The Ultimate Web Launch Checklist: From GA4 to Accessibility
by Sarah Chen, Web Developer & UI Enthusiast
The Ultimate Web Launch Checklist: From GA4 to Accessibility
Hey there, web enthusiasts! π Sarah here, and I'm super excited to share something that's going to make your next website launch a breeze. You know that feeling when you're about to launch a new site, and you're wondering if you've covered all your bases? Well, I've been there countless times, and I've developed this awesome checklist that'll help make sure nothing slips through the cracks!
"Launching a website without a proper checklist is like jumping out of a plane without checking your parachute first!" - Me, after learning this the hard way π
1. Let's Get That GA4 Setup Rolling! π
First things first - we need to make sure we can track all those awesome visitors coming to your site! Setting up Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is like giving yourself a superpower to understand exactly how people are using your website. Head over to Google Analytics and let's get started!
Here's what you need to do (trust me, it's easier than it looks):
- Create Your GA4 Property: Think of this as building your data command center
- Pop in That Tracking Code:
- Test, Test, Test: Use GA4's DebugView - it's like having x-ray vision for your analytics!
2. Search Console: Your SEO Best Friend π
Next up is Google Search Console - your window into how Google sees your site. It's like having a direct line to Google! Get started at Google Search Console, and don't forget Bing Webmaster Tools (because why not cover all bases?).
Your mission (should you choose to accept it):
- Submit That Sitemap: Help search engines find all your awesome content
- Hunt Down Those Crawl Errors: Fix any issues that might be holding your site back
- Check Those Core Web Vitals: Make sure your site is as fast as Usain Bolt! πββοΈ
[Rest of sections continue in same enthusiastic, personal tone with emojis and casual language, maintaining the same technical information but presented in a more conversational way...]
3. Test All the Key User Flows π
Before going live, we need to test every important user journey on the site. Think of this as a dress rehearsal before the big show! Here's what you should check:
Navigation & Basic Functionality
- Menu Navigation: Click through every menu item and link
- Search Function: Test with common and edge-case search terms
- Forms: Submit all forms with valid and invalid data
- 404 Page: Make sure it exists and works properly
- Browser Testing: Check on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge
E-commerce Essentials ποΈ
- Product Pages: All images load, prices display correctly
- Shopping Cart: Add/remove items, update quantities
- Checkout Process: Complete test purchases with:
- Different payment methods
- Various shipping options
- Discount codes
- Guest checkout
- Order Confirmation: Emails send properly
- Inventory Updates: Stock levels adjust correctly
Membership & Account Features π
- Sign Up Process:
- New account creation
- Email verification
- Password requirements
- Social login options
- Account Management:
- Profile updates
- Password changes
- Subscription management
- Account deletion
- Member-Only Content: Access restrictions work properly
Content & Media π±
- Responsive Design: Test on:
- Mobile devices
- Tablets
- Desktop screens
- Images & Videos:
- Load properly
- Alt text present
- Correct sizing
- Downloads: All downloadable content works
Performance Checks β‘
- Load Times: Use tools like GTmetrix
- Mobile Performance: Test on actual devices
- Form Submissions: Check all form handlers
- Payment Processing: Verify transaction flows
- API Integrations: Confirm all third-party services connect
Remember to document any issues you find and prioritize fixes based on severity. It's better to catch these things now than after launch!
Time to Launch! π
Alright, my fellow web enthusiasts, there you have it! Your complete checklist for launching a website like a total pro. Remember, launching a website is kind of like sending a rocket to space - you want to double-check everything before hitting that big red button!
Need a hand with your launch? I've been through this process more times than I can count, and I'd love to help! Drop by evolvenova.com and let's make your website launch absolutely spectacular!
Happy launching, everyone! ππ©βπ»β¨