The Website Launch Checklist: 10 Things to Check Before Going Live

Before announcing your new website, a quick systematic check catches the most common embarrassing mistakes.

The checklist

1. Test all links — make sure none lead to broken or placeholder pages.
2. Check mobile responsiveness — view the site on an actual phone, not just by resizing a browser.
3. Confirm SSL is active — your domain should load with "https" and no security warnings.
4. Proofread all visible text — typos are one of the most common pre-launch oversights.
5. Test contact forms — submit a real test message to confirm it actually arrives.
6. Check page load speed — use a free online speed testing tool.
7. Set up basic analytics — so you can see traffic from day one rather than starting blind.
8. Add a favicon — the small icon shown in browser tabs, easy to forget.
9. Confirm backups are enabled — so you have a safety net from launch day onward.
10. Remove any "test" or placeholder content — including default theme demo text or images.