You just launched your Small Business Website, NOW WHAT? Your New Website Launch Checklist
New Website Launch Checklist for Small Business Owners
Congratulations! You've taken a massive leap and your new small business website is live!
We know that sigh of relief after having worked on your website design for hours on end. Launching a website as a small business owner is not a small quest, but the celebrations might be a tad premature.
Launching a new website is like opening a store in a bustling mall - exciting, but it doesn't guarantee a steady stream of customers.
A beautiful website alone won't bring customers flooding in. No one will find it if search engines don't know it exists, besides maybe your mum and your dog, but you won’t go too far with just these audience.
The main aim of your website is to attract potential customers, then captivate them and transform them from potential to real customers and raving fans that will shout from the roof tops your services. That’s where SEO and an excellent user experience comes in.
This blog unveils your New Website Launch Checklist (no jargon, we promise!) to help you optimize your website for SEO (aka showing up on Google) and attract those dream clients, effortlessly. We don’t want your work to be in vain. We’re all in to work smarter, not harder around here, and we’re determined to help you grow your small business organically and sustainably.
Get ready to transform your website from a ghost town to a thriving online hub! This blog post will walk you through all the steps you will need to walk before having a successful website that attracts customers like moths to a flame.
And stay tuned for a series of in-depth guides that will walk dive into every step into more detail.
On this blog post:
➡ STEP 1: Conduct Keyword Research and include them into your website copy.
➡ STEP 3: Check all links and forms on you website
➡ STEP 4: Attach socials (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest)
➡ STEP 5: Set up/ Submit your site to Google Search Console – check for any errors
➡ STEP 6: Submit your sitemap to search engines, so they can crawl (index and your site).
➡ STEP 7: Set up/install Google Analytics, so you can track your visitors
➡ STEP 8: Set up/ Check your Google Business profile is up to date
➡ STEP 9: Check your site loads under 2-4 seconds
➡ STEP 10: Proofread your website content and copy: Because Typos Can Be Dealbreakers!
STEP 1
Conduct Keyword Research and include them into your website copy.
Imagine you're having a conversation with your ideal customer. What words and phrases would they use to describe the problem you solve or the product you offer?
Keyword research is like eavesdropping on those conversations to understand the exact terms people search for online.
By sprinkling these magic keywords throughout your website copy, you're making it easier for search engines (and potential customers!) to find you. Although we recommend you do this before you hit publish, it can always be added and revised!
Think of it like putting up clear, bright signs that say exactly what you offer, so people searching for your solutions can see you loud and clear.
We'll delve deeper into keyword research magic in future posts, but for now you can read our blogpost “SEO for Blogs: A Solopreneurs SEO Optimization Guide for Ranking Blog Content” and apply it to the main copy (written text on your website), focus on using terms that naturally describe your business! and you’ll be just fine.
STEP 2
Optimize your Pictures, check for missing image tags (alt-text) for usability, site speed and for SEO
New Website Launch Checklist for Small Business Owners
Now that you’ve got your keywords selected, you have to put them in more places than just your copy.
There is a hidden treasure chest of organic growth you might be missing: your website images!
Imagine this: you've crafted killer content, the kind that deserves to be seen by the world. But if search engines can't understand your images, they're like locked treasure chests. Optimizing them is the magic key that unlocks a whole new level of search engine love.
And guess what? It's actually way easier than you think. Sure, it might take a teensy bit of extra time, but the payoff is HUGE. We're talking about rocketing your rankings and getting your amazing content in front of the right eyes.
Optimizing your website's images offers a powerful double benefit: improved search engine ranking and a better user experience. Here's why:
1. Higher Search Ranking:
Image Alt Text: Search engines can't "see" your images, but they can read alt text. These descriptions act as labels, helping search engines understand your content and potentially rank your website higher for relevant keywords.
2. Enhanced User Experience:
Faster Loading Speeds: Compressing and resizing images reduces their file size, leading to faster loading times. This translates to less frustration for visitors and a more enjoyable browsing experience. Not only does this keep them engaged, but Google also prioritizes websites with faster loading speeds in search results, check your website speed here
Accessibility for All: Alt text provides context for visitors who are visually impaired, have a slow internet connection, or encounter issues where images fail to load. This ensures inclusivity and a positive experience for everyone.
