Step-by-Step Guide to Launching a New Website
Launching a new site is an exciting moment, but to make sure everything runs smoothly, it’s important to follow the right steps. From testing to SEO improvements, this guide will help you get your website live without a hitch.
Step 1: Conduct a Technical Audit
Before you hit "publish," run a technical audit to catch any issues that could affect performance. Check for:
✔️ Broken links
✔️ Mobile responsiveness
✔️ Fast loading speed
✔️ Clear navigation
✔️ Secure HTTPS encryption
A well-optimised site ensures a better experience for both users and search engines.
Step 2: Optimise for SEO
A great-looking website won’t drive traffic if it’s not set up for search engine optimisation (SEO). Before launching, make these key SEO improvements:
Add keyword-rich meta titles and descriptions.
Use heading hierarchy (H1, H2, H3) correctly.
Write alt text for images.
Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console.
Step 3: Test Across Devices and Browsers
Your site should work flawlessly on desktop, mobile, and tablet. Test across different browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) to ensure consistency. Pay special attention to mobile performance since most users browse on their phones!
Step 4: Set Up Analytics and Tracking
Before launching, connect your site to Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track visitor behaviour, monitor search performance, and catch any issues early. Google Analytics shows where your traffic comes from and how users interact with your site, while Google Search Console helps identify indexing errors and improve search visibility. Setting these up from the start ensures you can track progress and fix problems quickly.
Step 5: Launch Day!
Once everything is tested and optimised, it’s time to go live! Announce your launch on social media, update your email signature with your new website link, and encourage visitors to check it out. Share the news in a blog post, send an email to your subscribers, and update your business profiles with the new link. Consider running a special promotion or giveaway to generate excitement and drive traffic. The more visibility your website gets from the start, the better!
Step 6: Monitor and Improve
Even after launching, your work isn’t done. Keep an eye on site performance, fix any issues, and continue making SEO improvements over time. Regularly update your content, monitor page load speeds, and track visitor behaviour to see what’s working. Reviewing analytics helps identify areas for improvement, whether it’s tweaking keywords, enhancing user experience, or adding fresh content. Staying proactive ensures your website remains optimised, ranks well in search engines, and keeps attracting visitors long after launch.