What Should Be Checked Immediately After Launching a New Website?

14 Sep What Should Be Checked Immediately After Launching a New Website?

Introduction

Launching a new website is a significant milestone for any business owner or company. However, the work does not stop at going live. Several crucial checks need to be performed immediately after launch to ensure your website functions properly, provides a good user experience, and is optimised for search engines. This article outlines what should be checked right after launching your website and offers practical guidance to avoid common pitfalls.

1. Verify Website Functionality

Ensuring all features and elements of your website work correctly is the first priority. This helps prevent visitor frustration and potential loss of business.

• Navigation: Test all menus, links, and buttons across the site to confirm they direct to the correct pages.
• Contact Forms: Submit test inquiries to check that messages are sent and received properly.
• Interactive Elements: Confirm that sliders, pop-ups, accordions, and other interactive features function as intended.
• Cross-Browser Compatibility: Test on popular browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari) and devices to ensure consistent appearance and functionality.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Check that the website layout adapts and looks good on smartphones and tablets.

2. Check Technical SEO Setup

Search engine optimisation begins with technical precision. Correct SEO configuration helps search engines crawl and index your website effectively.

• Robots.txt and Meta Tags: Ensure no critical pages are accidentally blocked by robots.txt or noindex meta tags.
• XML Sitemap: Submit your XML sitemap to Google Search Console, and confirm it lists the correct URLs.
• Canonical Tags: Verify canonical tags are correctly set to prevent duplicate content issues.
• URL Structure: Check that URLs are clean, descriptive, and as planned.
• Redirects: Confirm any old URLs redirect properly to new ones to preserve SEO value.

3. Implement and Test Security Measures

Security is essential both to protect your website and build visitor trust.

• SSL Certificate: Confirm HTTPS is active across all pages without mixed content warnings.
• User Permissions: Review administrative user accounts and their access levels.
• Backup Solutions: Ensure automated backups are running correctly and stored safely off-site if possible.
• Update Management: Check all software components, including WordPress core, themes, and plugins, are updated to the latest secure versions.

4. Test Website Performance

Fast loading speeds are crucial for usability, SEO, and conversion rates.

• Page Speed: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify loading bottlenecks.
• Image Optimisation: Confirm images are optimised for web without sacrificing quality.
• Caching and CDN: Verify that caching plugins and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are configured properly.
• Hosting Environment: Monitor server response times to detect any performance issues.

5. Set Up and Verify Analytics

Data collection is key for ongoing website improvement and marketing decisions.

• Analytics Tools Installation: Ensure Google Analytics or alternative analytics tools are installed on all pages.
• Conversion Tracking: Set up goals or event tracking for key actions such as form submissions or purchases.
• Google Search Console: Confirm property ownership and monitor initial indexing status.

6. Double-Check Content and Legal Compliance

Your content must be accurate, clear, and compliant with relevant regulations.

• Proofreading: Review all website copy for spelling, grammar, and factual accuracy.
• Legal Pages: Confirm that privacy policy, terms of use, and cookie consent notices are present and correctly implemented.
• Accessibility Basics: Check that images have alt attributes and forms are usable with keyboard navigation.

Common Post-Launch Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping functional tests which leads to broken links or missing contact form notifications.
• Forgetting to remove placeholder content or demo data from the development phase.
• Using inconsistent URLs or lacking redirects after redesigns or technology changes.
• Neglecting mobile optimisation, resulting in poor user experience on handheld devices.
• Failing to configure analytics properly, causing loss of valuable visitor data.

What Influences Post-Launch Monitoring Costs?

Costs related to post-launch monitoring and maintenance vary depending on:

• Website Complexity: Larger sites or ecommerce stores need more thorough checks.
• Frequency of Updates: Sites updated regularly require continuous monitoring.
• Technical Support Level: Whether you have in-house IT or rely on external support.
• Hosting and Security Services: Managed hosting or security plans can impact ongoing expenses.

Getting Ready Before Development Starts

Proper preparation reduces post-launch issues and cost overruns.

• Define clear objectives and target audience.
• Prepare and approve quality content.
• Choose the most suitable platform (e.g., WordPress for flexibility and ease of management).
• Decide essential features and integrations upfront.
• Discuss hosting, SSL, and maintenance plans with your web provider.

Client and Web Provider Responsibilities Post-Launch

• Client: Provide timely feedback, supply updated content, and stay involved in monitoring site performance.
• Web Provider: Perform technical checks, fix issues, and provide advice on optimisation and security.

FAQs

1. How soon should I perform post-launch checks?

Perform basic checks immediately after launch, followed by ongoing monitoring during the first few weeks to catch any emerging issues.

2. Can SEO start only after content is fully published?

SEO begins with site setup and technical optimisation but requires continuous content updates and adjustments for best results.

3. What if contact form emails are not received?

Check spam folders, verify SMTP settings, and confirm server email capabilities. Working with your provider can resolve these issues.

4. How important is mobile testing post-launch?

Extremely important, as most users access websites on mobile devices. Poor mobile experience can harm engagement and rankings.

5. Should backups be configured before or after launch?

Backups should be configured well before launch to enable rollback if unforeseen issues occur.

Conclusion

Launching a website successfully requires more than just publishing it online. Performing thorough post-launch checks on functionality, SEO, security, performance, analytics, and content quality is essential for a sustainable online presence. Preparing effectively before development and understanding the respective responsibilities can save time and money. If you seek expert guidance on post-launch website audits or ongoing support, consider consulting a professional service to help keep your website running smoothly and growing.

For a professional website audit or support after your launch, you can contact Dezibel Media at +40722 501 939 or email office@dezibelmedia.ro for advice tailored to your needs.