You only get one chance to make a first impression with your website so preparing to launch can feel like a daunting step, especially if you are doing it all yourself.

Pre-launch checklist items to consider:

Content

1. Check all your site copy for accuracy and ask someone else to proofread it.
2. Test all the menu items, links and buttons are working as you expect.
3. If you have a contact form, test it's working before launch.
4. Do you have the appropriate privacy and cookie information visible to users and a site copyright statement in place?
5. Do you have the rights to use all the photography on your site, including permission from any people who may be identifiable in images?
6. Have you credited images to the author/owner where necessary?
7. Do you have a link on your homepage to safeguarding information?

Technical

1. Have you optimised your site for SEO? This will likely depend on whether you are building the site yourself or using an agency or consultant to do it for you. DIY site builders will normally prompt and walk you through this step by step at launch.
2. Have you assigned and or pointed your domain name(s) to the site
3. Do you have a security certificate (SSL) in place? This may be part of your hosting package.
4. Do you have site analytics activated, such as Google Analytics, so you can track your site usage and insights?