Website Launch Checklist: 7 Essential Steps for New Entrepreneurs

Launching your first website is a big milestone on your entrepreneurial journey, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step checklist to help you launch your website smoothly and confidently.

1. Choose Your Domain Name

Your domain name is the web address people will use to find your site (e.g., www.YourBusinessName.com).

• Make it simple, easy to remember, and reflective of your brand.
• Use platforms like Namecheap or GoDaddy to search for and purchase your domain.

Tip: Keep your domain short and avoid using numbers or hyphens.

2. Select a Website Hosting Service

Your website needs a host—a service that stores your website files and makes them accessible to the internet.

• Popular beginner-friendly hosting services include Bluehost, SiteGround, HostGator and Wealthy Affiliate.

Tip: Look for hosting services with beginner-friendly features like one-click WordPress installations and good customer support.

3. Set Up Your Website Platform

Most newcomers use WordPress as their website platform because it’s easy to use and customizable.

• After purchasing your domain and hosting, install WordPress or another website builder like Wix or Squarespace.

Tip: WordPress is the most flexible option, especially if you plan to grow your website in the future.

4. Choose a Theme for Your Website

A theme determines the look and layout of your site.

• Free WordPress themes are available in abundance but make sure to choose one that is mobile-friendly and simple.
• Customize your theme with your logo, colours, and images.

Tip: Keep it clean and easy to navigate—don’t overload your site with too many fancy features early on.

5. Create Essential Pages

At minimum, your website should have:

• Home Page: The first impression for your visitors.
• About Page: Share your story, mission, and why you started your business.
• Contact Page: Provide an easy way for visitors to contact you.

Tip: Start with these basic pages, and you can always add more as your business grows.

6. Optimize Your Site for Search Engines (SEO)

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your website appear on search engines like Google.

• Install free plugins like Yoast SEO to help guide you through your site’s SEO basics.
• Focus on optimizing your titles, descriptions, and content with relevant keywords.

Tip: Don’t stress over SEO at first. Just make sure each page has a clear title and description.

7. Test Your Website Before Launch

Before officially launching, check that:

• All links and pages work correctly.
• Your website is mobile-friendly (use tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test).
• You’ve set up basic analytics (Google Analytics) to track visitors.

Tip: Ask a friend to navigate your site to spot any last-minute issues.

Next Steps

Once your website is live, it’s time to start promoting it!

Please share it on social media, create content regularly, and grow your audience.

If you need help launching your website, join my 6-step program, Launch Your First Digital Venture: Live Website Creation and Mindfulness training in 6 weeks, in which I’ll guide you through every step of the process.

You’ll also benefit from attending my Escape the 9-5 Grind events on LinkedIn, designed to help you shift from employee to self-reliant entrepreneur. Touch the Image to register.

Every Wednesday on LinkedIn at 9:00 + 12:00 (noon) [BST + GMT]

Let’s build your digital future together!