Publishing a web page is not just hitting the “upload” button and waiting for everything to work. As a developer, I know that there are a number of critical steps that must be completed to ensure that the website is optimized, secure, and ready to deliver the best possible experience to users.

At Doowebs, we have perfected a detailed process to ensure that every website is published optimally, securely, and efficiently. Below, we share our essential checklist before launching any website.

1. Final Review Before Publishing

Before uploading the website to production, it is crucial to perform a thorough review:

Check that all content is correct (text, images, links, forms, etc.).
Verify that designs and structures match what was approved by the client.
Ensure that WordPress, plugins, and the theme are updated to the latest versions.
Validate that navigation is intuitive and interactions are smooth.
Confirm the website validation by the client.

2. Performance Optimization

A fast website improves user experience and SEO. Before publishing, verify:

Optimized images to reduce weight without losing quality.
Cache configuration with WPO plugins.
Minification of CSS, JS, and HTML.
Application of defer JS and lazy loading.
Performance evaluation with PageSpeed Insights and GTMetrix.

3. SEO Review

To ensure proper indexing:

Configure Rank Math, Yoast SEO, or similar.
Define indexable and non-indexable elements.
Configure the sitemap.
Complete metadata (title, description, alt on images).
Verify friendly URL structure.

4. Migration to Production

When moving the website to the final server:

Ensure that the domain is correctly pointed.
Verify server configuration (PHP, MySQL/MariaDB, cache, access).
Upload files and database to the final hosting.
Adjust connection data in wp-config.php.
Update URLs if necessary.
Check for references to local paths or test environments.
Re-evaluate performance with PageSpeed Insights and GTMetrix.
Link Search Console and Google Analytics/Matomo.
Upload the sitemap to Google Search Console and verify indexing.

5. Security and Basic Configurations

Protect the website from the start:

Implement HTTPS with an SSL certificate.
Disable unnecessary files.
Configure security rules in .htaccess.
Strengthen security in wp-config.php.
Check file and folder permissions.
Configure firewall on the server and Cloudflare if necessary.

6. Functionality Tests

A website without functional errors improves conversion and user experience:

Test forms and verify email delivery.
Check compatibility across different browsers and devices.
Verify that links and buttons work correctly.
Validate redirect configuration.
Review server error logs and fix issues.

7. Post-Launch Monitoring

Once the website is live, continuous monitoring is essential:

Verify stability in performance and security.
Review indexing in search engines.
Set up server downtime alerts.
Monitor 404 errors in Google Search Console.
Perform periodic backups.
Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated.
Update server software versions.

Conclusion

Launching a website requires attention to detail. At Doowebs, we ensure that every project goes live smoothly and with the best possible performance.

If you need help publishing your website or have any questions about these steps, contact us and we will help you optimize your site before the big launch.