Launch Checklist: From Domain and DNS to Final RSVP Exports

Launching a new website or digital product is an exciting milestone, but it’s also a process filled with important details. Whether you’re releasing an updated company site, launching a campaign landing page, or opening up event registration, careful preparation helps ensure that things go smoothly — both technically and in the eyes of your visitors.

This comprehensive checklist is designed for small business owners, marketing managers, and digital decision-makers. It will walk you through each key step, from initial domain setup and DNS configuration, through essential pre-launch checks, to post-launch data exports. Consider this your guide to a confident, well-organized launch.

1. Domain Name & DNS Configuration

Your domain name is your digital storefront. Setting it up correctly from the outset prevents issues with site accessibility, branding, and search engine indexing.

• Register Your Domain:
  
  Choose a registrar that offers reliable customer support and easy DNS management. Use a business-appropriate domain (e.g., yourbrand.co.uk) and keep your contact details up to date to avoid renewal lapses.
• DNS Records:
  
  Understand key DNS records:
  • A Record — Points your domain to your web server’s IP address.
  • CNAME Record — Used for subdomains (e.g., www) to point to your domain or another target.
  • MX Record — Directs email traffic for your domain to your email provider.
  • TXT Record — Often used for verification or to add SPF/DKIM details for email security.

  Double-check your host’s documentation for the exact records needed.

• Domain Propagation:
  
  DNS changes can take hours to propagate globally. Make these changes well before your planned launch window.
• SSL/TLS Certificates:
  
  Secure your site with an SSL certificate. Many hosts and providers now offer free certificates via Let’s Encrypt. A valid certificate ensures HTTPS is enabled — vital for user trust and SEO ranking.

2. Web Hosting and Deployment

Choosing a reliable hosting platform and setting up the correct environment is key for security, speed, and reliability.

• Hosting Environment:
  
  Confirm the server meets the technical requirements of your website or app (PHP version, NodeJS, etc.).
• Deployment Plan:
  
  Use a version control system (like Git) to deploy your code. For WordPress or other CMSs, keep track of theme and plugin versions.
• Backups:
  
  Set up daily or real-time backups at both the file and database level.
• Security Measures:
  
  Check for firewalls, malware scanning, and brute-force attack protection.

3. Core Site Functionality: Checklist Before “Go Live”

Content Review

• Proofread all page content for accuracy and consistency.
• Ensure that images are high resolution and properly optimized for web.
• Test contact forms, signup flows, and all critical interactive elements.

Usability Testing

• Check navigation on different devices (desktop, tablet, mobile).
• Test all links for proper redirects (including external and email links).
• Run your site through accessibility checks for color contrast and keyboard navigation.

SEO Foundations

• Complete unique title tags and meta descriptions for all pages.
• Implement structured data where appropriate (events, products, etc.).
• Check for sitemap.xml and robots.txt files.

Performance Optimization

• Minimize CSS and JavaScript files.
• Compress images and serve correct image formats (e.g., WebP).
• Use caching where possible.
• Test page load speeds with tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTMetrix.

4. Integrations & Analytics

To make informed decisions, you need to track user interaction and support your broader business tools.

• Analytics Setup:
  
  Install Google Analytics (or an equivalent privacy-focused system like Plausible). Use Google Tag Manager for flexible event tracking.
• Conversion Goals:
  
  Create goals or events for lead form submits, purchases, downloads, or other key actions.
• Third-Party Integrations:
  
  Connect email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp), chatbots, and CRM tools. Test all automations.
• Cookie & Privacy Compliance:
  
  Display appropriate cookie consent notices and update your privacy policy in line with GDPR/UK regulations.

5. Email Deliverability

If your website sends transactional or notification emails — confirmations, RSVPs, receipts — make sure delivery is both reliable and secure.

• SPF, DKIM, and DMARC:
  
  Configure these email authentication protocols in your DNS to help prevent emails ending up in spam.
• Email Testing:
  
  Test with multiple email providers (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.) to ensure messages are received and templates render correctly.
• Handling Bounces:
  
  Set up a system for bounce notifications to maintain deliverability and list hygiene.

6. Launch Day: Final Prep & Sanity Checks

• Clear server and browser caches, then reload your site to confirm updates are live.
• Visit your domain in Incognito/Private mode.
• Notify your team or stakeholders of the launch window and responsibilities.
• Turn on maintenance mode briefly (if needed) during the final switch-over.
• Monitor uptime via site or third-party service for at least the first 24 hours.

7. Specifics for Event Sites: RSVP and Registration Data

Event and registration sites have additional launch considerations, especially around handling guest information.

• Test Registration/RSVP Forms:
  
  Use test data to ensure user registration, payment, and confirmation flows work smoothly.
• Data Exports:
  
  Before launch, verify that you can easily export RSVP or registration data in CSV or the preferred format. Check that exports include all the details you need (name, email, custom fields, etc.).
• Email Confirmations:
  
  Edit confirmation and reminder emails for clarity and branding consistency.
• GDPR/Data Protection:
  
  Ensure you are capturing only required information, displaying privacy notices, and storing data securely.
• Backups & Record Keeping:
  
  Schedule regular exports and secure offsite backups for your attendee or subscriber lists.

8. Post-Launch Monitoring & Improvement

• Monitor Analytics:
  
  Watch for issues like high bounce rates, unexpected traffic drops, or user flow problems.
• Track Error Logs & Broken Links:
  
  Use monitoring tools or plugins to catch server errors and 404s.
• Gather Feedback:
  
  Invite your team, colleagues, or a small trusted audience to give honest feedback on usability and clarity.
• Iterate & Improve:
  
  Be prepared to make quick fixes and ongoing content updates as you receive data and feedback.

Checklist Quick Reference

• Register domain; confirm DNS, SSL, email records
• Set up hosting, backups, and security
• Proof content, test functionality, optimize for SEO & speed
• Install analytics, configure goals, integrate email/CRM tools
• Test email deliverability & automation
• Final “go live” checks and caching/launch procedures
• For event/RSVP: export data, schedule backups, review GDPR
• Monitor logs, analytics, feedback, and make improvements

A successful digital launch is less about a single moment and more about a thorough, repeatable process. Doing things right means fewer surprises, faster recovery if something goes wrong, and greater confidence for everyone involved — from your team to your customers and event attendees.

If you need help with your website, app, or digital marketing — get in touch today at info@webmatter.co.uk or call 07546 289 419.