Your new website is done and you’re thrilled to launch. But hold up. Is it actually ready to go live?
One of the most common and avoidable mistakes we see is skipping a proper pre-launch review. Testing your site before launch is key to making sure everything runs smoothly, reflects your brand, and gives your visitors the best possible experience.
Below are the same steps we use when launching client sites. Whether your site is built on WordPress or another platform, this checklist will help you launch with confidence.
Review Your Copy Carefully
There’s nothing worse than spotting a typo right after going live. Double-check your copy to make sure it’s clear, professional, and aligned with your brand tone. Read every page, every heading, and every button. Remove placeholder text and default posts like “Hello World.” A second pair of eyes is always a good idea.
Keep it Clear
Your message should be easy to understand. Visitors need to know what you offer and why it matters within seconds. If your content is confusing or cluttered, people will bounce. Make sure every page communicates value in a clear, simple way.
Optimize Images and Media
Fast-loading visuals make a huge difference. Compress images, choose the right formats, and preview on multiple devices. Tools like Perfmatters can improve speed and boost performance, which helps your SEO and keeps people on your site longer.
Test on All Devices
Your site should look and work great on desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Use mobile-friendly tests and browser previews to catch issues early. Tools like BrowserStack let you see how your site performs across thousands of devices..
Google provides two easy to use tools that are especially useful for pre-launch testing and packed with actionable insights:
- Google Mobile-Friendly Test: This tool checks if your website is optimized for mobile devices. Be sure your layout, font sizes, and clickable elements all work smoothly on smaller screens.
- Google PageSpeed Insights: This tool analyzes your site’s performance and provides suggestions for speed improvements. It evaluates both mobile and desktop versions of your site, scoring them based on load times, interactivity, and visual stability. Slow-loading pages can lead to higher bounce rates and impact your SEO.
Check Your Calls to Action
Your calls to action should guide users to your most important goals. Whether it’s booking a call, signing up, or making a purchase, your CTAs need to be clear and compelling.
Phrases like “Start Your Project” or “Download the Guide” work better than vague ones like “Click Here.”
Double-Check All Links
Broken links are frustrating. Test every internal and external link, form, download button, and social icon. Make sure everything clicks through exactly where it should.
Launch with Confidence
A strong website launch doesn’t happen by chance. At Crushing Pixels, we follow a clear process that takes the guesswork out of going live. If you’re ready to launch with confidence and zero stress, we’re here to build it right.
Let’s talk about what’s next.
