Checklist. It’s the exact same process I use to ensure every site I build is fast, functional, and ready to turn visitors into customers.
E-commerce Website Launch Checklist
1. Product & Inventory
• All product descriptions are SEO-optimized and error-free.
• High-quality images (and videos) are uploaded for every SKU.
• Inventory levels are correctly synced and updated.
• Product categories and tags are organized for easy navigation.
2. Design & User Experience (UX)
• Mobile responsiveness: Test the checkout flow on iOS and Android.
• Favicon is uploaded and branding is consistent across all pages.
• All internal links and social media icons work correctly.
• Search bar is functional and returns relevant results.
3. Payments & Checkout
• Test a live transaction using a real credit card.
• Tax settings are configured based on shipping locations.
• Shipping rates (Flat rate, weight-based, or free) are accurate.
• Coupon codes and discount rules have been tested.
• "Thank You" page and order confirmation emails are customized.
4. Legal & Trust
• Refund/Return Policy is clearly visible.
• Privacy Policy and Terms of Service are updated.
• Contact page includes an email address, phone number, or contact form.
• SSL certificate is active (Site shows "HTTPS").
5. Marketing & SEO
• Google Analytics (GA4) and Facebook Pixel are installed.
• Meta titles and descriptions are set for all main pages.
• Email popup/signup form is integrated with your CRM.
• Sitemap has been submitted to Google Search Console.
6. Technical & Speed
• All 404 errors are resolved or redirected.
• Images are compressed to ensure fast loading speeds.
• All third-party apps are tested and functional.
Service-Based & Professional Website Launch Checklist
1. Brand & Messaging
• Value Proposition: The hero section clearly states what you do and who you do it for within 5 seconds.
• Tone of Voice: Content is consistent, professional, and free of placeholder text (no Lorem Ipsum).
• Lead Magnet: A clear call-to-action (CTA) or free resource is available to capture emails.
• Bio/About Page: Includes a professional headshot and a compelling story that builds trust.
2. Lead Generation & UX
• Contact Forms: All forms are tested and successfully deliver notifications to your inbox.
• Auto-Responders: Users receive an immediate "Success" message or email after submitting a form.
• Click-to-Call/Email: Phone numbers and email addresses are hyperlinked for mobile users.
• Social Proof: Testimonials, client logos, or case studies are prominently displayed.
3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Keyword Integration: Primary service keywords (e.g., "Toronto Web Designer") are in H1 and H2 tags.
• Meta Tags: Every page has a unique Meta Title and Description.
• Alt Text: All images have descriptive Alt Text for accessibility and SEO.
• Local SEO: Business address and service areas are listed (if applicable).
4. Technical Health
• Page Speed: The site loads in under 3 seconds on both desktop and mobile.
• Broken Links: Ran a crawl to ensure there are no 404 errors.
• SSL Security: The padlock icon is visible in the browser address bar.
• Analytics: Google Analytics 4 (GA4) or a privacy-friendly alternative is tracking visits.
5. Social & Legal
• Social Icons: Links lead to active profiles and open in a new tab.
• Favicon: The small browser tab icon is customized to your logo.
• Privacy Policy: A standard legal privacy policy is linked in the footer.
• Copyright: The footer copyright date is current.