Remember: Optimizing your website's images is a simple yet powerful way to improve SEO, website speed, and user experience. In future posts, we'll delve deeper into the process, teaching you how to resize, compress, and add those all-important alt text descriptions! For now, focus on using clear and concise alt text for each image, and watch your website transform!
STEP 3
Check all links and forms on you website
Ever walk into a store excited to buy something, only to find a clueless employee who points you in the wrong direction? Frustrating, right?
That's what broken links and malfunctioning forms do to your website visitors. They're eager to buy, but technical issues leave them lost and frustrated.
Here's why checking for these problems is crucial:
Lost Sales: Imagine a visitor wanting to buy your product, but the "Buy Now" button doesn't work. They're gone, and your sale vanishes.
Frustration & Distrust: Broken links lead to dead ends, and malfunctioning forms waste visitor time. They feel like nobody cares about their needs, leading to a negative brand image.
Wasted Potential: Your website should be a smooth conversion machine. Broken links and forms disrupt the buying journey, stopping potential customers before they buy.
Don't let technical glitches ruin your sales potential! Regularly check your website for broken links and malfunctioning forms. It's a small investment for a big increase in happy customers and sales.
HOW TO FIND YOUR BROKEN LINKS: You can check your broken links on your Google search console. First log into your account, go to “coverage” and look for URLs marked as "Not found (404)" or "Soft 404" in the "Excluded" tab. These errors indicate that broken links that Google's crawlers have identified.
STEP 4
Attach socials to your website (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest)
Imagine your website as a fantastic store, but the only way in is through the back door. Social media platforms are your shop's grand entrance, inviting customers to explore and engage with your brand in a fun and interactive way.
Here's why attaching your social media (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.) is a must-do:
Expand Your Reach: Social media lets you connect with potential customers who might not have stumbled upon your website organically. By showcasing your brand on these platforms, you cast a wider net and attract a larger audience.
Build Brand Loyalty: Social media fosters a sense of community. Share engaging content, interact with comments and messages, and watch as brand loyalty flourishes. Customers who feel connected are more likely to become repeat buyers and advocates.
Drive Traffic Back to Your Website: Social media is a powerful tool for driving traffic back to your website. Use eye-catching posts and strategic calls to action to entice followers to visit your site and explore what you offer in detail.
Boost Brand Awareness: With every like, share, and comment on your social media posts, your brand gains valuable exposure. Social media is a fantastic tool for amplifying your brand message and building recognition among your target audience.
By integrating your social media with your website, you create a seamless customer journey that fosters engagement, builds loyalty, and ultimately drives sales.
So, don't just display social icons – make them an inviting gateway to a thriving online community.
STEP 5
Set up/ Submit your site to Google Search Console – check for any errors
Did you know that publishing your website doesn’t always guarantee it from showing up on Google? Unfortunately, most of the time you have to tell Google, HEY I’M NEW HERE!
But don’t fret, setting up a Google Search Console account is pretty simple! Google walks you through it here.
Imagine having a direct line of communication with the biggest librarian in the world – Google! That's exactly what Google Search Console offers. And that’s the reason why setting up and submitting your website to this powerful tool is a game-changer:
Gain Valuable Insights: Google Search Console acts as a window into how search engines see your website. It reveals valuable data on how your website performs in search results, identifies any potential indexing errors, and even suggests improvements.
Fix Website Issues Before They Impact You: Search Console can alert you to technical problems that might hinder your website's visibility in search results. By promptly addressing these issues, you can ensure your website is functioning optimally and reaching its full potential.
Stay Informed and Optimized: Google Search Console is a treasure trove of information. You can use it to track your website's search ranking for relevant keywords, monitor how users interact with your content, and stay updated on the latest search engine algorithms.
By submitting your website to Google Search Console, you're essentially opening a dialogue with the search engine giant.
This valuable communication channel lets you identify areas for improvement, optimize your website for better visibility, and ultimately, attract more visitors and potential customers.
STEP 6
Submit your sitemap on Google Search Console
New Website Launch Checklist for Small Business Owners
Now that you know what Google Search Console does, the most important part is getting your sitemap added and your pages indexed (Google’s way to saying your pages are showing up in searches).
Your website sitemap acts as a bridge between your website and search engines.
