Website Launch Checklist - Part 1/3

Essential things to do before starting

Creating a website from scratch can be a thrilling challenge, and launching it is exciting.

We understand that it is easy to become overwhelmed by the numerous tasks involved in website creation; therefore, we have created a checklist to assist you.

Unfortunately, unfinished tasks are often those that we do not enjoy and have the most significant impact on the final product.

Seeing our website live is a gratifying experience. This is the result of meticulous strategic planning and design.

It is essential to ensure that your website is nearly perfect when you click the Publish button.

We believe that having a "tool" to guide us through the website creation process makes it easier to adhere to our initial timeline and budget.

This checklist was used in all our projects.

Therefore, we delved into our Launch Checklist website in greater detail.

Website Launch Checklist (part one)

Essential Things to Do Before Start

Table of contents

Research competition and trends in your industry

Register the domain name

Identify your goals and create an action plan

Set a publication date

Choosing a website builder and host platform

Define a layout for the website

Create the website pages

Optimize photos

Include your logo and link to the homepage

Organize strategic CTAs

Add an email registration form

Prepare your website design for mobile devices

Customize 404 pages

Write a privacy policy

Research competition and trends in your industry

Doing a site review within your industry will help you discover the visual and technical assets that will take your design to the next level, making this task worthwhile.

We investigated what web design trends are coming into the scene. Keeping up with trends in the web design world will give you new ideas, and adding these resources to your website will make a great impression on your visitors.

It is equally important to ensure that the design is unique.

Giving the target audience a new and better experience than competitors should be a priority.

Register the website domain name

This step can be done later, but we think that the website domain represents the brand. This is similar to your business online address. Therefore, the sooner you secure the domain name that best suits your business, the better.

Your website will surely stand out professionally, not to mention it will help users find it.

You can look up domain names on registrars such as one.com or godaddy.com.

Identify your goals and create an action plan

To effectively launch a website, it is fundamental to grasp its objectives, which will naturally prompt you to consider the practical steps involved.

For example, when creating an online portfolio, the primary goal is to acquire more clients. However, for a business website, establishing an assertive online presence might top the list of objectives.

Furthermore, developing a comprehensive plan outlining the tasks to be carried out and assigning responsibilities to team members will enable them to take charge. This approach will facilitate the effective management and monitoring of progress.

As you advance through your action plan, new items and tasks will continuously be incorporated, accompanied by relevant dates and notes. Inevitably, specific tasks will have to be delegated to other team members.

We firmly believe that our checklist serves as an excellent starting point and offers comprehensive guidance throughout the entire process. This will undoubtedly assist in achieving your goals efficiently.

Set a publication date

After creating and reviewing your action plan, the next step is to set a publication date for your website.

Ideally, a deadline should be assigned for each task in the action plan, even before entering the creation or development process.

This will give you an idea of how much time you will need to develop your project, allowing you to adjust the tasks and times for each.

Do not forget to allocate time for various tests on the website.

Choosing a website builder and host platform

There are a wide variety of platforms on the market that are suitable for users with diverse backgrounds, from beginners who have never created a website before professional designers.

Finding the best platform for your personal and professional needs is essential, as it will be a choice that will last a long time.

Many website-building platforms include free web hosting, daily backups, automatic configurations, and security monitoring.

The backup and site history were significant factors.

The chosen platform must have a regular backup policy and allow access to the history of site changes. Thus, we have ensured your work in case of error.

HTTPS protocol is one of the most crucial features a website builder must include, conveys security to users of your website. Otherwise, users receive a warning that the website is not secure.

There is a lot to choose from; for example:

Wix;

Shopify;

Webflow;

Etc.

Define the website layout

Craft an Engaging and Effective Website Layout for Your Small Business

This crucial step determines how visual elements are strategically positioned on each page, thereby creating a seamless user experience.

Finding the optimal website layout for your design involves considering several key factors, ensuring that your website aligns with your goals, effectively communicates your message, and showcases your content.

