Final Squarespace Launch Checklist

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:

• Connect a custom domain to your Squarespace site
• Run through essential pre-launch checks for your website
• Configure basic SEO settings for better search visibility
• Troubleshoot common launch issues

Introduction

You've built your Squarespace site and it's looking good. Now comes the exciting part – making it live for the world to see. But before you hit that publish button, there are some crucial steps you need to take.

This chapter covers the essential pre-launch checklist that'll save you headaches later. We'll walk through domain setup, content checks, and basic SEO configuration. Think of this as your final safety net before going live.

Lessons

Setting Up Your Custom Domain

Your domain is your site's address on the web. Getting this right is crucial for a professional launch.

Step 1: Access Domain Settings

• Log into your Squarespace account
• Go to Settings, then click Domains
• You'll see options to connect an existing domain or buy a new one

Step 2: Choose Your Domain Option

• Buy through Squarespace: Simple setup, everything handled for you
• Connect existing domain: You'll need to update DNS settings with your current registrar
• Transfer domain: Move your domain to Squarespace completely

Step 3: Complete the Setup

• Follow the prompts for your chosen option
• For external domains, you'll get specific DNS records to add
• Save your changes and wait for propagation

Step 4: Verify Connection

• Check the Domains page for a green tick
• Test your domain in a browser
• Domain changes can take up to 72 hours to work everywhere

Common issues: Make sure your domain registrar account details are current. Old contact information can block transfers.

Pre-Launch Content Review

Time to check everything works as expected. This is the bit most people rush, but it's worth doing properly.

Check All Your Content

• Read through every page for typos and errors
• Test all links to make sure they work
• Check images load properly and aren't too large
• Make sure contact forms actually send emails

Test Your Site Navigation

• Click through your entire menu structure
• Try your search function if you have one
• Test on mobile – many visitors will use phones
• Check your site works in different browsers

Review Your Pages

• Does each page have a clear purpose?
• Are your contact details correct and up to date?
• Do your prices match what you actually charge?
• Are your opening hours and location accurate?

This might seem tedious, but finding errors now saves embarrassment later.

Basic SEO Configuration

SEO helps people find your site through search engines. You don't need to be an expert, but getting the basics right makes a difference.

Set Up Your Site SEO

• Go to Settings > Marketing > SEO
• Add a site title (your business name works fine)
• Write a site description in plain English
• Upload a logo or favicon

Configure Individual Pages

• Edit each page's SEO settings
• Add a page title that describes what's on that page
• Write a brief description of the page content
• Keep URLs short and descriptive

Add Essential Pages

• Create a Privacy Policy page
• Add Terms of Service if you're selling anything
• Include an About page with your story
• Make sure your contact information is easy to find

Remember, SEO is about helping real people find useful information. Write for humans, not search engines.

Final Technical Checks

Before you go live, run through these technical essentials.

Test Your Site Speed

• Use Squarespace's built-in preview
• Check loading times on mobile
• Compress large images if needed

Review Your Settings

• Make sure your time zone is correct
• Check your site language settings
• Verify your contact email addresses work

Set Up Basic Analytics

• Connect Google Analytics if you want detailed stats
• Squarespace includes basic analytics automatically
• You can always add more tracking later

Practice

Here's what to do before you launch:

1. Preview Test: Use Squarespace's preview mode to check your site
2. Friend Review: Ask someone else to look at your site and give feedback
3. Mobile Check: View your site on your phone and tablet
4. Form Test: Submit a test enquiry through your contact form
5. Link Check: Click every link and button on your site

Make notes of anything that needs fixing, then sort it out before launch.

FAQs

My domain isn't working yet. Should I be worried?
Domain changes can take up to 72 hours to work everywhere. If it's been longer than that, check your DNS settings or contact Squarespace support.

Can I change things after my site goes live?
Yes, you can update your site anytime. Going live doesn't lock anything in place. You can add content, change designs, and update settings whenever you need to.

Do I need to set up SEO before launching?
Basic SEO setup helps search engines understand your site from day one. It's much easier to do this before launch than to add it later.

What if I find a mistake after going live?
No problem. Just fix it and save your changes. Updates happen instantly on live sites.

Should I announce my launch on social media?
That's up to you, but it's good to test everything works properly first. Maybe soft launch to friends and family before going public.

Jargon Buster

Custom Domain: Your own web address (like www.yourbusiness.com) instead of a free Squarespace subdomain

DNS: Domain Name System – the internet's address book that connects domain names to websites

SEO: Search Engine Optimisation – making your website easier for search engines to find and understand

Propagation: How long it takes for domain changes to work across the entire internet

SSL Certificate: Security technology that encrypts data between your website and visitors (Squarespace includes this automatically)

Wrap-up

You're now ready to launch your Squarespace site with confidence. Remember, launching is just the beginning – you can always improve and update your site as you learn more about what works for your audience.

Take your time with these final checks. It's better to launch a day later with everything working perfectly than to rush and have problems from day one.

Ready to take your Squarespace skills further? Check out our advanced courses at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership