The Ultimate Checklist for Launching a New Website - Evolution Design Agency

The Ultimate Checklist for Launching a New Website

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October 2024

We’re all guilty of trying to save a buck—especially in today’s economy! But when it comes to launching a new website, is that DIY approach really saving you money, or is it costing you more in the long run? Before you dive headfirst into website-building, here’s a checklist to make sure you’ve covered all your bases—and maybe think twice about whether a professional team might save you from a few headaches!

1. Planning: Website’s Purpose and Goals

  • Define the Main Intention: Think about what you want your website to do for you. If it’s a shop, focus on an easy checkout process and capturing customer details—because we all know it’s cheaper to keep a customer than to find a new one! If it’s service-based, you might want to guide visitors towards learning more and booking that oh-so-important initial consultation.
  • Set Clear Calls to Action (CTAs): Don’t leave your visitors hanging. Give them a nudge with clear CTAs like “Buy Now,” “Get a Quote,” or “Let’s Chat”—whatever gets them from point A to point B.
  • Gather Necessary Info for Your Web Team: If you’re working with a designer or developer (hey, like us!), have your brand guidelines, colours, logos, and examples of sites you like ready. It’ll help ensure that the final product looks like your business, not just another template.

2. Design Matters: Keep It Professional

  • Designed to Reflect Your Brand: Sure, templates are tempting—after all, they’re quick and easy! But they can end up making your site look like a hundred others, not to mention many other pitfalls and issues they create. Who needs more headaches, right? A professional custom design makes sure your website is as unique as your business. Plus, it’s tailored to your audience, so they’ll actually enjoy using it.
  • Professional vs. Template Designs: Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen those template websites where everything looks “fine” but nothing really stands out. A professional design makes sure you’re remembered for all the right reasons.
  • Mobile-Friendly is Essential: We’ve all tried to pinch-and-zoom on a clunky website from our phones—no thanks! A responsive design makes sure your website is just as smooth on a phone as it is on a desktop, so you don’t miss out on potential customers.

3. Content: DIY or Professional Copywriting?

  • Engaging Content: Your website content does a lot of heavy lifting. It’s there to grab attention, build trust, and nudge visitors to take action. Make sure it clearly explains what you do and why you’re the best at it (because you are!).
  • DIY vs. Professional Copywriting: Writing content yourself can work—if you’ve got the time, patience, and a way with words. But if you’d rather save the headaches, our professional copywriters can whip up content that’s persuasive, easy to read, and (importantly) optimised for Google. If you’d like us to write it for you, just say the word!

4. SEO Setup: Ensure Your Site is Discoverable

  • Optimise Your Content: A beautiful website is great, but if Google can’t find it, it’s like setting up a shop in the middle of the desert. Use relevant keywords throughout your site and in your headings, image alt text, and meta descriptions. If this is all too much, the Evolution team are here to take this task off your hands, just reach out!
  • Common SEO Challenges: So, you’ve built an amazing website and spent countless hours perfecting every detail. But here’s the kicker: it’s not showing up on Google. Sound familiar? Here’s why that might be happening:
    • New Domain: Got yourself a fresh domain? It can take time for Google to pick it up. Submitting a sitemap through Google Search Console can speed things along. And guess what? We do this for all our clients as part of our go-live process.
    • Google Business Profile: Think of this as your VIP pass to local searches. It’s a simple way for people to find you when they’re searching for services nearby. Not sure where to start? We’ve got your back—our team can help you set it up.
    • Content Not Optimised: Keywords matter, but don’t go stuffing them into every sentence. Google will notice, and not in a good way. We make sure your content has just the right balance, so you rank without looking like you’re trying too hard.
    • Slow Site Speed: If your website is slow, visitors will bounce quicker than a bad cheque. A sluggish site can hurt your rankings. Check your speed with Google’s PageSpeed Insights, or let us handle the technical bits.
    • Not Mobile-Friendly: Google loves mobile-friendly sites, and so do your visitors. If your website doesn’t adjust to every screen size, you’re missing out. At Evolution Design, we make sure every site is responsive from day one.
    • Missing Backlinks: Think of backlinks as votes of confidence from other websites. If they link to you, it means you’re relevant and trustworthy in Google’s eyes. We’ll help you build quality backlinks and clean up any that are dragging you down.
    • Unoptimised Meta and Title Tags: Meta tags are like the window displays of your website—people decide if they want to step inside based on what they see. We make sure every page has a compelling description and title to draw people in.

