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Website due to launch? Here are 5 things to double check

As the launch day for your new website approaches, you could understandably be feeling jittery. After all, you can’t be certain how visitors will react to the new site or whether something could suddenly go wrong. However, key to keeping nerves at bay is being thoroughly prepared.

That entails going through your site with a fine comb in search of issues that could trip up your website on its way to the top. Here are some particular things worth checking more than once…

That a properly-configured XML sitemap is on the server

Once your website is online, Google will send out its crawlers to determine what it is all about. You can give those crawlers – and, therefore, your site’s place in the search engine rankings – a considerable helping hand by checking that an XML sitemap is in place for your site.

On your server, this sitemap – a file of code – will list the appropriate URLs comprising your website’s structure. At Webahead, we can help you to make and implement an XML sitemap.

That the website includes an SSL certificate

As the Google listing for your site falls into the view of security-conscious web users, you can expect reticence on their part if they notice that your site lacks an SSL certificate.

This is because, in 2018, this certificate can be perceived as a “gold standard” for website security. After all, it will encrypt your website to prevent hackers intercepting sensitive data. Also, take into account that Google will strengthen rankings of sites that have this certificate.

That the site content passes the legal test

You probably only have to regularly catch up on the news to see how dubious and objectionable content can give rise to legal challenges. For this reason, it’s worth turning to a legal team who can verify that your site’s content isn’t infringing copyright or trademarks.

They can also help you to formulate a privacy policy to be posted on your website. This policy should specify what information you gather and how you will use it.

How the site works on various browsers and platforms

You might have already extensively drawn upon quality assurance – QA – measures while developing the site. However, since your last round of QA testing, you might have added content or changed things in a way that has inadvertently broken something.

You wouldn’t pick up on this unless you test the site again just ahead of launch. Platforms on which you should put the site through its paces include Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.

How you will react in worst-case scenarios

However meticulous you are at the pre-launch stage, you can undoubtedly give yourself a further layer of comfort if you decide what you will do when something goes wrong.

Yes, it’s wise to adopt an attitude of “when”, not “if”. You could consider where pain points could arise and then accordingly put together some backup strategies. If you call us on 01325 582112, we can assist you in forming these plans.

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