You buy a domain and are in the process of building your website. You are inching close to launch, but there is still a lot to be done.
We understand launching a new website is extremely stressful, even for seasoned marketers. There are so many parts to building and launching a website, and the fear that something could be wrong is very much there. What if a link is broken? The site redirects do not work? Or a word in the “Contact Us” section is misspelled?
Luckily, we have created a small website strategy checklist just for you! You may reference this during, and after your site launch to keep you on track, and on top of your website.
Still in the process of designing your website? Check out our article that discusses the importance of website design.
Is Your Site Ready to Go Live?
You are just about finished building your website. It is time to review it and decide if it is ready to go live. At this stage, you should be reviewing your website under a magnifying glass. Evaluating your website front and back with an eye for extreme detail. From software to links to page content to photos, and the overall aesthetic.
Your website is your business storefront, but online. You want to make sure your website properly presents your brand to potential customers. If your website is unprofessional and your links lead nowhere – your customers will turn away and you will be wasting precious advertising dollars.
So, is your website ready for launch? Will your website help drive you to your goals? Does your website represent your company?
Here is our pre-website launch checklist:
1. Remember Your Goals
Remind yourself and your team of why you are designing this website. Then, evaluate if what you designed was successful in reaching those goals.
- Did you want to improve SEO with a more SEO friendly website?
- Increase user interaction?
- Improve sales?
- Did you want a visual refresh? A rebrand?
2. Ensure Text is Error Free
The content on your site should be error free. This includes spelling and grammar mistakes, as well as incorrect information within content.
Would you trust a company that spells every other word incorrectly?
3. Finalize Images, Videos, Graphics, etc.
Remove any leftover filler pictures. Add professional company and product photos or videos. Ensure graphics are of high quality and look cohesive on the page.
4. Check Website Organization
Your website should be organized and easy for users to navigate. In two clicks, customers should find what they are looking for. Use general tabs like “Shop” or “About Us”, etc.
5. Ensure Website is Aesthetically Pleasing
Your website should be a professional representation of your brand.
Ensure each page is organized. Headers, lists and paragraphs should be clean and concise. Additionally, each page should be minimal and symmetrical – a balance of images, words and empty space. This ensures the page is easy to read and navigate.
Furthermore, check to make sure your brand colors and logo are featured throughout the site. And that the site has a constant theme of colors that match your logo.
6. Ensure Rights are Properly Licensed
If your website is using images that are not yours, double check that any images, graphics, etc. are properly licensed and/or cited.
7.Test Websites Functionality
Do a full run through of the performance of your site.
- Is the website compatible across different browsers? Different devices?
- Do all links work correctly?
- How is the speed of the website?
- Overall, how is the user experience?
8. Create a Backup Strategy
This is scary to think of – but it has to happen. Come up with a backup plan for your site. Set up site security and backup your site. This can prevent the loss of data and other damages.
9. Protect Your Passwords
When the time comes to launch, consider changing passwords and creating new secure ones. Make sure there is only a small number of people with access to the site. Also, consider implementing two factor authentication
10. Conduct a Stress Test
A stress test is used to determine the stability of your website. It determines how your website runs under different circumstances and pinpoints any weak areas on the site.
The Bottom Line
We understand every company has different needs and goals for their website. Treat this article as suggestions as you build and launch yours.
The purpose of a website is to help build your company. If your website has broken links, is unprofessional looking and cannot collect data, it is not helping you. With our checklist, you can polish your website to both serve your business needs and present your company in a positive light.
We believe in what a domain name and a great website can do for your business:
- Sets a strong first impression
- Builds business credibility
- Improves SEO strategy
- Builds trust with your target market
- Makes you stand out among competitors
- Aids with business branding
- Helps with marketability
- Makes you look more professional
Interested in Buying a Domain Name?
A domain name is essentially your street address, but online. It is how new and returning customers will find you. The easier it is to find you, the more likely customers are to return to your site.
Our team of domain brokers have years of experience in the industry. Our domain brokers are experts in domain acquisition, appraisal, branding, brand protection, portfolio management services and more. We pride ourselves in our transparency and passion to help you reach your goals. Additionally, we handle the nitty-gritty work for you.
Our mission is to help you be seen online. If you are interested in speaking with an expert from our domain brokerage service about buying a domain, please contact us for a free consultation.
