Go-Live Checklist

Launch with Confidence

Your Website’s First Impression Starts Here. 

This go-live checklist is your guardian against the common pitfalls that can undermine even the most beautiful website designs. By systematically addressing quality, functionality, and user experience across every touchpoint, you’ll ensure your digital presence makes the powerful impact it deserves.

Check list drawing from Undraw

1. Pre-Launch Content Review

First Impressions Matter
  • Remove Placeholder Pages, Posts, Events, Text and Images
    Double-check for any remaining “Lorem ipsum”, stock images or demo pages meant for development only.
  • Proofread All Copy
    Ensure all text is free from spelling and grammatical errors.
  • Confirm Final Approved Content
    Make sure all content has been reviewed and approved by stakeholders.
Rocket launch human with computer on Undraw

2. Technical Functionality Checks

  • Run a Broken Link Checker
    Use Siteimprove or similar tools to identify and fix broken links.
  • Confirm Links Are Correct
    Double-check that all links are accurate and do not include “development” or other staging environment URLs, ensuring they point to the correct live pages.
  • Check All Forms
    Test form submissions, error messages, and confirmation messages.
  • Verify Redirects Are Set Up
    Ensure old URLs redirect are properly setup.

Technical Functionality Resources

Learn more from these resources. 

3. Accessibility & Compliance

  • Use Editoria11y for In-Context Accessibility Checks
    Use Editoria11y to catch accessibility issues directly in the CMS as you edit content.
  • Check for Missing ALT Tags on Images
    Ensure all images have descriptive alt text for screen reader accessibility.
  • Attend Accessibility Training
    Participate in our accessibility training sessions to ensure your content meets accessibility standards and provides an inclusive experience for all users.

Accessibility & Compliance Resources

Learn more from these resources.

4. Cross-Device and Browser Testing

Everywhere Excellence
  • Mobile Responsiveness
    Test the site on a range of mobile devices (iOS and Android).
  • Tablet and Desktop Testing
    Ensure consistency and usability across screen sizes.
  • Browser Compatibility
    Test latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
Human on the moon from Undraw

5. User Experience & Journey Testing

  • Click Through as Different User Types
    Example: First-time visitor, returning customer, someone seeking support, etc.
  • Check Navigation Flow
    Ensure menus, calls-to-action, and breadcrumbs are logical and functional.
  • Confirm Search Functionality Works
    Internal site search returns accurate, expected results.

User Experience & Journey Testing Resources

Learn more about understanding your users at Yale’s Usability site

6. SEO and Metadata

  • Confirm Teaser Title, Description, and Image Are Set for All Content Types
    Ensure these fields are filled out to support content previews, listings, and social sharing.
  • Check for Missing H1s or Multiple H1s on Pages
    Ensure each page has one clear, descriptive H1 to support accessibility and SEO.
  • Verify Meta Keywords and Description Fields in Manage Settings: Ensure all pages have unique, descriptive meta descriptions (under 150 characters) that accurately summarize page content and include relevant keywords. 

SEO and Metadata Resources

Learn more with these resources.

7. Backup and Monitoring

We’ve got you covered
  • Site Backup is Created Prior to Launch
    A full backup has been made—no action needed on your part.
  • Archiving or Deleting a website
    If your site isn’t regularly updated or is for a past event or project, you may choose to archive or delete your site.
  • Define Ownership and Access Control
    Confirm admin users and remove dev access as needed.
Archiving or Deleting your Website
Cloud backup on Undraw

9. Final Go-Live Tasks

  • Set Launch Date
    When submitting your request plan your launch date and aim to avoid scheduling the launch on a Friday, if possible, to ensure adequate support availability.
  • Submit Go-Live Request
    Submit your go-live request through the provided link to initiate the final steps of the launch.
  • Review the Site After Go-Live Notification
    Once you receive the confirmation that the site is live, conduct a thorough review to ensure everything is functioning as expected.
  • Notify Stakeholders and Team of Launch
    Inform stakeholders and team members of the launch date, timing, and any required actions to ensure a smooth launch.
Site Request Forms

Congratulations

Enjoy exploring your new website!

Now that your site is live, please remember:

  • All content updates and routine edits should ONLY be made on the LIVE environment directly or through the editorial workflow to create drafts and publish as needed.
  • The development environment is reserved exclusively for major structural changes such as information architecture revisions, new design layout implementations, or other significant modifications you don’t want the public to see during development.
Explore the Editorial Workflow
Computer with balloons on Undraw

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