A Site Launch Checklist for Your Online Business

Are you ready to push that last button and launch your online business Web site? Before you go live, use this list and check off the items that apply to you:

• My site map (or the layout and structure of all my Web pages) is complete.

• The site map matches my Web pages — exactly.

• Each Web site page is displayed and is fully accessible.

• Every link throughout the site works properly and opens the appropriate page.

• All graphics and photos are loaded quickly and completely, and the images are crisp and clean.

• My content is free of misspellings and grammatical errors.

• Pricing information and product or service descriptions are correct.

• Pages with online forms or registration information function when I press the Submit button, and the information is sent (in the specified format) to the designated point of contact.

• Text boxes or drop-down boxes on forms and other pages work correctly.

• Buttons for top-level menus work. (Ensure that these buttons, like the one that returns users to your home page, function properly on every single page.)

• Special commands that are spelled out with coding language (HTML or PHP, for example) show up properly when the site loads.

• My credit card processor or other payment service option is in place and working.

• All e-commerce-related functions, such as my shopping cart, operate correctly.

• Any membership icons or logos (such as Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce member emblems) are included on the site.

• I tested my site for browser compatibility and screen resolution.

• My site was tested using a dialup connection and a broadband connection.

• Contact information using my e-mail address or phone number is clearly displayed and easy to find.

• The copyright symbol and current year are prominently placed at the bottom of every page.