Launching a WordPress site is exciting, and it is easy to forget something important in the rush. A contact form that sends to the wrong address, a site still blocked from search engines, missing legal pages: small mistakes that can cost weeks of visibility. Use this checklist before and after you go live.
While you build: a coming soon page
Instead of showing an empty or half-finished site, display a coming soon page to visitors while you work. Logged-in administrators still see the real site. Collect emails with a signup form so you have people to tell on launch day. SoonPage sends the right HTTP status to search engines so your SEO is not harmed.
Content
- Every page has a real title, no “Sample Page” or “Hello world”.
- Texts are proofread, with no placeholder text left.
- Contact details are correct and identical everywhere.
- Images are compressed and have alt text.
- Every page has a clear next step: contact, buy, book.
SEO basics
- In Settings › Reading, “Discourage search engines” is unchecked.
- Permalinks use readable URLs (Settings › Permalinks › Post name).
- Each page has a unique title and meta description.
- Your XML sitemap works (WordPress creates one at
/wp-sitemap.xml). - Unnecessary pages (tags, test pages, attachment pages) are not indexed.
- If you are replacing an old site, old URLs redirect (301) to their new equivalent.
Speed and mobile
- Caching is enabled.
- Pages score well in PageSpeed Insights on mobile.
- The menu, buttons and forms work on a real phone.
- Unused plugins and themes are removed.
Forms, contact and features
- Every form is tested and emails arrive (check spam folders).
- Phone links and contact buttons work on mobile. A floating contact button is a good addition.
- Opening hours are correct, see open now badge.
- For stores: a test order has been placed and refunded.
Legal and security
- Legal notice, privacy policy and, for stores, terms of sale are published.
- A cookie banner is in place if you use non-essential cookies.
- HTTPS works on every page.
- Automatic backups are configured.
- Administrator passwords are strong and unique.
Launch day
- Switch off the coming soon mode.
- Add the site to Google Search Console and submit the sitemap.
- Update your Google Business Profile and social profiles with the URL.
- Email your signup list.
- Announce any launch offer with an announcement bar.
The weeks after
Check Search Console for indexing errors, look at which pages get visits, and fix anything that does not work. Add content regularly: a blog post, a project, a new testimonial. A site that keeps improving keeps climbing.
Frequently asked questions
Will a coming soon page hurt my SEO?
Not if it sends a 503 status during maintenance or is used before the site is indexed, and if it is removed at launch.
How long does Google take to index a new site?
Usually from a few days to a few weeks. Submitting the sitemap in Search Console helps.
What is the most common launch mistake?
Leaving “Discourage search engines from indexing this site” checked after launch.