The Website Checklist
Initial Planning & Strategy
1. Define the main goal of your website (e.g., blog, e-commerce, portfolio).
Clarify the primary purpose of your website to guide its design and functionality. Knowing your main goal ensures every decision supports your overall objective.
2. Identify secondary objectives (e.g., newsletter sign-ups, lead capture).
Secondary goals, like lead generation or list building, add extra value to your visitors’ interactions. Align these goals to complement your main purpose without overwhelming users.
3. Understand your target audience’s needs and pain points.
Research your audience’s struggles and preferences through surveys or competitor analysis. Addressing their needs helps create valuable, engaging content that resonates.
4. Research competitor websites.
Explore competitor websites to identify design trends, features, and content strategies that work well. Look for areas where you can improve or fill gaps they’ve missed.
5. Pinpoint gaps your site can fill to stand out.
Find unique opportunities in content, features, or services that competitors overlook. Offering something fresh sets your website apart and draws in visitors.
6. Establish brand consistency (logo, colors, fonts, visual identity).
Create a cohesive brand identity that reflects your business personality and values. Consistent branding helps visitors recognize and trust your site.
7. Plan site architecture with a sitemap and navigation structure.
Map out a clear, logical structure for your website to make navigation easy. A well-organized sitemap reduces confusion and improves user experience.
8. Identify essential pages: Home, About, Services, Blog, Contact.
These core pages provide users with the information they need to understand your site. Having them ready ensures a smooth foundation for launch.
9. Set measurable KPIs for conversions (e.g., sign-ups, purchases).
Define specific, trackable goals for your website to measure its success. KPIs help you analyze performance and make data-driven improvements.
Keyword Research & Content Strategy
10. Use KWFinder for keyword research.
Find high-demand, low-competition keywords to target content that ranks well on Google. This approach ensures you create content people are actively searching for.
11. Brainstorm content ideas based on keywords.
Use your keyword list to generate blog post topics, categories, or product ideas. Keyword-based content boosts SEO visibility and user engagement.
12. Draft 2-3 blog posts and content for key pages.
Write initial content for important pages like your About Page and Home Page. Preparing content early prevents delays during site setup.
13. Plan a content calendar for regular updates.
A content calendar helps you schedule posts, ensuring consistent updates. Regular content keeps your audience engaged and improves SEO.
14. Define categories and tags for content organization.
Logical categories and tags make it easier for visitors to find related content. Organized content also helps search engines understand your site structure.
Domains & Hosting Setup
15. Purchase a domain through NameCheap.
Choose a simple, memorable domain with a .com, .net, or .org extension. Enable privacy protection to keep your contact information secure.
16. Avoid unnecessary upsells during domain purchase
Domain registrars often try to sell add-ons like premium DNS or unnecessary extensions. Stick to essentials like privacy protection and skip everything else.
17. Select shared hosting (e.g., NameCheap Stellar Plus or HostGator Baby Plan).
Shared hosting offers a cost-effective solution for beginners while allowing room for growth. Choose plans that support multiple websites for scalability.
18. Connect your domain to hosting by updating DNS settings.
Pointing your domain to your hosting ensures visitors can access your site. Proper DNS configuration is essential for a smooth connection.
19. Record login credentials in your “Central Info” file.
Keep track of hosting and domain details, usernames, and passwords in one organized document. This prevents frustration and lost time later.
WordPress Installation & Security
20. Perform a clean WordPress installation (latest version).
Start with a fresh installation to ensure your site runs smoothly and securely. Using the latest version avoids compatibility issues with plugins or themes.
21. Change the default “admin” username and use strong passwords.
Using strong, unique credentials minimizes the risk of brute-force attacks. Avoiding the default “admin” username adds an extra layer of security.
22. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
Two-factor authentication requires an additional verification step, making it harder for hackers to gain access. It’s a simple, effective way to protect your admin account.
23. Install a free SSL certificate via Cloudflare.
An SSL certificate encrypts data between your site and visitors, enhancing security. HTTPS is also essential for SEO and user trust.
24. Install a security plugin: Wordfence or Sucuri.
Security plugins monitor, scan, and protect your site from vulnerabilities or malware. Proactive security measures prevent costly breaches.
25. Configure automatic backups using UpdraftPlus and store off-site.
Automatic backups ensure you can restore your site if something goes wrong. Storing backups off-site adds an extra layer of protection.
Design & User Experience (UX)
26. Choose a reputable, mobile-responsive WordPress theme.
A responsive theme ensures your site looks great on any device. Well-coded themes improve speed and search engine rankings.