5. Testing is Key: Don’t Skip This Step

  • Test Across Devices and Browsers: What works on one screen might look completely different on another. Test your site on phones, tablets, and different browsers to make sure it’s ready for prime time.
  • Check All Functionalities: Ensure forms are submitted properly, links aren’t broken, and images load without a hitch. It’s like the final dress rehearsal before opening night.
  • Why Testing Matters: A smooth, error-free website keeps visitors happy and makes a great first impression. At Evolution Design, we follow a 50+ step checklist before any site goes live, and we give you a checklist too, so you know how to keep things running smoothly.

6. Launch and Monitor Performance

  • The Launch: It’s go-time! But don’t just hit “publish” and walk away. Keep an eye on your site’s performance to see what’s working and what needs a tweak.
  • Monitor with Analytics: Google Analytics and Search Console are your new best friends. They’ll help you see who’s visiting your site and what they’re doing there. If we’ve built your site, we’ll take care of it all for you, and you’ll receive frequent reports in your inbox.
  • Adjust as Needed: A new website often needs a little fine-tuning after launch. Feedback from users or changes in your business can mean making a few adjustments. We’re here to help with those tweaks so your website continues to perform like a champ.

7. Marketing the Website: Get the Word Out

  • Create a Google Business Profile: If you want local customers to find you easily, setting up a Google Business Profile is a must. It helps your business appear in local searches and Google Maps, making it easier for people in Geelong (or anywhere you operate) to find you. Plus, it’s a great place for reviews, which can build trust with potential customers.
  • Promote Your Website on Social Media: You’ve built an amazing site—now it’s time to shout it from the digital rooftops! Share your new website on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to drive traffic. Create posts that highlight key features or new services, and don’t forget to include a link back to your site. A little boost from social ads can go a long way, too, if you want to reach more eyes.
  • Consistent Marketing for Long-Term Growth: A website is only as effective as the visitors it attracts. Consistent marketing efforts help ensure that the right people are finding your site and engaging with your business.
  • Need a Hand with Marketing? We know marketing your website can feel like a full-time job in itself—especially if you’re time-poor. Whether it’s managing your Google Business Profile, crafting engaging social media posts, or running targeted ad campaigns, our team here in Geelong can help you get the results you’re looking for. Let us do the heavy lifting so you can focus on growing your business.

8. Why Partner with a Professional Team?

  • Save Time and Avoid Pitfalls: Building a website can feel like a full-time job, especially if you’re new to it. For time-poor business owners, it’s a lot to take on. Let us handle the tech stuff while you focus on what you do best.
  • Get Found on Google: A DIY site might seem like it’s saving you money, but if it’s buried on page 5 of Google, is it really? We make sure your site is optimised from the start, so your customers can actually find you.
  • Peace of Mind: Let’s face it—there’s a lot that goes into launching a successful website. But with our team, you can rest easy knowing every box is ticked. We take care of everything from design and content to SEO and testing, so you can sit back and watch the results roll in.

With this ultimate checklist in hand, you’re ready to launch a website that doesn’t just look good—it works like a charm too. Whether you’re tackling the process yourself or calling in the pros (like us, here in Geelong), remember that a little bit of planning can go a long way in setting you up for success. And if the tech talk has left you feeling a bit cross-eyed, don’t worry, we’re here to lend a hand and make the whole process a breeze. So, whether it’s design, SEO, or just getting that final “go-live” click right, reach out—we’ve got your back, right here in Geelong! Happy launching, and here’s to your website shining on Google’s first page!

 

Please get in touch if I can assist you further,

Written by: Lisa Hein  /  Image credit: freepik

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