Site Launch Checklist
A list of things to double-check before you go live
Check List
SITE Indexing
Make sure your site is indexed as soon as possible by Google and ensure that ranking for an existing site isn't substantially impacted
When | |
---|---|
before Go Live |
|
immediately after Go Live |
|
robots.txt - this file needs to be altered to allow bots like Google to start cataloguing the site |
at Go Live |
ALIASES
You can put alternative URLs in place for important pages to reflect the old structure of your site and ensure links don't break.
When | |
---|---|
Preparation |
before Go Live |
Upload with help from the consultancy |
at least 48 hours before Go Live |
at Go Live |
Domain Names and Redirects
Ask the webteam for help if you are unsure of the procedure
When | |
---|---|
at least 6 weeks before Go Live |
|
Switching over the same domain name |
at Go Live |
re-directing a domain name or a web address to a particular part of the site |
|
1. information to the consultancy |
at least a week before Go Live |
2. switching over the domain name |
at Go Live |
Publishing
There are one or two things to keep an eye on as you publish your pages. Running a link checker just after launch can also help.
When | |
---|---|
Publishing sub-pages |
at Go Live or just before |
Checking links - check that full links to internal pages have been entered correctly |
just after Go Live |
Accessibility and Cookie pages: all websites have a link to Accessibility and Cookie information on every page. |
Before Go Live |
Support and Mailing Lists
There are a number of lists that the editor in chief (and the department administrator if they wish) should be signed up to.
When | |
---|---|
The Editor in Chief should have an account set up on the Haiku Helpdesk. |
As soon as you have signed your contract |
The Editor in Chief should have an account set up on Haiku HQ to take part in the voting process and submit feature requests. This account is also used by the consultancy to let you know about new releases and any significant events. |
As soon as you have signed your contract |
Editors and anyone interested can join the MSD Haiku Editor's mailing list. |
As soon as you have signed your contract |
The Editor in Chief should also set up a route within their department or unit for general users to get help. |
At Go Live or as soon as other editors start using the site |
Get your own check list
We've created a public Trello board for the pre-launch checklist. You can copy the entire board and then use it in your project plan.