27. Install a page builder if needed (e.g., Elementor, Gutenberg).
Page builders simplify website design with drag-and-drop tools. They allow you to create custom layouts without needing coding skills.
28. Create a wireframe or prototype for main pages.
Wireframes act as blueprints for your site layout and content placement. Prototyping helps refine the user flow before going live.
29. esign clear navigation menus in WordPress.
Intuitive navigation menus help visitors quickly find what they need. Prioritize simplicity and clarity when organizing menu items.
30. Add a search function for usability.
A search bar improves usability, especially for content-heavy websites. It helps users locate specific information without frustration.
31. Place prominent calls-to-action (CTAs) in key locations.
CTAs guide users toward desired actions like signing up, purchasing, or contacting you. Use eye-catching buttons or banners for clarity.
32. Optimize images with compression tools like Smush or ShortPixel.
Image optimization improves site speed without sacrificing quality. Faster loading times enhance user experience and SEO performance.
33. Test site responsiveness on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices.
Ensure your design looks clean and functional on all screen sizes. Responsive testing helps you reach a wider audience effectively
Essential Plugins
34. Install an SEO plugin: Yoast SEO or Rank Math.
SEO plugins guide you in optimizing content for search engines. They simplify tasks like adding meta titles, descriptions, and improving readability.
35. Add a caching plugin: WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache.
Caching plugins speed up your website by storing static versions of pages. Faster load times improve user experience and SEO.
36. Use UpdraftPlus for automatic backups.
This plugin allows you to schedule regular backups and store them off-site. Backups are crucial for quick recovery if anything goes wrong.
37. Install a security plugin: Wordfence or Sucuri.
Security plugins protect your site against malware, firewalls, and brute-force attacks. Regular scans keep your site safe and secure.
38. Optimize images with Smush or ShortPixel.
Image compression plugins reduce file size while maintaining image quality. Optimized images keep your website loading quickly.
39. Use contact form plugins: WPForms or Contact Form 7.
Contact forms allow users to easily reach you or submit inquiries. Simple, user-friendly forms improve customer interaction.
40. Add a GDPR compliance plugin for cookie banners, if necessary.
Compliance plugins automate cookie consent forms and privacy notices. Meeting legal requirements builds trust and prevents legal issues.
Content Creation & Optimization
41. Write clear, SEO-optimized content.
Use target keywords naturally and focus on user intent. Content should address reader needs while improving search engine rankings.
42. Add unique meta titles and descriptions for each page/post.
Meta tags give search engines and users a clear summary of your content. Custom titles and descriptions increase click-through rates.
43. Include internal links to related pages.
Internal linking improves navigation and encourages users to explore more content. It also helps search engines understand your site structure.
44. Optimize all images with descriptive alt text.
Adding descriptive alt text to images improves accessibility for visually impaired users and enhances SEO. Search engines use alt text to understand image content, so be concise and keyword-relevant.
45. Write compelling copy aligned with your brand voice.
Your website’s tone and style should reflect your brand personality to connect with your target audience. Use clear, engaging language to guide users through your content and encourage action.
46. Proofread all content for grammar, clarity, and professionalism.
Carefully review all text to ensure accuracy, correct grammar errors, and maintain a professional tone. High-quality content reflects credibility and keeps users engaged on your site.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
47. Install and configure an SEO plugin.
Use plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math to simplify SEO optimization tasks, such as adding meta tags, improving readability, and optimizing pages. These tools guide you step-by-step to ensure content ranks better on search engines.
48. Generate and submit an XML sitemap to Google Search Console.
An XML sitemap helps search engines index all important pages of your site efficiently. Submitting it to Google Search Console ensures faster indexing and visibility in search results.
49. Minify CSS and JavaScript files for better performance.
Minifying removes unnecessary characters, spaces, and lines of code to reduce file size. Smaller files improve your website’s loading speed, which is critical for SEO and user experience.
50. Use a CDN (e.g., Cloudflare) to speed up global content delivery.
A Content Delivery Network (CDN) distributes your site’s static files across global servers, reducing load time for visitors worldwide. Faster delivery improves site performance and boosts user satisfaction.
51. Fix broken links and 404 errors using a plugin or manual checks.
Broken links frustrate users and hurt your site’s SEO by signaling poor maintenance. Use tools like Broken Link Checker to identify and repair broken URLs.
52. Monitor page speed with tools like GTmetrix or Lighthouse.
Regularly test your website’s speed to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement. Faster pages reduce bounce rates and provide a smoother experience for visitors.
