Website Launch Checklist: Pre-Launch Tips for Small Business Websites

Launching your website is an exciting achievement and also a big responsibility. If you want your site to make a strong impression and drive traffic, a checklist is your best friend. Here's a step-by-step “website launch checklist” to help small business owners go live with confidence and get found online.

1. Domain & Hosting Setup

Secure your domain name and connect it to your hosting plan. If you're using builders like Wix, make sure to have a plan that enables domain connection and removes ads. This step ensures your site looks professional and performs well from the start.

2. Mobile Optimisation

With over 65% of searches happening on mobile, your site must be responsive. Make sure every page, image, and button loads flawlessly on phones and tablets (Analytics Beyond, 2025).

3. Site Navigation & Structure

Visitors should immediately know where to click. Keep your main menu concise (no more than 5–6 items), and ensure your pages like Home, About, Services/Shop, and Contact are easy to find.

4. On-Brand Design Consistency

A cohesive brand look builds trust. Your fonts, colours, images, and layouts should tell a consistent story that aligns with your business identity.

5. Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs)

Every page needs a purpose. Whether it’s “Buy Now,” “Book a Call,” or “Request a Quote,” make sure your visitor knows exactly what to do next.

6. Keyword Strategy & On-Page SEO

Choose keywords that align with what your audience actually types into Google like “website launch checklist,” “ready-to-launch website tips,” or long-tail phrases such as “website checklist for small business owner.” Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to research relevant terms.

7. Proofread & Polish

Typos and awkward phrasing can hurt your credibility. Read every button, heading, and description carefully (ideally out loud) and consider using tools like Grammarly to help.

8. Testing & Functionality Checks

Before launch, test your entire site as if you were a customer:

• Click every link and form

• Run through purchases or bookings

• Ensure forms submit correctly

• Fix broken links or images

9. Launch & Marketing Setup

Set up Google Analytics and Search Console to monitor traffic and performance. Submit your sitemap and ensure search engines can index your pages properly.

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