Before a WordPress site goes live, check that every page and form works on mobile, page titles and redirects are set, search engines are allowed to index it, the site passes PageSpeed and Core Web Vitals checks, backups and security are active, and analytics is recording.
Content and design#
- Read every page for typos, placeholder text and broken links.
- Test every page on a phone and a tablet.
- Check images are compressed and have descriptive alt text.
- Confirm the logo, favicon and contact details are correct.
SEO#
- Set a unique page title and meta description on each key page.
- Turn off the discourage search engines setting.
- Submit the XML sitemap in Google Search Console.
- Add 301 redirects for any old URLs that changed.
- Add structured data such as Organization and FAQ where it applies.
Speed and security#
Run the main pages through PageSpeed Insights and fix large images and render-blocking scripts. Our Core Web Vitals checklist explains each metric. Make sure HTTPS works, admin passwords are strong, and updates and backups are on. A maintenance plan can handle this after launch.
Forms and tracking#
- Submit every contact form and check the email arrives.
- Install analytics and confirm it records a visit.
- Test checkout end to end if you sell products.
Planning a build? See how long a WordPress website takes and our WordPress design and development service.
After launch, secure your WordPress website with updates, backups and monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions#
How long does a pre-launch check take?
For a small site, a few hours if the content is ready. Larger sites and stores need more testing time.
Should I back up before launch?
Yes. Take a full backup immediately before launch and again right after, so you can restore if something breaks.
