Post-Launch Checklist: 10 Things to Do After Your Website Goes Live
Congratulations! Your website is live and ready to greet the world. But the work doesn’t stop at launch. A successful website requires ongoing attention and optimization. This post-launch checklist will guide you through the essential steps to ensure your website reaches its full potential and delivers the results you’re aiming for.
Table of Contents
- 1. Track Your Website Performance
- 2. Thoroughly Check All Functionality
- 3. Optimize for Search Engines (SEO)
- 4. Implement Security Updates and Monitoring
- 5. Regularly Update Your Content
- 6. Verify Mobile Responsiveness
- 7. Implement a Robust Backup Strategy
- 8. Collect and Analyze User Feedback
- 9. Ensure Website Accessibility
- 10. Start Marketing and Promotion
- FAQ
1. Track Your Website Performance
Install and configure website analytics tools like Google Analytics or similar solutions. Monitor key metrics such as traffic, bounce rate, time on page, and conversion rates. This data will provide valuable insights into user behavior and identify areas for improvement.
Key Metrics to Watch:
- Website Traffic
- Bounce Rate
- Conversion Rate
- Page Load Speed
2. Thoroughly Check All Functionality
Test every link, form, button, and interactive element on your website. Ensure they function correctly and lead to the intended destination. This includes testing across different browsers and devices.
Areas to Focus On:
- Contact Forms
- Subscription Forms
- E-commerce Checkout Process
- Internal and External Links
3. Optimize for Search Engines (SEO)
While you likely implemented SEO best practices during development, it’s crucial to continuously monitor and optimize your website for search engines. Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools. Track your keyword rankings and identify opportunities to improve your search visibility.
SEO Best Practices to Review:
- Keyword Research
- Meta Descriptions
- Image Alt Text
- Internal Linking
4. Implement Security Updates and Monitoring
Keep your website’s software, plugins, and themes up to date with the latest security patches. Implement security monitoring tools to detect and prevent potential threats. A vulnerable website can severely damage your reputation and expose sensitive data.
Security Measures to Consider:
- Regular Software Updates
- Firewall Implementation
- Malware Scanning
- Two-Factor Authentication
5. Regularly Update Your Content
Keep your website content fresh and relevant. Update existing content and add new content regularly to keep visitors engaged and improve your search engine rankings. “Digital transformation is not an option, it’s a necessity to stay relevant,” and content plays a vital role in that transformation.
Content Ideas:
- Blog Posts
- Case Studies
- Product Updates
- Industry News
6. Verify Mobile Responsiveness
Ensure your website is fully responsive and provides a seamless user experience on all devices, especially mobile phones and tablets. Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to identify any issues.
Testing Tools:
- Google Mobile-Friendly Test
- Browser Developer Tools
7. Implement a Robust Backup Strategy
Regularly back up your website files and database. Store backups in a secure location, preferably offsite. A reliable backup strategy is essential for disaster recovery and data protection.
Backup Frequency Recommendations:
- Daily Backups for Dynamic Websites
- Weekly Backups for Static Websites
8. Collect and Analyze User Feedback
Gather feedback from your website visitors through surveys, contact forms, and social media channels. Analyze this feedback to identify areas for improvement and enhance the user experience.
Methods for Gathering Feedback:
- Online Surveys
- Contact Forms
- Social Media Monitoring
9. Ensure Website Accessibility
Make sure your website is accessible to users with disabilities. Follow accessibility guidelines such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) to ensure everyone can access and use your website effectively.
Accessibility Considerations:
- Alternative Text for Images
- Keyboard Navigation
- Color Contrast
10. Start Marketing and Promotion
Promote your website through various marketing channels, including social media, email marketing, and search engine advertising. Drive traffic to your website and increase brand awareness.
Marketing Channels:
- Social Media Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising
FAQ
Q: How often should I update my website content?
A: The frequency of content updates depends on your industry and target audience. However, aim to update your website at least once a month to keep it fresh and relevant. Regularly updated content can also improve your search engine rankings.
Q: Why is mobile responsiveness so important?
A: Mobile responsiveness is crucial because a significant portion of website traffic now comes from mobile devices. A website that is not mobile-friendly can provide a poor user experience and negatively impact your search engine rankings.
Q: What are the most important metrics to track after launch?
A: Key metrics to track include website traffic, bounce rate, time on page, conversion rates, and page load speed. These metrics provide valuable insights into user behavior and help you identify areas for improvement.
Following these steps after your website launch will set you up for long-term success. Remember that your website is a dynamic tool that requires ongoing attention and optimization. If your business needs an efficient website or digital system, contact the Doterb team today. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of web development and digital transformation.