53. Track keyword rankings and adjust content strategies based on results.
Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Search Console to monitor how well your content ranks for target keywords. Refine your strategy based on trends, rankings, and audience behavior.
Legal & Accessibility Compliance
54. Add a Privacy Policy and Terms of Service page.
These pages inform visitors about how you collect and use their data while setting rules for site usage. Including them ensures legal compliance and builds trust with your audience.
55. Implement a cookie consent banner for GDPR/CCPA compliance.
Cookie consent banners notify users about data collection and allow them to opt in or out. Meeting privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA avoids legal issues and fosters transparency
56. Follow WCAG guidelines for web accessibility.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) ensure your site is usable for people with disabilities. Prioritize features like screen-reader compatibility, proper color contrast, and keyboard navigation.
57. Test with screen readers and ensure proper heading structure.
Screen reader testing ensures visually impaired users can navigate your site. Use a logical heading hierarchy (H1, H2, etc.) to improve readability for both users and search engines.
58. Secure user data with SSL and proper hosting security measures.
SSL encryption secures sensitive data, such as login credentials and contact information. Combine SSL with strong hosting security to protect your site from cyber threats.
Testing & Pre-Launch Preparation
59. Test all contact forms and navigation links.
Verify that all forms (e.g., contact, sign-up, checkout) function correctly and that links point to the right pages. Fixing errors before launch avoids user frustration and missed opportunities.
60. Re-run performance tests (speed, mobile responsiveness).
Use tools like GTmetrix or Google Lighthouse to check loading times and mobile usability. Optimizing performance ensures a fast, smooth experience for all visitors.
61. Verify the site works consistently across all major browsers.
Test your site on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge to ensure consistent appearance and functionality. Browser compatibility ensures a seamless experience for all users.
62. Test the site’s display on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices.
Responsive design ensures your website adjusts correctly to different screen sizes. Testing on real devices prevents display issues that could alienate mobile users.
63. Conduct a grammar and spelling check site-wide.
Carefully proofread every page to maintain a professional and polished appearance. Tools like Grammarly can help catch overlooked errors quickly.
64. Install Google Analytics (Site Kit plugin recommended).
Google Analytics provides insights into visitor behavior, traffic sources, and conversions. Use Site Kit for an easy WordPress integration that displays key metrics in your dashboard.
65. Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console.
Resubmit your XML sitemap to ensure Google crawls your updated pages before launch. This step helps your new site appear in search results more quickly.
Launch & Post-Launch
66. Switch DNS from staging to the live domain.
Point your domain to the live site to make it accessible to the public. Verify that all settings are correct to avoid downtime during the transition.
67. Re-test contact forms, transactions, and navigation links.
Double-check all critical features like forms, checkout pages, and CTAs after going live. Fixing small issues immediately ensures a seamless experience for visitors.
68. Monitor website traffic and performance using Google Analytics.
Regularly review visitor data to see where traffic comes from and how users interact with your site. Analytics help you identify opportunities to improve and grow.
69. Promote your site launch via social media, press releases, or ads.
Share your website on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to drive traffic. Announcing the launch through email, press releases, or ads generates buzz and builds momentum.
Ongoing Maintenance & Improvement
70. Publish new content regularly (blog posts, updates).
Consistent content updates keep your audience engaged and improve SEO rankings. Fresh content signals to search engines that your site is active and relevant.
71. Update WordPress core, themes, and plugins promptly.
Regular updates ensure your site stays secure, stable, and compatible with the latest features. Always test updates on a staging site first to prevent unexpected issues.
72. Monitor and improve site performance (use GTmetrix or Lighthouse).
Periodically check your site speed and address any performance issues. Optimizing speed improves user experience and lowers bounce rates.
73. Conduct security scans and ensure backups are functioning.
Use tools like Wordfence or Sucuri to scan for malware and vulnerabilities regularly. Verify that automatic backups are running and can be restored if needed.
74. Fix broken links and update outdated content.
Broken links harm SEO and frustrate visitors, so use tools like Broken Link Checker to repair them. Refresh outdated content to keep information relevant and accurate.
75. Review Google Analytics to identify areas for improvement.
Analyze traffic data, bounce rates, and conversions to see what’s working. Use insights to refine your content, navigation, and marketing strategies.
76. Optimize landing pages, CTAs, and forms to boost conversions.
Perform A/B tests on CTAs, forms, and key pages to improve conversion rates. Small tweaks to wording, design, or placement can significantly impact user actions.