A website launch checklist helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures your new site meets quality standards before going live.
Testing each element systematically reduces the risk of errors that could harm user experience or your brand’s reputation.
This guide outlines the essential final testing steps to complete before launching your website.
Core Functionality Testing
- Test all forms and verify submissions reach correct email addresses
- Check payment processing systems and complete test transactions
- Verify contact forms display success messages
- Test search functionality with common queries
- Check all internal and external links work properly
Cross-Browser Testing
- Test site in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge
- Check responsive design on different screen sizes
- Verify mobile menus and touch functionality
- Test load times across different browsers
Content Review
- Proofread all text for spelling and grammar
- Check image alt tags and descriptions
- Verify meta titles and descriptions are set
- Test all downloadable files and documents
- Check formatting consistency across pages
Security Checks
- Install SSL certificate and verify HTTPS
- Test password protection on restricted areas
- Check user permission settings
- Scan for malware using tools like Sucuri
- Test backup systems and recovery procedures
Performance Testing
- Run speed tests using GTmetrix or PageSpeed Insights
- Check server response times
- Test site under different network conditions
- Monitor CPU and memory usage
- Verify caching systems work correctly
Analytics and Tracking
- Install and test Google Analytics tracking code
- Set up goal tracking for important actions
- Test event tracking on buttons and forms
- Verify e-commerce tracking if applicable
- Check integration with other tracking tools
Final Steps Before Launch
Create a backup of your development site before pushing live.
Update DNS settings and verify propagation.
Monitor site performance and user behavior for the first 24-48 hours after launch.
Keep development environment available for quick fixes if needed.
Tools for Website Testing
- BrowserStack – Cross-browser testing
- GTmetrix – Performance analysis
- W3C Validator – Code validation
- Lighthouse – Site auditing
- Pingdom – Uptime monitoring
Ready to Launch
Document all testing procedures and results for future reference.
Share access credentials with team members who need them.
Schedule regular maintenance checks to keep the site running smoothly.
Ongoing Maintenance
- Schedule regular security updates
- Monitor server logs for issues
- Update plugins and themes when needed
- Check and optimize database performance
- Review analytics data monthly
Documentation Requirements
- Create user guides for content management
- Document custom functionality
- Record login credentials securely
- Keep development notes organized
- Store vendor contact information
Emergency Response Plan
- Create site recovery procedures
- Establish emergency contact chain
- Document rollback processes
- Maintain recent backups
- Test disaster recovery annually
Future-Proofing Your Website
Implement a regular testing schedule to maintain site quality and performance.
Keep detailed records of all changes and updates for troubleshooting.
Build relationships with reliable technical support resources.
Stay informed about web technology trends and security best practices.
Plan for scalability as your website grows and evolves.
FAQs
- What essential checks should be done before launching a website in 24 hours?
Check for broken links, test contact forms, verify mobile responsiveness, ensure all pages load properly, test across multiple browsers, verify SSL certificate functionality, and check website speed performance. - How do I ensure my website is mobile-responsive before launch?
Test the website on various devices and screen sizes, use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool, verify menu functionality, check image scaling, and ensure all buttons are correctly sized for touch screens. - What security measures must be implemented during a one-day website launch?
Install SSL certificate, set up firewall protection, implement strong admin passwords, secure all forms against spam, update all plugins/components, and enable backup systems. - How do I verify all forms and user interactions are working?
Test all contact forms, newsletter signups, and interactive elements with actual submissions, verify email notifications are received, and check form validation messages. - What browser compatibility tests should I perform?
Test the website in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and their mobile versions; check functionality, layout consistency, and loading times in each browser. - How can I quickly check website loading speed?
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or Pingdom to test loading times, identify bottlenecks, and optimize images and scripts for better performance. - What legal elements need to be verified before launch?
Ensure privacy policy, terms of service, cookie consent notices, and GDPR compliance elements are in place and properly linked throughout the site. - How do I properly test the site’s navigation and structure?
Click through all menu items, verify breadcrumbs work correctly, check internal links, ensure 404 page functions, and confirm site hierarchy is logical and accessible. - What backup procedures should be in place before launching?
Create a full backup of both files and database, ensure backup restoration works, and maintain a copy of the previous version for emergency rollback if needed. - How do I verify SEO elements are properly implemented?
Check meta titles, descriptions, heading hierarchy, XML sitemap, robots.txt file, and ensure all pages have unique meta information.
