10 things you should check before moving your website online

Launching a website in 2025 is more exciting and demanding than ever. With ever-evolving technology and user expectations, it’s crucial to ensure your website is polished, secure, and optimized for success. To help you navigate this process, here are 10 essential checks you must perform before moving your website online.

1. Cross-Browser and Device Compatibility

The digital landscape in 2025 requires your website to be flawless across a range of devices and browsers.

• Test on popular browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge.
• Ensure mobile-first design: With mobile traffic still dominant, responsive design is non-negotiable.
• Use tools like BrowserStack to simulate your website on various devices and platforms.

2. Speed and Performance Optimization

Users in 2025 expect websites to load almost instantly.

• Run speed tests using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix.
• Optimize images with modern formats like WebP.
• Minify CSS and JavaScript files, and enable lazy loading for images and videos.
• Implement a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to reduce latency globally.

3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

A robust SEO setup ensures your website is discoverable.

• Meta elements: Ensure all pages have unique and optimized meta titles, descriptions, and image alt text.
• Structured data: Use schema markup for enhanced search engine visibility.
• Generate and submit an XML sitemap to search engines.
• Test your website with Google Search Console for indexing issues.

4. Content Audit

Your website’s content is the heart of its success.

• Double-check grammar, spelling, and punctuation for errors.
• Replace placeholder content and ensure all media is relevant and branded.
• Verify consistency in tone, style, and formatting across all pages.

5. Functionality Testing

Ensure every interactive element works flawlessly.

• Test contact forms: Confirm they’re sending emails and displaying proper success messages.
• Verify search functionality works as intended.
• Test dynamic elements like sliders, carousels, and accordions.

6. Secure Your Website

Security is paramount in 2025. Protect your website and user data.

• Install an SSL/TLS certificate to enable HTTPS encryption.
• Harden your admin panel with strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Use firewalls and malware scanners to monitor threats.

7. Verify Hosting and Domain Settings

A reliable hosting setup ensures smooth operations post-launch.

• Confirm your domain is pointing correctly to your hosting provider.
• Check server performance, uptime, and scalability.
• Ensure you have adequate bandwidth and disk space for growth.

8. Analytics and Tracking Integration

Measure performance and user behavior from day one.

• Set up tools like Google Analytics 4 or alternatives such as Matomo.
• Configure Google Tag Manager for advanced tracking needs.
• Test event tracking for conversions, clicks, and other KPIs.

9. Legal and Compliance Readiness

Laws governing online privacy are stricter than ever.

• Implement a cookie consent banner for compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and other regional laws.
• Add a detailed privacy policy and terms of service.
• Ensure your website meets accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.2 compliance).

10. Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan

Always prepare for the unexpected.

• Create a complete backup of your website, including databases and files, before going live.
• Automate regular backups through your hosting provider or plugins.
• Test your backup system by performing a restoration process.

Final Thoughts

Launching a website in 2025 is more than just hitting the “publish” button. By carefully reviewing these 10 essential elements, you can ensure your website delivers an exceptional experience, adheres to legal requirements, and performs optimally in a competitive online world.

Preparation is key—invest the time and effort now to reap the benefits later!

What are your must-do checks before a website launch? Share your tips in the comments below!