We’ve Launched 10+ Websites This Year → Here’s What We’ve Learnt...

Hi,

Over the course of 2024 we’ve launched over ten new websites for our clients, and in the process, we’ve picked up some valuable insights on what it takes to make a website launch truly successful.

Whether you’re a small business launching your first site or an established brand looking to transform your existing website. Here are some of the key things to remember when getting your website ready to showcase to the world.

1. Clarity in Purpose and User Experience (UX)

Before writing a single line of code or picking a design direction, you need to be crystal clear on what the website’s purpose is. Is it to drive sales, build a community, or showcase your portfolio? Whatever the goal, make sure it’s reflected in the website’s structure and user experience. The easier it is for users to navigate and achieve what they came for, the better your chances of success.

2. Mobile-First Design is Non-Negotiable

We’ve seen firsthand that most website traffic today comes from mobile devices. So, it’s crucial to design your site with mobile users in mind first. Your layout, images, and load times need to be optimised for smaller screens. If it doesn’t work well on mobile, you’re missing out on a huge chunk of potential engagement.

3. Speed Matters—A Lot

No one has time for a slow website. We learned this the hard way on an early project when a site’s slow load time cost us both users and client trust. Make sure your site is optimised for speed from day one—compress images, use fast hosting, and avoid overly complex design elements that can slow things down.

4. SEO Should Be Built In, Not an Afterthought

If people can’t find your website, it might as well not exist. Search engine optimisation (SEO) is something to think about from the very beginning—not after the site is live. From optimising page titles and meta descriptions to making sure your content is keyword-friendly, everything needs to be structured in a way that helps search engines rank you well.

5. Test, Test, and Test Again

We can’t stress this enough—before going live, make sure you’ve tested every feature on every device. From checking links and forms to testing how the site looks on different browsers and screen sizes, thoroughly testing your website will prevent any embarrassing errors post-launch.

6. Content is King, but Strategy is Key

It’s easy to get caught up in the design, but content is what will keep users engaged. Focus on clear, concise copy that aligns with your brand voice. Plan out your content strategy—know what you want to say, how often you’ll update, and how it connects with your audience. A stunning website without strong content won’t go far.

7. Post-Launch Maintenance

Launching a website is just the beginning. Once it’s live, ongoing maintenance is crucial—this means regular content updates, security checks, and performance optimisation. Neglecting this can lead to broken links, outdated content, and security vulnerabilities, which can damage your reputation.

We’ve learnt that the best website launches are those that start with clear planning, continue with relentless attention to detail, and don’t end when the site goes live. Keep these principles in mind, and you’ll be set for a successful website launch.

Until next week,

Team Senso