The Essential Website Launch Checklist (Before & After You Go Live)

Launching a new website is exciting — and a little nerve-wracking. You’ve put in the work, the design looks great, and now the big question hits: “Is this actually ready to go live?”

At Austin Web & Design, we follow a consistent launch process for every site we build. This checklist is a version of that process, translated into plain English so you can use it for your own launch — whether you’re DIY’ing or working with another developer. And if you’d rather have a team handle the design, build, and launch for you, our website design services are built around this same proven process.

Use this as a:

• Pre-launch checklist before you point DNS and hit “Go Live”
• Post-launch checklist for the first days and weeks after launch
• A way to decide what you want to handle yourself — and what you’d rather have AWD take care of

1.1 Choose Reliable Hosting

Your hosting is the foundation of your entire website. It affects speed, uptime, security, and performance. We generally recommend Hostinger for small and medium businesses because it’s fast, reliable, and budget-friendly.

DIY Checklist:

• Create your hosting account
• Add your primary domain to the hosting dashboard
• Enable a separate user or delegate access (avoid sharing your main login)

➤ For guidance, see Why We Recommend Hostinger.

1.2 Prepare DNS (Without Breaking Email)

DNS tells the internet where your site lives. One incorrect change can take your site or email offline.

DIY Checklist:

• Identify who manages your DNS (registrar, Cloudflare, host, etc.)
• Screenshot/export all DNS records before touching anything
• Add your host’s A and CNAME records correctly
• Verify MX, SPF, and other TXT records

➤ Learn more: Understanding DNS: Why You Should Leave It to a Pro and How to Add a TXT Record.

1.3 Enable HTTPS / SSL

• Enable the SSL certificate in your hosting panel
• Force https:// redirects
• Fix any mixed-content errors

➤ Need help? See Setting Up HTTPS.

2.1 Turn On Server-Side Caching

• Enable your host’s built-in caching or a caching plugin
• Avoid multiple optimization plugins (they can conflict)
• Test speed on your Home, Services, and Contact pages

➤ For deeper explanation, see Server Cache vs. Local Cache and WordPress Speed Optimization.

2.2 Optimize Images

• Resize images before upload
• Use WebP where possible
• Compress without losing quality

➤ Guides: How to Compress Images for the Web

2.3 Optimize Video

• Host large videos externally (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)
• Compress videos before upload
• Use lazy-load or preview thumbnails

➤ Guide: How to Compress Video for the Web

3.1 Add Basic Security Tools

• Install a security plugin
• Enable brute-force protection
• Turn on malware/file scanning
• Whitelist your IP

➤ See: Setting Up iThemes Security and iThemes Security Lockouts.

3.2 Use Proper User Accounts

• Create individual logins (no shared admin accounts)
• Use the lowest level of access needed
• Use hosting delegate-access instead of sending passwords

➤ Helpful guides:
Hostinger Delegate Access | GoDaddy | WPEngine | Cloudways | GreenGeeks

3.3 Set Up Backups Before Launch

• Verify host backups
• Add a WordPress-level backup plugin
• Test a restore on staging

4.1 Check URLs, Titles, and Metadata

• Use clean, descriptive permalinks
• Assign unique, accurate page titles
• Add meta descriptions to important pages

➤ SEO guides: On-Site SEO and DIY SEO.

4.2 Connect Google Analytics & Search Console

• Connect GA4
• Add your site to Search Console
• Submit XML sitemap
• Verify www vs non-www consistency

4.3 On-Page SEO Essentials

• Each page has exactly one H1
• Headings follow a logical order
• Images have alt text
• No duplicate content

5.1 Test Core User Paths

• Read Home, About, and Services pages
• Test every nav link
• Test all forms and phone/email links
• Verify contact info everywhere

5.2 Proof & Cleanup

• Remove demo content
• Fix typos
• Update outdated info

• Add a Privacy Policy
• Include Terms if required
• Check accessibility basics

➤ ADA guide: ADA Compliance

7.1 Monitor Behavior

• Test the site on desktop and mobile
• Check multiple browsers
• Monitor contact form notifications
• Check Search Console for errors

7.2 Maintain Your Website Monthly

• Back up before updates
• Update core, plugins, and theme
• Spot-check layout and forms
• Review Analytics

➤ See: How to Maintain a WordPress Site and Website Maintenance Plans.

You can absolutely launch a site yourself — but DNS, email, SEO, speed optimization, and security can be high-risk if you’re not comfortable with them.

Here’s when it makes sense to hire AWD:

• You don’t want to risk breaking DNS or email
• Your site is critical for leads or revenue
• You want an expert to optimize speed and caching
• You need ongoing monthly maintenance

We handle hosting setup, migrations, DNS, SSL, performance, security, and maintenance for businesses across Austin and beyond. If you’re planning a new build or full redesign and want an expert-led process from day one, explore our custom website design options.