Ready, Set, Launch!: Things to Check Before Launching the Website

Whew! Your website project is reaching its finish line. One of the key Utah web design principles before you go live and launch the website into the World Wide Web is to check, check and recheck to see that everything is in working order. It is better to catch any errors in your website rather than going live and have someone else see what you have missed out.

Here are some things you can look into before your website launch:

• Check website content. Aside from proofreading the content and ensuring that they are free from grammar and spelling mistakes, you need to check for:
  • Large blocks of text should be broken into shorter and more readable paragraphs.
  • Check that the headings are correctly in place.
  • Video, images and audio files. Check that these are placed, formatted and displayed correctly.
  • Downloadable content. These should be in the right folders so that there are no errors when a user downloads them.
  • Contact details. Check that the contact details are present and accurate.
  • Check that the footer holds the correct copyright date and that all related rights to fonts, images and other content are duly cited or hold a license.
• Compatibility and responsiveness. Check to see that the website correctly loads and displays the layout for different browsers, especially the popular ones. Also, check to see how responsive the site is when it is accessed by different devices (i.e. desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet).
• Does everything work? Does every button do what it is supposed to do? Here are some more items you need to look into:
  • Click on all the links to check that they are working and whether they enable easier navigation.
  • How well do the forms work? Do you have a process that ensures that all accomplished forms are recorded and sent to the right team in your company? Do you have a response note that is sent to the user when he finishes a form so that he knows that his form application was duly received?
  • Integration for social media. Do you have social media icons placed in strategic pages? Do you have the correct linkages and social plugins?
  • Other functionality elements. Some more areas to look into include log-ins, search functions and the shopping basked.
  • Site speed. Check all your pages and their load times.
  • Traffic loads. How well can your website handle heavy traffic?
• Search Engine Optimization. Ensure that your website is easier to find through correct implementation of Utah SEO Check the following:
  • Title tags and metadata. Make sure that each web page has unique title tags and meta descriptions. The meta data should also be in appropriate positions to be useful for social media sharing content and RSS feeds.
  • Do you use keywords? How is your page’s keyword density?
  • All images should have alt tags.
  • Dynamic XMP sitemap. Check that you have on and that these are duly submitted to the search engines. Although this is now automated, it can be helpful to take note of this prior to your website launch.
• You can capture valuable information through your website data and analytics. Check for:
  • Check that analytic codes are embedded on the pages.
  • Sync to analytics accounts. Where applicable, check that analytic tools and accounts are properl synced to that you can automate your tracking.
• How easy can the website be maintained? The correct initial set-up can help forestall errors in network administration.
  • Backup system. Do you have a plan and backup system, in case there are problems with the server? Does this system work?
  • Website defenses. How strong is your website defense against potential threats such as hacking and viruses?
  • Protected pages. Do you have pages that require log-ins for access? Make sure that these pages are properly protected. The passwords and related credentials should also be properly stored in a database that is adequately secured.
  • Does the website comply with the government’s and the international community’s internet laws?