First, the goals that you want to achieve are identified through your website. Whether it is driving sales, increasing brand awareness, or providing valuable information, a well-crafted layout supports these objectives.

Next, carefully consider the message you want to convey. Your layout should reflect the tone and personality of your brand, captivating visitors and leaving a lasting impression.

Moreover, the type of content you plan to showcase plays a vital role in determining an ideal layout. Whether articles, images, videos, or a combination of various media are presented, the website layout should emphasise content accessibility and highlight its unique value.

A winning website layout creates a perfect balance between user-friendliness and adaptability to ever-evolving trends and technologies. Prioritise an intuitive design that allows visitors to navigate your site effortlessly, keeping them engaged and eager to return.

Additionally, adaptability ensures that a website remains visually appealing and up-to-date, even as time progresses. Embrace layouts that can seamlessly integrate future enhancements, keeping online presence fresh and relevant.

Fortunately, numerous website builders and hosting platforms provide a wide range of templates, simplifying the determination of an ideal layout for a project. These templates offer predesigned structures, and the components can be easily customised to suit the requirements.

Do not underestimate the power of an intelligently crafted website layout. It is the foundation for a successful online venture, driving user engagement and helping you achieve your business objectives.

Take the first step towards an extraordinary online presence by selecting a layout that captures the essence of a brand and delivers an unforgettable user experience.

Create the website pages

Create Compelling Web Pages That Capture Your Brand's Essence

Once you have established the foundational visual guidelines for your website, it is time to dive into the exciting process of crafting captivating webpages that engage and convert visitors into loyal customers.

The number of pages required depends on the nature of the website. To help you get started, there are some essential web pages to consider.

Home Page

As the virtual front door to your business, your homepage should make a powerful first impression. Embracing a clean and tidied layout complemented by high-quality images that reflect the brand's personality. Creating an attractive design that instantly captivates visitors and encourages them to explore further.

About Us Page

The About Us page offers a valuable opportunity to showcase a brand's unique story. Share compelling details about the brand's history, vision, values, methodologies, and significant milestones. Give visitors insight into what sets your business apart and establishes a unique sense of trust and authenticity.

Contact Page

Make it effortless for visitors to reach out by including the essential contact information. Ensure your contact page has a WhatsApp button, a Live Chat feature for instant communication, your phone number, postal address, business email address, and links to your social media account. By facilitating effortless communication, customer engagement can be strengthened and meaningful connections can be fostered.

Products and Services Page

Present your offerings compellingly on the Products and Services page. Highlights the unique value and benefits of what you do or sell, enticing customers to complete a purchase or engage further. Use persuasive language, vivid imagery, and clear calls for action to drive conversions and retain satisfied customers.

As you create each webpage, be aware of the importance of search engine optimisation (SEO). Incorporating relevant keywords and phrases throughout the content ensures that the website ranks well in search engine results and attracts organic traffic.

Recall that each web page serves as a valuable touchpoint for potential customers, providing crucial information and an immersive experience that embodies the essence of the brand. Thus, investing time and creativity in creating pages has a lasting impact and drives small businesses towards success.

Start building your remarkable online presence today by curating webpages that resonate with your target audience.

Optimize photos

Enhance Your Website with Optimized Photos and Strategic Logo Placement

Captivating visuals plays a crucial role in creating engaging website experiences. To ensure that your images align seamlessly with your website's theme, goals, and layout, follow expert tips:

Quality is important when it comes to images. Select high-quality visuals that resonate with the brand and evoke desired emotions. However, it is mindful of file size, as larger images can increase the website's loading speed. Optimise your photos by resizing them to the appropriate resolution for display and balancing visual appeal with optimal performance.

Include Your Logo and Link to the Homepage

Strategically, position your logo at the top of your site, ensuring that it is visible to all visitors. But do not stop there - ensure your logo is linked to the homepage. This savvy move enables users to navigate back to the main page effortlessly, enhancing user experience and facilitating seamless exploration of the website.

