Let’s face it, there are so many bells and whistles you can include in your website. But the truth of the matter is – you don’t need them all. In fact, statistics actually say that less really IS more! Now now now, hear me clearly, let’s not confuse the word LESS with BORING. We want our branding and design to stand out amongst the competition – that’s a non-negotiable!

Launching your website can be scary. Mistakes happen, typos make you human, and sometimes technology just isn’t on our side. For those reasons and more it’s helpful for you to follow a website launch checklist just in case! Cover your back! We all could use some extra support, right?

From an aesthetically pleasing design to ensuring good user experience and optimizing mobile performance, take a look at our website launch checklist, including essential things to do before, during and after publishing your website.

BEFORE – WEBSITE LAUNCH CHECKLIST

Before you even think about launching a website you’ll need to get some information in order. Getting things done first will ensure you’re on the right track for launching your new website

1. Determine the purpose of the website: You need to have a clear understanding of what the website is meant to achieve, what it will be used for, and who the target audience is.
2. Choose a domain name and corresponding email address: A domain name is the address people will use to access your website. We personally use Godaddy to buy all of our domains and email addresses.
3. Select a hosting platform: A website hosting platform will store the website on its server and make it accessible to the public. From Showit to Shopify there are so many great options. Choose the platform that best fits your current business model.
4. Plan the website structure: Determine the layout of the website and map out general content pages that are needed. Try to think of this as a consumer, what flow of information will best help your ideal client.
5. Visuals: You need photos and videos that align with your brand identity before you can start designing your website. This is the time to gather and organize the content you have or book the session and hire a professional brand photographer.

DURING – WEBSITE LAUNCH CHECKLIST

Start talking about your new website on all your platforms. Spark interest and let your current audience get a inside look at what you’re working on. Here is a Website Launch Checklist for what to do DURING your launch.

1. Write strategic copy: What is a website with words? You need the content on your site to captivate your ideal audience and convert them into paying customers. Remember you are not the hero! You are the guide helping your client become their own hero.
2. Design Time: Work with a designer, purchase a template or start to DIY: You’re ready to get to the fun part, it’s design time! Whether you want to work with a professional, buy a template, or DIY, your goal should remain the same. The site’s purpose is to attract your dream clients and help do the selling for you
3. Design the website: Choose a design that aligns well with your current social media presence. The design should be visually appealing and easy to navigate. Focus on consistency! You don’t want to look like a different person on multiple platforms.
4. Call To Action: Ensure your dream clients know what to do when they get to your site. Call-To-Actions are generally in the form of a clickable button or text with short phrases like “book now” or “click here” Make sure you have multiple CTA’s appropriately placed throughout the site pages.
5. Add an email sign up form: Embed your email marketing platforms pop up on your home page! We recomend setting it up to pop up when a user has scrolled about 50% through your homepage. We use Flodesk for our website and love all the templates they offer.
6. SEO: Search Engine Optimization! This is how you can help your business stand out and rank on Google’s search engine pages. If you’re using Showit.co like we do, there are clear spots that let you input keywords, phrases, and image tags to help with this.
7. Check all your content: You want to do a deep a thorough exam of your entire site. Click all the buttons, test all the links, and make sure you socials are easy to find. Take your time with this step and even ask a friend to help! Sometimes our eyes miss things that new eyes catch right away.

AFTER – WEBSITE LAUNCH CHECKLIST

You’ve checked and triple checked and your site is now LIVE. What now? You want people to view the site so you need to bring the traffic to it. Here is a Website Launch Checklist for what to do AFTER your launch.

1. Write a Blog: Blogging has the longest shelf life for you content. You can also optimize your blog and pack it with tons of keywords and phrases that will help you rank on google search pages. Get strategic with this step. What are the questions that your ideal clients are asking google? That should be where you focus your energy with your blog posts.
2. Social Media: Use all of your social media platforms to promote your new website and reach a wider audience. Share links, engage with followers, search our competitor pages to target more potential visitors.
3. Email Marketing: Building and nurturing your email list is always a good idea. You can start by offering a freebie, creating a quiz, send out regular newsletters and updates. Keep your business at the front of your audience’s mind and drive traffic back to your website.
4. Influencer Marketing: Work with influencers who align with your brands vision. This method can be costly but if paired correctly has a great ROI. Influencer Marketing is one of the quickest ways to reach a new audience and drive traffic to your website.
5. Analyze and Adjust: You’re not going to nail it on the first try, well maybe you will but don’t get discouraged if you don’t. Use website analytics tools to track your website traffic and make adjustments where you see fit. Continue to grow and optimize your site for better results.

Feeling stuck? We can help.

Every business deserves a website that they can be proud of. Bold and Beautiful design paired with strategy can be just the thing that takes your business to the next level. Explore our services page and book a consultation call to get started.