Website Launch Checklist for Manufacturers

This website launch checklist is built for the week before you go live. Most post-launch headaches, like a quote form that never sends, old pages still ranking or a giant photo that freezes phones, show up within an hour of structured checking.

Each item says why it matters and how to verify it. Tick it off only after you tested it yourself, not after asking the developer.

Technical checks

1. HTTPS is active

Without it, browsers warn visitors and search engines rank you lower. Type the address with http:// and confirm it redirects cleanly to https://.

2. Old URLs redirect to new ones

If you had a previous site, every old address must 301-redirect to its closest new page. List the old URLs and test them one by one. Skipping this throws away rankings and backlinks.

3. Mobile speed

Run the homepage through PageSpeed Insights, then open it on your own phone over mobile data. Images above 300 KB and uncompressed video are the usual culprits.

4. Robots file and sitemap

Make sure robots.txt does not block the whole site, a leftover from staging that happens more often than you would think, and that sitemap.xml lists the right pages.

Content checks

5. Technical facts reviewed

Ask someone in engineering or production to read the product pages. A wrong tolerance or standard erodes trust and attracts quote requests for work you do not do.

6. Unique titles and descriptions

Every page needs its own title and meta description. Check the browser tab, and after launch search for site:yourdomain.com to see what appears.

7. Alt text on images

Describe what the photo shows, such as a CNC machining center cutting aluminum. It helps image search and accessibility.

8. Legal pages

Add a privacy policy and a cookie notice that match the rules where you operate, especially if forms or analytics collect personal data.

Conversion checks

9. Quote form tested end to end

Send three test submissions from a desktop and a phone. Confirm they reach the right inbox, not spam, and that the sender sees a confirmation message.

10. Phone and chat links work

On a phone, the number should start a call with one tap. Test any prefilled chat message too.

11. Tracking configured

Confirm analytics records visits and that form submissions and click-to-call taps count as events. Also register the site in Google Search Console.

12. Basic accessibility

Check text contrast, font size on a phone and whether buttons have a comfortable tap area. Plenty of buyers open your site on a small screen, in bright light, with one hand free.

Final pass before publishing

1. Walk through the entire site on a phone and a computer
2. Click every menu and footer link
3. Test in two different browsers
4. Take a full backup of the environment
5. Decide who watches the contact inbox during the first few days

If hosting or structure still raises doubts, review our website development approach before locking the date. A one-week delay costs far less than repairing a bad launch.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the checklist take?

For a site of 10 to 15 pages, half a day to a full day, including mobile testing.

What if I find a bug after launch?

Fix whatever blocks contact first, such as the form or phone link, then the rest. Write the bug down so it joins the checklist for your next project.