Website Launch Checklist: 7 Essential Steps for New Entrepreneurs

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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!

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.

Launch Your First Digital Venture Flier draft 1

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]

The sales pictures of the workbook!

4 thoughts on “Website Launch Checklist: 7 Essential Steps for New Entrepreneurs”

  1. Excellent checklist for launching a website! As a new entrepreneur, I found this step-by-step guide incredibly helpful. The tips on choosing a domain name, selecting a hosting service, and optimizing for SEO are particularly valuable. I appreciate how you emphasized keeping things simple and mobile-friendly. Your additional resources, such as the Launch Your First Digital Venture program and Escape the 9-5 Grind events, are also fantastic opportunities for support. Thank you for sharing your expertise and making website launch less intimidating.

    Reply
    • Hi again, Cyril. I’m so pleased to inspire you! My aim with this site is to support people just starting out, so I’m glad you’ve found me. There are lots of exciting things to come on the site, too! 

      It looks like you know you way around this site so I won’t recommend anything else. But new posts are being added all the time so if you like what you read please sing up to receive my latest! 

      Looking forward to seeing your success! 🌟

      Best

      Linden

      Reply
  2. Hi Charley 

    Thank you for this wonderful post, it’s simple and easy to understand. As someone starting the information is super helpful, and your outline of a simple 7-step checklist for launching a website is amazing. 

    I will visit your website frequently, so this post is start to the point and simple to action and understand. 

    Regards 

    Annastasia 

    Reply

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