Checking a website before launch: a checklist for the client
The studio says “the site is ready”, but how can you check for yourself? A simple checklist to find mistakes before customers see them.
Mistakes found before launch are easier and cheaper to fix. This checklist needs no technical knowledge — just a phone, a computer and an hour.
Forms and requests
- submit every form on the site — did the request reach the right person?
- check that the customer gets a confirmation;
- try submitting a form with an error — is it clear what to fix?
- tap the phone number and messenger buttons on a phone — do they open?
Mobile version
- open the site on several phones — Android and iPhone;
- text is readable without zooming, buttons are easy to tap;
- no horizontal scrolling, nothing runs off the edge of the screen.
Texts and contacts
- no typos or placeholder text;
- contacts, addresses and opening hours are up to date;
- all language versions are fully translated;
- prices and terms match reality.
Links and pages
- go through every menu item and footer link;
- a non-existent address shows a clear “not found” page;
- there is a privacy policy if the site collects data.
Speed
Check the site in Google PageSpeed Insights. The home page should open quickly even on mobile internet.
Search
- pages have titles and descriptions;
- the site is open for indexing (a common mistake is leaving the block from development);
- Search Console and analytics are connected.
More in “SEO for a website in Tajikistan” and “How to write a technical brief”.
Security and access
- the site works over https;
- you have received access: admin panel, hosting, domain, analytics;
- backups are set up;
- admin passwords are strong and different.
What to do with the mistakes you find
Record each one: the page, what you did, what you expected, what happened, a screenshot. Send the list to the contractor and check again after the fixes.
Who can help
Complex sites and apps deserve professional testing. The “Software testing (QA)” section of GHOST.TJ lists verified specialists; they set their own prices and timelines.