Website launch checklist for small businesses

Content and accuracy

• Proofread every page, including the footer and contact details.
• Confirm your business name, phone number, email, and hours are correct and match your Google Business Profile.
• Check that prices, services, and policies are current.
• Make sure you have the right to use every image and piece of text on the site.

Design and mobile

• Open every page on a phone and a tablet, not just a computer.
• Confirm buttons and links are easy to tap and text is easy to read.
• Test the menu, forms, and any interactive features on each device.

Speed and performance

• Check that pages load quickly on a normal mobile connection.
• Make sure images are sized sensibly rather than uploaded at full camera resolution.
• Avoid heavy animations or scripts that slow the first view.

Search engine basics

• Give every page its own clear title and short description.
• Use one main heading per page and logical sub-headings.
• Add descriptive text to images.
• Publish a sitemap and submit it in Google Search Console.
• Make sure the site uses https and the www and non-www versions go to one address.
• Link your site from your Google Business Profile.

Forms and communication

• Submit your own contact form and confirm the message reaches your inbox, including the spam folder.
• Set up an auto-reply or a clear message about when people will hear back.
• Check that any email addresses on the site actually work.

Analytics and tracking

• Install analytics so you can see visits and where they come from.
• Test that it records a page view after launch.
• If you use cookies or tracking, make sure your privacy information covers it.

Legal and trust pages

If your site collects personal information, such as through a contact form, publish a privacy policy that explains what you collect and why. If you sell services, clear terms protect you and your customers. This is general guidance, not legal advice, so check the requirements that apply to your business.

After launch

• Request indexing of your key pages in Google Search Console.
• Ask satisfied customers for reviews on your Google Business Profile.
• Back up the site and plan regular updates.
• Consider ongoing care so the site stays secure and current. Growth Nest Media offers optional Care & Maintenance from $250 CAD per month.