You Launched Your Website… Now What?
First off—congrats! Launching a new website is a big deal.
Whether you built it yourself or worked with a designer, it represents hours of decisions, edits, and dreaming about how your brand shows up online. But hitting “publish” is only the beginning.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for what to do right after your site goes live and how to start sharing it so people actually see (and use) it.
Website Launch Guide
1. Do a Quick Self-Check
Before spreading the word, make sure everything is buttoned up.
Click every page to check for typos, broken links, and odd formatting.
Test your forms. Send yourself an inquiry or newsletter signup to confirm they land in the right inbox.
Double-check mobile. More than half of visitors will be on their phones—make sure everything looks good in that view.
Look at speed. A slow site loses visitors fast. Run a quick test on PageSpeed Insights and note anything major.
2. Connect the Tech
A website is more powerful when it’s connected to the right tools.
Google Analytics – Track traffic and learn where people are coming from.
Google Search Console – Tell Google you exist and get insights on how you’re showing up in searches.
Domain email – If you don’t already have one, set up an email address that matches your URL (hello@yourbusiness.com). Looks polished and trustworthy.
3. Update Your Profiles
Every place your business is listed should point to your shiny new site.
Google Business Profile
Social media bios (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.)
Email signature
Online directories (Yelp, Chamber of Commerce, industry-specific sites)
Consistency helps customers find you and boosts your search rankings.
4. Announce the Launch
This is your big moment—don’t just quietly switch the link. Share the excitement.
Email newsletter – Even if you have 20 people on your list, let them know.
Social media posts – Share screenshots, highlight new features, or post a short video scrolling through your homepage.
In-store signage – A simple “Check out our new website!” poster with a QR code does wonders.
Word of mouth – Mention it to customers, family, and friends. They’ll want to support you.
5. Update Print Materials
Don’t forget the offline world. Anywhere your website shows up in print should reflect the new URL.
Business cards
Flyers, brochures, and postcards
Menus or service lists
Store signage and banners
Packaging, labels, or product inserts
A fresh website deserves to be seen—make sure customers have it in their hands, not just on their screens.
How to Continue Driving Traffic Post-Launch
Now that the foundation is set, keep the momentum going.
Blog or updates section – Even short posts help keep your site fresh and boost SEO.
Share behind-the-scenes – Talk about your process, your team, or what makes your business unique.
Run a promotion – Offer a small discount or freebie for people who book/purchase through the site.
Collaborate – Partner with other local businesses and share each other’s sites.
Instagram Highlights – Treat your highlights like website navigation. Create highlights for services, FAQs, testimonials, or shop links, and send people directly to those pages on your site.
Keep it Alive
A website isn’t “set it and forget it.” Make time each month to:
Update your hours, menus, or services.
Add new photos or testimonials.
Write one piece of fresh content (even just a short note counts).
Check your analytics to see what’s working.
Final Thoughts
Your website is like your digital storefront—it works best when it’s active, visible, and inviting. Don’t be shy about sharing it often. The more people see it, the more they’ll connect with your business.
And if you ever feel stuck or need a creative sidekick to help you strategize, that’s where Gray Matters comes in. We love helping small businesses not only launch their sites but make sure they live and breathe out in the world.
