We get it: when you’re developing a website, you’re dreaming of launch day. With a brand new website on the horizon, it’s hard not to feel bogged down by the process.
As the not-so-techy counterpart to Future Access’ developers, I can assure you – every part of the development process is necessary. You can trust your developer to make sure all the pieces are in place before launch. Sometimes, that process takes time, but it’s worth it to know that your website will work.
However, if you want the process to move efficiently, there are some steps you can take. By completing this little checklist, you can help move your website toward its launch.
The Before-You-Launch Checklist
1. Make sure you’ve given complete feedback on the website. Take some time to click through the website. This is your website, so it’s important that you’re satisfied with how things look and how they function. We don’t launch before we have a client’s feedback and approval, so this step is crucial.
2. Know where your hosting is. You can’t launch a website without hosting information. Make sure you know who provides your hosting, and that you pass along any login information to your developer. They’ll be able to move files over properly that way.
3. Same thing goes for your domain name. Domain name registrars and Internet hosting are separate entities. So, chances are you didn’t register your domain name through your Internet hosting provider.
4. Read through the content and check for errors. This goes hand in hand with double checking the website. Often, the errors don’t lie in typos or incorrect grammar. Instead, it’s an error in email syntax or a phone number. (Hint: don’t forget to look through the website’s footer! That’s an area that some will overlook when editing.) While your web developer will likely catch the typos, they may not know about a phone number changing or an additional member being added to your team. That’s why it’s wise to look over things yourself.
5. Keep track of milestones with your developer. Check in with your developer to ensure that you’re on the same page. If your developer is expecting to launch in two weeks, but you’re expecting to launch in one, it may cause some frustration. By communicating with them clearly and regularly, you make sure that everyone’s expectations are aligned.
A Smooth, Successful Launch
Ultimately, your developer wants the same thing you do – a smooth transition to a live website. The more you prepare in advance, the more likely you are to avoid any stalling during the launch process. Instead, you’ll be able to take that website live seamlessly. If you’re curious about what to do after your website launches, you can read more here.