This checklist covers the essential steps to complete before launching your WordPress website and what to do immediately after.
1. Test Your Website Content
Check every page on your website before going live. Click through your main navigation menu and verify each page loads correctly. Read through your content for spelling mistakes and ensure your business details are accurate.
Make sure your contact form works by sending yourself a test message. If you have multiple forms or booking systems, test each one.
2. Verify Your Domain Connection
If you're using a custom domain name, confirm it's properly connected to Web60. Visit your website using your full domain name (like www.yourbusiness.ie) to ensure it loads correctly.
Domain changes can take up to 24 hours to fully update across the internet. If your domain isn't working yet, wait a few hours and try again.
3. Check Mobile Display
Open your website on your mobile phone to see how it looks. Test the navigation menu, contact forms, and image loading on your phone's browser. Most of your visitors will use mobile devices, so this step is critical.
If elements look cramped or text is too small, you may need to adjust your theme settings or content layout.
4. Set Up Basic SEO
Add a clear page title and description to each page of your website. These appear in Google search results, so write them for potential customers, not search engines.
Ensure your business name, address, and phone number appear consistently throughout your website, especially on your contact and about pages.
5. Configure Your WordPress Settings
Log into your WordPress admin dashboard and check your site settings. Verify your site title and tagline are correct. Set your timezone to Dublin to ensure timestamps display correctly for Irish visitors.
Update your general settings to include your business email address as the admin email. This is where important notifications will be sent.
6. Create Essential Legal Pages
Irish businesses typically need privacy policy and terms of service pages. Add these as new pages in WordPress, even if you use simple templates initially. You can refine them later with legal advice.
Link to these pages from your website footer so visitors can easily find them.
7. Launch Day Actions
Once everything is tested and working, remove any "coming soon" messages or maintenance mode settings. Make your first social media post announcing your new website and include the web address.
Send the website link to friends, family, or existing customers to get initial traffic and feedback.
After Launch
Monitor your website for the first few days after launch. Check that contact forms are receiving messages and that there are no broken links or loading issues.
Consider setting up Google Analytics to track visitor numbers, though this isn't essential for immediate launch.
If you encounter any issues during launch, don't panic. Most problems have simple solutions, and your website can be fixed while still remaining accessible to visitors.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take for my domain to start working?
A: Domain changes typically take 2-24 hours to complete. During this time, some visitors may see your old website or a "site not found" message.
Q: What if I find mistakes after launching?
A: You can edit your website content at any time through WordPress. Changes appear immediately, so you can fix typos or update information whenever needed.
Q: Do I need to announce my website launch?
A: While not required, sharing your new website on social media or with existing customers helps drive initial traffic and lets people know you're online.
Q: Should I test my website before going live?
A: Yes, always test your contact forms, navigation, and mobile display before launch. It's much easier to fix issues before customers start visiting.
Q: What happens if my website breaks after launch?
A: Web60 takes automatic backups, so any serious issues can be restored. Most problems are minor and can be fixed without affecting your visitors.
Q: Can I make changes to my website after it's live?
A: Absolutely. WordPress allows you to update content, add pages, and modify your website at any time. Your changes appear immediately to visitors.
Last updated: 1 March 2026