Launching a website properly makes the difference between a slow start and gaining real momentum. At Slate, we’ve seen countless launches over the years, and the biggest mistake people make is going live too soon, before they’ve tested everything thoroughly.
Start by sorting out the technical foundations. Check your site loads quickly on mobile and desktop, test every form and button, and make sure your hosting can handle traffic spikes. Run it past friends or colleagues who’ll give you honest feedback about confusing navigation or broken links. These early issues are much easier to fix before anyone else sees them.
Your content needs to be ready before launch day. This means having all your core pages written, images optimised, and your SEO basics sorted out. Set up Google Analytics and Search Console from the beginning so you’re tracking visitors from day one. You’ll want this data later to understand what’s working.
Think about your launch timing too. Avoid Fridays or holiday periods when you might need technical support and no one’s around. Monday to Thursday tends to work well, and launching early in the day gives you time to monitor things and respond to any problems.
The actual launch should be soft rather than dramatic. Start by telling your existing network through email and social media. This gives you a manageable amount of initial traffic as you iron out any remaining issues. Once you’re confident everything’s running smoothly, you can expand your promotion.
After launch, monitor your site closely for the first weeks. Keep an eye on your analytics, check for error messages, and respond quickly to any feedback.
The reality is that no website is ever truly finished. You’ll keep improving it based on how people actually use it. Getting these fundamentals right means you’ll launch with confidence rather than crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. This is why an ongoing Maintenance Plan is so important.
At helloslate.co.uk, we help businesses through every stage of their website launch, from initial planning to post-launch optimisation. If you need support bringing your new site to life, get in touch with our team. And we don’t stop there, as we offer ongoing Hosting and Maintenance that keeps your site up to date and performing perfectly.
