Online Store Launch Checklist: What to Check Before You Go Live

Before you start

A launch is easier when the basics are decided early: which platform, which payment and delivery options, and who will manage products and orders day to day.

Products and catalogue

• Clear product titles, descriptions and prices
• Photos that show each product properly on a phone
• Variants such as size and colour set up correctly
• Categories and filters organized the way your customers shop
• Accurate stock levels

Checkout and payments

• Test orders placed with every payment method you offer
• Cash on delivery, cards and wallets, as your market expects
• Taxes calculated correctly for where you sell
• Order confirmation emails or messages that arrive and are easy to read
• Refund and cancellation steps tested

Shipping and policies

• Delivery areas, rates and times shown before checkout
• Returns, refund and privacy policies published and linked in the footer
• Contact details and an easy way to ask questions, such as WhatsApp or email

Tracking and search

• Analytics and purchase tracking tested with a real order
• Product structured data and an XML sitemap in place
• Unique titles and descriptions on key category and product pages
• Redirects set up if you are moving from an old store

After launch

Watch the first orders closely, fix anything confusing in checkout, and then start promoting. SEO, Shopping campaigns on Google Ads and Meta Ads all work better once the store converts the visitors it already gets.