Launch day is exciting, and that excitement is exactly when mistakes slip through. A methodical pre-launch check catches the problems that would otherwise cost you rankings, leads or credibility in the crucial first weeks. Run your new site through this list before it goes live.
Content and proofreading
- Every page proofread for spelling and grammar, errors erode trust instantly on a law firm site.
- Attorney names, titles, credentials and contact details correct.
- Practice-area information accurate and current.
- No placeholder ("lorem ipsum") text or stray dummy content left behind.
SEO essentials
- Unique, descriptive title tags and meta descriptions on every page.
- One clear H1 per page and a sensible heading structure.
- XML sitemap generated and ready to submit to Google Search Console.
- robots.txt correct, not accidentally blocking the whole site.
- Structured data (LegalService, LocalBusiness, FAQ) in place and validated.
- 301 redirects mapped from any old URLs if this replaces an existing site.
Compliance and legal
- Bar advertising requirements met (disclaimers, no misleading claims, no unearned "specialist").
- Privacy policy, terms and any required regulatory information present.
- For UK firms: SRA transparency information and digital badge in place.
- Cookie consent handled correctly.
Performance and technical
- Fast loading and healthy Core Web Vitals on mobile and desktop.
- Genuinely responsive on phones and tablets, no horizontal scroll.
- Valid SSL certificate with HTTP forced to HTTPS.
- No broken links or missing images.
- Cross-browser check on the major browsers.
Forms and conversion
- Every contact and intake form tested end to end, submissions actually arrive.
- Confirmation messages and any auto-replies working.
- Click-to-call working on mobile; phone and email links correct.
- Calls to action clear and present on key pages.
Tracking and safety net
- Analytics installed and recording, with conversion tracking configured.
- Google Business Profile consistent with the new site.
- A full backup taken and a maintenance plan agreed.
The takeaway
A disciplined pre-launch pass across content, SEO, compliance, performance, forms and tracking turns a risky launch into a confident one. Ten minutes spent testing that the contact form actually delivers can save weeks of silently lost enquiries. Check first, celebrate after.