Set up Your Logo as a Favicon

Take your brand identity further by using your logo as a Favicon. A Favicon is a small icon that appears in the browser tab, reinforcing brand presence while users browse the internet. This simple, yet effective, detail enhances brand recognition and differentiates it from competition.

Recall that optimising your visuals and strategically placing your logo are essential elements of a successful website. This creates a visually appealing and cohesive online presence that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Additionally, search engine optimisation (SEO) is important when naming image files. Use relevant keywords for the content and optimise alt tags to improve discoverability and boost the website's visibility in search engine results.

Craft an outstanding website that captivates the audience by leveraging optimised photos and strategic logo placement. Embracing these practices to establish a strong brand identity and deliver an immersive user experience.

Organize strategic CTAs

Drive User Engagement with Strategic Call-to-Action (CTA) Placement

A well-designed website should strategically place Calls to Action (CTAs) that encourage visitors to take specific actions aligned with your business goals. These vital elements serve as prompts that urge visitors to engage further and turn them into valuable customers. Let us explore how CTAs can be optimised for maximum impact:

Identify Your Goals

Before crafting your CTAs, clearly defined your goals. Are you aiming to generate phone or video calls, increase newsletter subscriptions, or drive product or service purchases? Knowing your objectives will help you create compelling CTAs that guide visitors towards desired actions.

Create Compelling Key Messages

Craft concise and actionable messages for CTAs. Use keywords and powerful words that resonate with the target audience. Examples include "Sign Up Now," "Get Started Today," or "Click Here for Exclusive Offers." Ensure that your CTAs delivers a clear message, instilling a sense of urgency and compelling visitors to take immediate action.

Design of the Engaging Buttons

Visually appealing and clickable buttons enhance the visibility of CTAs. Use contrasting colours that grab attention while aligning with the brand's aesthetics. Choose font styles and sizes that are easy to read, ensuring that your CTAs remain on the page. Remember to optimise the button text for SEO by incorporating relevant keywords.

Strategic Placement

Strategically position your CTAs on your website, considering the visitor journey and content relevance. Insert them on your home page, product pages, and engaging blog posts. The aim is to balance accessibility and avoid overwhelming users. The goal is to seamlessly guide visitors towards the desired action without distractions.

A/B Testing:

Test with different variations of your CTAs to identify what resonates most with the audience. Conduct A/B tests by comparing diverse texts, colours, button sizes, or placements to optimise the conversion rates. Continuously monitor and refine your CTAs based on user behaviour and data insights to improve their effectiveness over time.

CTAs are the driving forces behind user engagement and conversion on a website. By implementing well-crafted and strategically placed CTAs, visitors can be inspired to take meaningful actions that benefit your business and their needs.

Unlock the potential of your website by leveraging the power of CTAs. Engage your audience, drive conversions, and propel your small business towards success.

Add an email registration form

Harness the Power of Email Marketing with an Engaging Registration Form

Incorporating registration forms into web design is a crucial step towards growing the audience and leveraging the benefits of email marketing. Whether you aim to stay connected to customers or nurture leads, an email signup form is a valuable tool for small businesses. Let us explore how to optimise this process.

Early Implementation

Creating a registration form for your newsletter right from the start of your project is fundamental to maximise the potential of email marketing. Capturing email addresses early helps build a loyal subscriber base that can nurture and engage with over time.

Placement and Visibility

Strategically position your email registration form in a prominent location on the website to maximise visibility. Consider placing it on your homepage, sidebar, or the end of relevant blog posts. Make sure it stands out visually, using contrasting colours and eye-catching design elements that align with brand identity.

Compelling Call-to-Action

Motivate visitors to subscribe by crafting a compelling call-to-action (CTA). Use persuasive language highlighting the value they will receive by joining your newsletter, such as "Get exclusive offers" or "Stay up-to-date with industry insights." Consider offering an incentive, such as a free guide or discount, to encourage signup.

Simplify the Form

Keep the registration form simple and user friendly. Requests only essential information, such as name and email address, to reduce friction and increase conversion rates. Consider using single-field forms or providing social media login options for seamless registration.

