Church Website Launch Checklist: 25 Checks Before Going Live
A 25-point checklist for launching your church website. Ensure your new site is secure, accurate, and ready to welcome visitors before going live.
By the ChurchPress team at Amplify Digital Media
Key takeaways
- +A launch checklist prevents last-minute surprises and errors.
- +Test content, security, and usability before going live.
- +Involve staff and volunteers in final reviews.
01
Why a Launch Checklist Is Essential
Launching a church website is a major milestone, but skipping key checks can lead to broken pages, security gaps, or a poor visitor experience.
A detailed checklist ensures your site is ready for ministry, outreach, and member engagement from day one.
02
Content and Functionality Checks
Review every page for accuracy, spelling, and up-to-date information. Test all forms, calendars, and giving features to ensure they work correctly.
Check that sermons, events, and staff pages display properly on desktop and mobile devices.
- Proofread all content for errors.
- Test forms, donations, and event sign-ups.
- Verify mobile and desktop display.
- Check for broken links and images.
03
Security and Technical Checks
Install an SSL certificate and verify your site uses secure (HTTPS) connections. Update all plugins, themes, and software to the latest versions.
Set up regular backups and enable security monitoring. Test site speed and address any performance issues.
- Install SSL and verify HTTPS.
- Update all software and plugins.
- Set up backups and security alerts.
- Test site speed and fix slow pages.
04
Final Review and Launch Communication
Gather staff and volunteers for a final walkthrough. Use a launch checklist to confirm all tasks are complete.
Plan your launch announcement via email, social media, and Sunday services to invite your community to explore the new site.
- Conduct a team walkthrough before launch.
- Prepare and send a launch announcement.
- Monitor the site after launch for any issues.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
What’s the most common launch mistake?
Missing or broken links, outdated content, and untested forms are frequent oversights.
Should we launch on a specific day?
Choose a day with low traffic and staff availability to address any last-minute issues.
How do we announce our new website?
Use email, social media, and in-person announcements to invite your community to visit the new site.
Your next step
Put these ideas into a church website built around your ministry.
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