Created by Greg, Fiverr Top Rated Seller
I've launched over 100 websites for small businesses. This checklist includes every issue I've ever caught right before launch—and a few I wish I'd caught sooner. Use it to avoid embarrassing mistakes and ensure your site is ready to generate leads from day one.
Track Your Progress
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Completed
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Done
Functionality & Technical
0/8 completed
All links work correctly
Click every link: navigation menu, buttons, footer links, social media icons. No 404 errors.
Use a tool like Dead Link Checker or manually test each link. Pay special attention to the contact form submission.
Contact form sends correctly
Test the form yourself. Fill it out and verify you receive the email to your inbox (not spam).
This fails constantly. Always test with a real submission.
All external links open in new tab
Links to other websites should have target="_blank" so users don't leave your site.
No broken images
Check that all images load properly. Missing images show as broken icons.
Browser compatibility
Test on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Each can render things slightly differently.
404 page exists and is helpful
Test a bad URL (e.g., yoursite.com/xyz). You should see a branded 404 page with navigation back to main site.
Google Maps embedded correctly
If using Maps, verify the pin shows your exact location. Test on mobile that it opens in Maps app.
Social media icons link correctly
Click each icon. Verify it goes to your actual profile, not the social network's homepage.
Content & Copy
0/8 completed
No typos or grammatical errors
Read every page out loud. Better yet, have someone else read it—fresh eyes catch more.
Use Grammarly or Hemingway App for a final pass.
Business name spelled correctly everywhere
Check header, footer, about page, and all mentions.
Phone number is correct
Call it to verify. Should be clickable on mobile (tel: link).
Email address is correct
Verify email links use mailto: and go to the right address.
Business hours are accurate
Especially important for service businesses. Update for holidays if needed.
Address is correct and complete
Include suite numbers if applicable. Verify it matches Google Maps.
All images have alt text
Essential for SEO and accessibility. Describe what the image shows.
Copyright date is current
Update to 2026 (or dynamic year with code).
Design & Visual
0/6 completed
Consistent fonts throughout
Headings should use same font family. Body text consistent across pages.
Color scheme consistent
Buttons, links, accents should use your brand colors throughout.
Logo displays clearly
Not pixelated. Good contrast with background. Links to homepage.
Images not stretched or distorted
Check all images have correct aspect ratios.
Sufficient white space
Content shouldn't feel cramped. Good spacing between sections.
Contrast meets accessibility standards
Text should be readable against background. Avoid light gray on white.
Mobile Responsiveness
0/7 completed
Site is usable on phone screen
Test on actual phone, not just browser resize. No horizontal scrolling needed.
Over 60% of traffic is mobile. If this fails, you lose most visitors.
Text readable without zooming
Font size should be at least 16px on mobile.
Buttons large enough to tap
Minimum 44x44px tap target. Enough spacing between buttons.
Menu works on mobile
Hamburger menu (if used) opens and closes properly. Links are tappable.
Images scale properly
No images overflowing their containers.
Phone numbers are tappable
Should open phone dialer when tapped.
No horizontal scroll
User shouldn't have to scroll sideways to see content.
SEO Basics
0/6 completed
Each page has unique title tag
Check browser tab. Title should describe that specific page.
Each page has meta description
Shows in search results. Should include keywords and call-to-action.
URLs are clean and readable
yoursite.com/services not yoursite.com/page123?=4872
Image alt text filled
Helps Google understand images and improves accessibility.
Google Analytics installed
Verify tracking code is present and data is being received.
Google Search Console added
Submit sitemap for indexing.
Performance & Speed
0/5 completed
Page speed tested
Use Google PageSpeed Insights. Aim for 90+ on mobile and desktop.
Images optimized
Compress images without losing quality. Use modern formats like WebP.
Cache enabled
Improves repeat visit speed.
Minified CSS/JavaScript
Removes unnecessary characters to reduce file size.
No render-blocking resources
Critical CSS loads first. Defer non-essential JavaScript.
Legal & Compliance
0/4 completed
Privacy policy page exists
Required by law if you collect any user data (contact forms count).
Terms of service page exists
Protects your business legally.
Cookie consent notice (if needed)
Required for EU visitors if you use cookies or tracking.
Copyright notice in footer
© 2026 Your Business Name. All rights reserved.
Final Launch Prep
0/3 completed
SSL certificate installed
Site should load with https://. Shows padlock in browser.
Without SSL, browsers mark site "Not Secure" — visitors leave.
301 redirects set (if moving domains)
Old URLs should redirect to new ones so you don't lose SEO value.
Backup created
Before launch day, have a full backup in case something goes wrong.
Free Testing Tools
Use these tools to verify your site is ready
PageSpeed Insights
Test speed →Mobile-Friendly Test
Check mobile →Broken Link Checker
Check links →WAVE Accessibility
Check accessibility →Google Analytics
Verify setup →SSL Checker
Verify SSL →Need a Printable Version?
Take this checklist to your desk or share with your team.
Don't Launch Alone
I've helped 100+ business owners launch websites that actually generate leads. Every site I build passes this entire checklist before you ever see it.
Start with a free, no-obligation preview: See exactly what I'd build for you before paying a cent.
Top Rated Seller • 100+ Projects • 4.9 Stars