Why is a sitemap crucial for your small business website?
Search Engines Need a Guide: Search engines rely on crawlers to discover and index websites. A sitemap acts as a clear map, guiding these crawlers to every page and its valuable content. Without it, some of your amazing content might get missed, leaving potential customers searching in vain.
Boost Your Visibility: A clear sitemap ensures crawlers find all your website's pages. This translates to increased discoverability in search results, leading potential customers right to your doorstep (website!).
Potential Ranking Boost: Search engines consider website structure and content comprehensiveness when ranking websites. A well-defined sitemap helps them understand your website better, potentially improving your ranking for relevant keywords.
The Magic of Squarespace: One of the reasons we love Squarespace for small business websites is its ability to simplify complex tasks. Website visibility through search engines is no exception, but it’s still far from perfect.
IMPORTANT NOTE! You will still need to index your website, because in our experience your website will still not be crawled without it. Squarespace is constantly updating and maybe in the future this function will work as magic, but for now trust us on this one!
STEP 7
Set up/install Google Analytics, so you can track your visitors
Imagine having a team of invisible website detectives constantly monitoring your visitors and reporting back on their every move (well, almost!). That's the magic of Google Analytics and why it’s a must have on your website toolkit! Here's why setting it up is essential:
Know Your Audience: Google Analytics provides a wealth of data about your website visitors, revealing who they are, where they come from, and how they interact with your content. This insider knowledge empowers you to tailor your website and marketing efforts to resonate with your ideal audience.
Track Website Performance: Analytics tracks key metrics like website traffic, bounce rate, and conversion rates. This data paints a clear picture of how well your website is performing and helps you identify areas for improvement.
Measure What Matters: Without Google Analytics, it's like managing a business in the dark. By setting up analytics, you gain the ability to measure the effectiveness of your website marketing efforts, track the success of campaigns, and ultimately, make data-driven decisions to optimize your website for growth.
Don't leave your website's performance a mystery! Embrace the power of Google Analytics and gain the insights you need to attract, engage, and convert your website visitors into loyal fans.
STEP 8
Set up/ Check your Google Business profile is up to date
So what’s Google Business about? Setting a Google Business profile it’s a free service designed by Google to promote local businesses online.
New Website Launch Checklist for Small Business Owners
Setting up and optimizing a Google Business profile and listing is key to a local marketing strategy and offers you an incredible opportunity to attract local customers, to rank higher on Google search results and appear on Google maps.
But why is this important? Picture this: You're on the hunt for the perfect hairdresser, or even a plumber. Where do you turn? Yep, you guessed it—Google!
When potential customers are searching for products or services like yours, Google is often their first port of call. And with Google Business, you can make sure your business pops up right when they're looking for your services, for example “yoga classes near me”.
Here's the deal: Google reigns supreme as the go-to search engine, with a whopping 90% of the market share. That's a whole lot of eyeballs scanning those search results. And when your business is listed there, complete with glowing reviews, snazzy photos, and all the nitty-gritty details, you're practically waving a neon sign saying, "Come on in!"
But wait, there's more! Having a Google Business profile isn't just about snagging the top spot in search results (although that's pretty awesome). It's also about building trust and credibility with your customers. When they see your business listed on Google, it adds a stamp of legitimacy that can't be beaten.
Now, you might be thinking, "But I run an online business—do I really need a Google My Business?" Absolutely! Even if your business doesn't have a physical storefront, having a Google presence can work wonders for your online credibility. It's like planting a flag in the digital landscape and saying, "Hey world, I'm here!"
So, whether you're a cozy café tucked away on Main Street or an e-commerce powerhouse with customers around the globe, don't skip this crucial step. With Google Business, you're not just reaching customers—you're inviting them to join your journey, one click at a time.
STEP 9
Check that your website loads under 2-4 seconds
Imagine your ideal customer clicks on your website, eager to explore what you offer. But then... nothing. The page takes forever to load, frustration sets in, and they click away before you can even say "hello." Yikes! Here's why prioritizing website speed is a must-win:
First Impressions Matter (a LOT): In today's fast-paced world, patience is a rare commodity. If your website takes ages to load, visitors will bounce faster than a rubber ball. Speed is the key to a positive first impression, keeping visitors engaged and exploring your offerings.
