Strong content makes launch day smooth. Use this checklist to gather, structure, and quality-check everything before your site goes live. You will cover pages, SEO, images, accessibility, legal notes, and tracking in a calm, organised way.
1) Map your pages and purpose
- Site map: list every page you plan to launch, grouped by section.
- Goal per page: one clear action, for example call, book, buy, or read next.
- Owner: who writes, who approves, who updates after launch.
2) Create page briefs before you write
- Audience: who the page serves and what they want.
- Key message: one or two lines that must be understood.
- Outline: H2 and H3 headings, bullets for each section.
- CTA: primary and secondary actions.
3) Write clear, tight copy
- Short sentences, active voice, plain English.
- Front-load important information in the first 2–3 lines.
- Use headings and short paragraphs for scanning.
- Add FAQs where people often hesitate.
4) Prepare on-page SEO the sensible way
- Primary keyword: one per page, placed in the H1 and opening paragraph where natural.
- Title tag: ≈55–60 characters, reads like a normal sentence.
- Meta description: ≈150–160 characters with a benefit and CTA.
- Slug: short, hyphenated, all lower case.
- Internal links: 2–4 helpful links using descriptive anchor text.
- Schema (optional): add LocalBusiness, Product, or FAQ if relevant.
5) Get images and media launch-ready
- Ownership: confirm rights or licences. Avoid uncredited stock.
- Dimensions: supply hero, banner, and card sizes as your theme requires.
- Compression: export WebP or optimised JPG/PNG. Keep file sizes lean.
- Alt text: describe the image purpose, not just “image1”.
- Captions: add where they aid understanding.
6) Accessibility checks while you draft
- Headings in logical order. One H1 per page.
- Links that make sense out of context, for example “View pricing”, not “Click here”.
- Colour contrast that passes WCAG AA. Avoid text baked into images.
- Transcripts or captions for video and audio.
7) Trust, legal, and compliance
- Policies: privacy, cookies, terms, returns, delivery, accessibility statement.
- Company info: registered name, address, company number, VAT if applicable.
- Consent: cookie banner with a clear choice. Keep policy links in the footer.
- Claims: keep evidence for awards, stats, or testimonials.
8) Conversion basics
- Primary CTA on every key page above the fold and repeated at the end.
- Short forms. Ask only for what you will use.
- Social proof near CTAs, for example reviews, logos, or a short case study.
- Contact details in the header and footer. Add a click-to-call button on mobile.
9) Redirects and content migration
- Export old URLs. Map each to its new home with 301 redirects.
- Avoid redirect chains. Old → New once.
- Preserve top-performing pages. Do not delete without a plan.
10) Analytics and tracking
- Install GA4 and confirm Real-time data.
- Set key conversions, for example lead form submit or purchase.
- Use UTM tags on launch emails and social posts.
- Connect Search Console and submit your XML sitemap.
11) Pre-launch QA checklist
- Spelling and grammar pass across all pages.
- Links, forms, and buttons tested on mobile and desktop.
- Meta titles and descriptions present and unique.
- Open Graph and social share images set on key pages.
- 404 page helpful, with links to top sections.
- Page speed checked on mobile for key templates.
12) Launch day plan
- Deploy redirects and clear caches.
- Fetch and submit key URLs in Search Console.
- Spot-check top pages on live. Fix any broken assets.
- Announce with a short, trackable post and email. Watch Real-time.
Content handover and upkeep
- Document naming, tone, and style rules in a short guide.
- List page owners and review dates. Aim to review core pages quarterly.
- Keep a change log for important edits.
Quick templates
Page title formula
Service or product | Benefit in plain English | Brand
Meta description formula
What you offer + who it’s for + a simple next step, ≈150–160 characters.
CTA examples
- Call us on 01234 567 890
- Book a free 15-minute chat
- See pricing and packages
Summary
Plan pages, write to clear briefs, and prepare assets with SEO and accessibility in mind. Line up redirects, tracking, and a simple QA pass. Do this, and launch day becomes a tidy publish, not a scramble.