Privacy and Compliance

Reassure visitors about data privacy and compliance by including a clear privacy policy statement near the registration form. Assure that information is handled securely and comply with applicable data protection regulations.

Integration and Automation

Integrate your registration form with an email marketing service provider or customer relationship management (CRM) system to automate the process. This streamlines data collection and ensures seamless communication with subscribers.

By incorporating an email registration form into your web design, you can unlock the power of email marketing to nurture relationships, drive conversions, and foster long-term customer loyalty.

Start building your subscriber base today and unlock the potential of email marketing for your business. Craft an engaging registration form that encourages visitors to join the newsletter.

Prepare your website design for mobile devices

Optimize Your Website Design for Mobile Devices and Captivate Smartphone Users

As mobile Internet usage continues to soar, small businesses must prioritise delivering an exceptional web experience to smartphone users. With mobile devices contributing significantly to global Internet traffic, ensuring that a website is mobile-friendly is essential. These steps are followed to prepare the website design for mobile devices.

Embrace Responsive Design

To provide an optimal experience across different screen sizes, responsive design should be prioritised. This approach allows a website to adapt seamlessly to various devices, including smartphones and tablets. A responsive design ensures that the content remains visually appealing, easy to navigate, and accessible to users regardless of the device.

Mobile-First Mindset

Adopting a mobile-first mindset when designing a website. Start by envisioning how your site will appear on smaller screens, and then expand its functionality and layout for larger devices. By prioritising the mobile experience, ensure that your website is user-friendly and visually appealing to smartphones.

Streamlined Navigation

Simplifying navigation for mobile users by creating a clear and intuitive menu structure. Opt for a streamlined navigation menu that collapses into a hamburger icon on smaller screens. This approach saves valuable screen space and enhances the user experience, allowing visitors to easily explore their site's content.

Optimized Content

Ensure that your website content is optimised for mobile viewing. Keep paragraphs concise and break up the text with headings, subheadings, and bullet points to enrich readability. Compress the images without compromising quality to minimise page loading times. Optimised content ensures a smooth and engaging experience for mobile users.

Test and Preview

Before launching the website, we thoroughly tested its mobile compatibility. Use mobile preview tools or access the site on various smartphones to assess responsiveness, layout, and overall performance. Enhance details such as font size, image alignment, and button size to ensure a visually appealing and user-friendly mobile experience.

Speed and Performance

Mobile users expect fast-loading websites. Compress the images, minimise the use of scripts, and optimise the code to improve the loading times. Mobile-friendly sites that are loaded quickly help retain visitors and reduce bounce rates, contributing to a positive user experience and improved SEO rankings.

By prioritising mobile-friendly design, there is the potential to engage smartphone users, increase conversions, and stay ahead of the competition in the mobile-driven digital landscape.

Ensure that your website captivates users on all devices. Embrace-responsive design, streamlined navigation, optimised content, and prioritised speed to create a seamless and visually captivating mobile experience. Thrive in the mobile era and connect with the audience wherever they are.

Customize 404 pages

Create Engaging and User-Friendly Custom 404 Pages for Your Website

Do not let unpersonalised error pages leave a negative impression on visitors. Instead, seize the opportunity to turn these pages into valuable engagement opportunities by customising them to reflect on the brand and guide users to your website. Let us explore how to optimise your 404 error pages.

Personalize Your Error Pages

Inject your brand's personality and visual elements into 404 pages. Use consistent branding elements such as logos, colour schemes, and typography to create a cohesive experience. This customisation showcases your professionalism and ensures that visitors feel connected to your brand, even in moments of error.

Provide Helpful Navigation Links

When visitors encounter an 404 error, it is essential to provide clear navigation options that redirect them back to the relevant areas of the website. Include links to your homepage, popular pages, or relevant categories to guide users towards valuable content.

By doing so, you not only keep visitors engaged, but also prevent them from leaving your site out of frustration.

Add a Search Bar

Consider integrating a search bar on the 404 error page. This allows users to search for the content they are initially seeking. By providing this functionality, you can enhance the user experience and increase the chances of users finding what they need on your website.

