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Website Launch Checklist

A practical prep list for local business owners who want a smoother website build, fewer delays, and fewer last-minute surprises.

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What this checklist is for

Most small-business website delays come from missing basics: the right phone number, the service list, photos, domain access, or a clear next step for customers. This checklist keeps the project grounded before design starts.

You do not need perfect copy or professional photos to begin. You just need enough real business information for the site to feel specific, useful, and trustworthy.

Quick fit

If this feels like a lot, that is normal

The Site Baker is built for owner-run shops, service businesses, and local brands that need a clear website without the agency runaround. Bring what you have. We can help shape the rest.

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Checklist

The essentials to gather before launch

Use this as a working list. If you only have half of it ready, that is still enough to start a useful conversation.

1. Business basics

  • Business name exactly as customers know it
  • Short description of what you do and who you serve
  • Phone number, email, address, and hours
  • Service area, neighborhoods, or cities served
  • Social links you actively use

2. Offers and services

  • Your main services, products, menu items, or packages
  • Starting prices or price ranges, if you publish them
  • Common customer questions and objections
  • What customers should do next: call, book, visit, order, or request a quote
  • Anything you do not want to promote anymore

3. Photos and brand assets

  • Logo file, if you have one
  • Three to five photos of your space, work, team, products, or vehicle
  • Brand colors or examples of sites you like
  • Any existing flyers, menus, brochures, or business cards
  • A note if stock photos are better than current photos for now

4. Domain and logins

  • Your domain name, if you already own one
  • Registrar login or access to whoever manages it
  • Current website login, if one exists
  • Google Business Profile access
  • Email hosting details if you use custom email

5. Trust signals

  • Licenses, certifications, or insurance details customers care about
  • Real reviews you are allowed to quote
  • Photos of finished work or customer-facing spaces
  • Warranty, guarantee, or service policy if you already use one
  • Community involvement or local partnerships

6. Launch decisions

  • Preferred launch date or deadline
  • Who approves copy and design
  • Pages you definitely need on day one
  • What can wait until after launch
  • How you want customers to contact you

What you do not need yet

  • A polished brand book
  • Perfect copy for every page
  • Professional photography before the first conversation
  • A huge sitemap
  • A technical plan for hosting, DNS, analytics, or security

A better first step

Start with the basics above, then use the plan finder to see what level of site fits your business. The right website is usually simpler than owners expect.

For many local businesses, a focused 3 to 4 page site with clear services, photos, contact details, and a strong next step is enough to start looking credible online.

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Want help turning this into a real site?

Bring the rough notes, photos, and questions. We will help organize the pages, shape the message, and keep the build practical.

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