Pre-launch SEO: a practical checklist

Pre-launch SEO checks cover content, functionality and search access. A working preview can acquire different URLs, assets or settings when deployed. Some tests belong before launch; others must be repeated on the public domain.

Content and forms

Check the offer, current prices, contact information and key journeys. Each page needs a descriptive title and a clear main heading. Test navigation, links and forms on mobile. A success message should reflect an accepted submission rather than a button click.

Making URLs accessible to Google

Verify server responses, redirects and canonical URLs. Check for indexing restrictions left over from development. The sitemap should contain the correct public URLs. Unknown addresses should return an appropriate error page rather than impersonate an existing page.

Checks after deployment

Open key URLs on the production domain and check images and scripts. Submit the sitemap in Search Console and inspect important new URLs. An accepted indexing request does not establish index inclusion or a particular ranking. Also verify measurement against the site’s consent settings.

Final launch checks

• Test an old URL redirect and a nonexistent address.
• Test the form, error handling and submission confirmation.
• Repeat checks on the public domain after deployment.

Website preparation: Google’s SEO Starter Guide.