Inject Humor or Creativity

Touching humour or creativity can help alleviate the frustration of reaching a 404 error. Consider adding a witty or light-hearted message to your error page to make the experience more enjoyable for users. However, ensuring that the tone aligns with the brand's identity remains professional.

Monitor and Analyze

Track the frequency of 404 errors on your website using analytics tools. Identify any recurring issues and take proactive measures to fix broken links or incorrect URLs. Regularly review and update your 404 error pages to ensure that they are relevant and effective in guiding users back to valuable content.

By customising your 404 error pages, you can transform what could be a negative experience into an opportunity to engage visitors further.

Helpful navigation links and search functions can maintain visitors' interests and lead them back on track.

Create a seamless and user-friendly website experience by optimising 404 error pages. Convert moments of error into moments of opportunity, delighting visitors, and showcasing your commitment to an exceptional user experience.

Make every interaction count by customising 404 pages and turning errors into opportunities for engagement and growth.

Write a privacy policy

Craft a Comprehensive Privacy Policy to Safeguard Your Customers and Comply with Legal Standards

In the digital age, a well-written privacy policy is vital for instilling trust in website visitors and demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding sensitive information. As small business owners, it is essential to create a privacy policy that aligns with legal requirements and ensures customer safety. These guidelines were followed to create an adequate privacy policy.

Communicate Data Practices

Your privacy policy should clearly outline the types of information collected from visitors, such as names, email addresses, or payment details. Describe how you obtain this data, whether through user input, cookies, or other means. Be transparent about the purpose of data collection and how to use it to enhance the customer experience.

Address Data Protection Measures

Assure your customers that their data are secured by explaining the security measures implemented to protect their information. Mention encryption protocols, secure servers, and other steps to prevent unauthorised access, data breaches, or data misuse.

Inform About Third-Party Sharing

If you share customer data with third parties, disclose this information in your privacy policy. Be clear about the reasons for sharing and the identities of the third parties involved. Assure your customers that you only share information with trustworthy partners who adhere to strict data-protection standards.

Provide Opt-Out Options

Provide users the freedom to opt out of certain data collection practices or marketing communications. This clearly explains how they can exercise these options either through account settings or through direct contact with the support team.

Stay Compliant with Legal Requirements

Familiarise oneself with relevant data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States. Ensure that your privacy policy meets legal standards and requirements.

Make It Easily Accessible

Add a link to your privacy policy in a visible location on your website, such as the footer or the navigation menu, and ensure that visitors can access it easily from any page to foster transparency and trust.

Regular Updates

Your privacy policy should be a living document that evolves with your business and any changes in data practice. Regularly review and update policies to reflect new developments and ensure that they remain accurate and compliant.

By crafting a comprehensive privacy policy, you can demonstrate your dedication to protecting your customers' data and building a trustworthy relationship with the audience. Take the necessary steps to meet legal requirements, prioritise data security, and assure customers that their privacy is a top priority for your business.

Congratulations on completing the first part of our three-part journey! Exciting times lie ahead, and thus stay tuned for the remaining two phases.

Before building your website, let us ensure that you are all set with our comprehensive checklist. Having a clear goal on your website is the foundation for success. Next, choose the perfect platform and design template that aligns with your vision.

User experience is paramount, so keeping your site easy to navigate ensures that visitors find what they need effortlessly. Populate your website with valuable and engaging content that resonates with your target audience, showcasing your expertise and unique offerings.

Tracking a website's performance is essential for continuous improvement. Utilise the right tools to measure its success and identify areas where user experience can be further enhanced.

Now that you have meticulously prepared your website, it is time to launch! Go ahead and make your online presence known to the world.

Our Blog page is a treasure trove of helpful tips for designing and building a perfect website. Explore it regularly for insights and inspiration to take online ventures to new heights.

Stay determined, stay-focused, and together, we created a website that shines in the digital landscape. Let us embark on this exciting journey, where success awaits you!

* Download the complete Checklist here.