Attention Spans are Shrinking: People are bombarded with information online. A slow website is like molasses in January – it slows everything down and zaps attention spans faster than you can say "website killer."
Search Engines Love Speedy Sites: Did you know Google prioritizes fast-loading websites in search results? A speedy website not only keeps visitors happy, but it also helps you rank higher in search engines, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
Don't let slow loading times become your website's kryptonite! By optimizing your website for speed, you create a lightning-fast experience that keeps visitors engaged, happy, and coming back for more.
Ready to Test Your Website Speed?
Here are some free tools you can use to check your website's loading speed:
In case your results are not good, don’t panic! We will give you all the juice in another blog post soon, do don’t forget to check our blog page often!
STEP 10
Proofread your website content and copy: Because Typos Can Be
Deal breakers!
Imagine meeting someone for the first time. They're impeccably dressed, captivating conversation flows effortlessly, and you're utterly charmed.
But then, as they reach for a handshake, you notice a glaring typo tattooed across their arm: "Sucess" instead of "Success." Suddenly, that air of confidence crumbles faster than a sandcastle in a hurricane.
The same holds true for your website. Engaging content, captivating visuals, and a user-friendly layout are crucial. But the devil truly is in the details, especially when it comes to typos and grammatical errors. Here's why proofreading your website content is a non-negotiable:
First Impressions Matter (A Lot!): Your website is your online handshake. Typos and grammatical errors scream a lack of attention to detail and professionalism. Visitors might question the quality of your products or services if your website itself is riddled with mistakes.
Credibility Crumbles with Every Error: Imagine a doctor's website riddled with typos. Would you trust their medical expertise? Similarly, typos on your website undermine your credibility and make you appear unreliable.
A Polished Presentation Speaks Volumes: Flawless copywriting and meticulous proofreading demonstrate your commitment to quality and professionalism. A website that shines with error-free content builds trust with visitors, making them more likely to engage with your offerings.
Don't let typos ruin your hard earned reputation! Invest the time in thorough proofreading, and here's the good news! There are fantastic free tools available to help you achieve website copy that shines:
Grammarly: A powerful grammar checker and writing assistant, Grammarly helps identify typos, grammatical errors, and even suggests improvements to sentence clarity and style.
ProWritingAid: Another excellent option, ProWritingAid offers in-depth grammar and style checks, along with suggestions for clarity, overused words, and plagiarism detection.
STEP 11
Get Feedback!
You’re building your website and business for your customers, so why not get their feedback? Listen, we know you’ve looked at your site a million times now. It could make sense to you, but maybe you were blind to other aspects, or you’re missing something important that a customer may want to know.
We always recommend sharing your website with close family, friends and customers that you trust. Ask them to give you honest feedback about their experience and if there is anything they found difficult or challenging to find.
If you want to learn the SEO secrets NO ONE, is talking about we’ve put together the ultiomate SEO guide for beginners and Small Buisness.
This guide is for you if:
You own a small business, service-based business or local retail business
Are struggling to understand the complexities of SEO
Looking to grow your online traffic without daily effort
Don’t have a huge budget to dedicate to marketing
Are looking for efforts that impact your business years down the road
Want to drive traffic and make sales, no matter what time of day or hour
What are you waiting for? Let’s get your site soaring past your competition on Google!
Congratulations! Now you’re ready to reach new heights with your small business. You've taken a bold step towards expanding your online presence and reaching new customers. But as the saying goes, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Your website launch is just the beginning of an exciting journey towards success.
In this small business website launch checklist for website optimization, we've covered crucial steps to ensure your website stands out in the vast digital landscape.
But let's not forget the backbone of your online presence: search engine optimization (SEO). It's the secret sauce that helps your website rise to the top of search results, ensuring your business gets the visibility it deserves.
With clear explanations and actionable tips, we've demystified the world of SEO, making it accessible to even the most novice small business owner.
That’s why we’ve cranked up the gears to create the ultimate SEO Guide for Beginners and Small Businesses! so you can get clear on how to do SEO, without breaking the bank or hours behind your computer.
We have a LOT! of free guides and blog posts that will help you understand the power SEO and how to implement proven SEO strategies that we’ve seen working for over 12 years experience. Click below to learn more:
