A practical checklist before you launch a website

Launching is easier when you have checked the boring things first. Work through these before you announce anything.

1. Test on a real phone. Look for text that is too small, buttons that are hard to tap and content that scrolls sideways.
2. Use HTTPS. Visitors should never see a security warning, and every address should redirect to the secure version.
3. Give every page its own title and description. They are the first thing people see in search results.
4. Submit every form yourself. Confirm the message actually arrives, and that visitors are told honestly what happened.
5. Click every link. Add a helpful 404 page for the ones you miss.
6. Check the basics of accessibility. Add alt text to images, keep contrast readable and make sure the site works with a keyboard.
7. Compress images. Large photos are the most common reason a site feels slow.
8. Know who holds the keys. Domain, hosting and email logins should belong to the site owner, with a backup you have tested.

Related: HTML basics and cybersecurity fundamentals.