Your Website Launch Checklist: What to Double Check Before You Go Live
You’ve spent weeks (or months) designing your website… tweaking your colors, uploading your photos, and perfecting your copy. But before you hit that big “Publish” button, there’s one more crucial step you can’t skip: making sure everything is polished, functional, and optimized for visitors and Google.
Whether you built your own Squarespace site or hired a designer, a smooth launch sets the tone for your brand’s credibility. You may be tempted to skip these and cross that finish line already, but do not get lazy after coming this far. These steps can make a massive difference in the success of your site.
Here’s your go-to website launch checklist to make sure your site is truly ready for the world.
1 - Check All Links and Buttons
Click every link, button, and menu item.
Do your buttons go where they’re supposed to?
Do your “Contact” and “Shop” links work?
Are your social media icons connected to your actual profiles (not Squarespace placeholders)?
Pro tip: Use your site’s preview mode and test every page on both desktop and mobile. You’d be surprised how many people forget this step!
2 - Proofread Everything
Nothing kills credibility faster than a typo on your homepage. Read your website line by line, or, better yet, ask a friend to check it with fresh eyes.
Check for:
Grammar and spelling errors
Consistent tone and capitalization
Updated information (hours, phone number, services, etc.)
3 - Optimize Your SEO Basics
Before launch, make sure search engines can understand and rank your site:
Add page titles and meta descriptions (Squarespace makes this easy).
Include alt text for all your images.
Use clear H1/H2 headings that describe what each page is about.
Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are consistent with your Google Business Profile.
Bonus: Create a simple keyword strategy. If you’re a bakery in Martinsburg, WV, think phrases like “custom cakes Martinsburg WV” or “Martinsburg bakery near me.”
4 - Test on Mobile Devices
Over 60% of website traffic now comes from mobile phones (Statista, 2025). If your site doesn’t look good on mobile, you’re instantly losing visitors.
Check that your text is readable, images aren’t cut off, and buttons are big enough to tap easily. Squarespace templates are mobile-responsive by default, but always double-check spacing and layout manually.
5 - Double-Check Forms and Automations
Your contact form, newsletter signup, or booking form might look fine, but are they working?
Fill them out yourself and confirm you receive the email.
If you use automations (like a thank-you email or redirect), test them.
For eCommerce, make a $1 test order if possible.
6 - Review Your Site Speed
A slow site means fewer visitors. 1 in 4 people abandon a website that takes over 4 seconds to load. (HubSpot, 2024)
Tips to speed things up:
Compress large images before uploading.
Avoid autoplay video backgrounds.
Limit plugins or external embeds.
Squarespace handles hosting, so your site should be quick, but double-checking and following best practices never hurts.
7 - Review Your Branding Consistency
Your brand should feel cohesive from start to finish:
Do your colors match your brand palette?
Are you using the same fonts and button styles throughout?
Is your logo clear and correctly sized?
This kind of polish separates DIY sites from professional ones and builds instant trust.
8 - Add Legal and Security Essentials
Even small websites need these basics:
Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
SSL certificate (Squarespace includes this automatically)
Cookie banner if you use analytics or tracking tools (easily turn this on in Squarespace)
These pages not only protect your business but also show visitors you’re legitimate.
9 - Create a Custom 404 Page
Even the best websites have the occasional broken link or outdated page, but a custom 404 page keeps visitors from leaving when that happens.
Instead of showing the default “Page Not Found” message, design a friendly, branded page that helps people find their way back.
Include on your 404 page:
A short, friendly message (“Oops! Looks like this page flew away.”)
A search bar so visitors can find what they are looking for
A few featured blog posts or products to keep visitors engaged
Why it matters: A thoughtful 404 page reduces bounce rates and keeps users exploring your site, which helps both your SEO and your conversions.
10 - Connect Analytics and Google Tools
Before you launch, set up:
Google Analytics – to track traffic and user behavior
Google Search Console – to see how your site performs in search results
Google Business Profile – to help locals find you easily
These are the free tools that separate a “pretty site” from one that’s strategic.
Lastly - Celebrate and Promote Your Launch
Once everything checks out, share the news!
Post on your social media platforms.
Email your list (or friends and family) with the link.
Ask customers to share it.
Submit your website to Google for faster indexing.
If you worked with a designer, tag them and show off your new digital storefront!
Final Thoughts
Don’t Get Lazy at the Finish Line
Launching your website is an exciting milestone… it’s the moment your hard work, brand vision, and online presence finally come together. Taking the time to double-check these final details helps ensure your visitors experience your site exactly how you intended — clean, professional, and easy to navigate.
…BUT Don’t let Perfectionism keep you from Launching
Before you click “Publish,” take a deep breath and know that every website is constantly evolving. Your site doesn’t need to be perfect to launch; it just needs to be ready to serve your audience well. With these final checks complete, you can go live confidently knowing your online home is ready to welcome new visitors and represent your business beautifully.
Launch with Confidence
You’ve done the work… now it’s time to share it with the world! Your site is secure, optimized, and ready to make a great first impression. Go ahead and hit “Publish”. Your audience is waiting to meet you online.
Enjoy this post? Pin it to Pinterest!
