Site Launch (and Dev ops)

System management

• Review https://docs.acquia.com/articles/pre-launch-check-list
• Begin subscription to hosting provider (if not already completed)
• Begin subscription to domain provider (if not already completed)
• Remove development modules
  • Set software modules to Production mode
  • Deactivate all development frameworks for Production

Content

• Set all completed content to Published status
• Set Featured and Pinned flags on appropriate content
• Check through all UI microcopy, help labels and hidden strings
  • ALT text strings
  • Strings within Javascript functions, failure and alert messages

Domain

• Allow at least 48 hours for changes to propagate across the web
• Ensure name servers are correct for the DNS configuration
• Update the A and CNAME records in the DNS configuration as required
• Set URL redirections in .htaccess

Server configuration

• Mothball old site
• Check cron runs are configured to occur at correct frequency

Email

• Check correct email addresses are set in admin/structure/contact for site emails
• Enable social sharing widgets
• Integrate Twitter account into site

After going live

• On Pantheon, check dev and test sites are password protected
• Check no live cached content refers back to dev/test

Security

• Update anti-spam keys
• Protect any sensitive pages or folders from indexing by search engines
  • Edit robots.txt file
  • Exclude specifics using Webmaster Tools
  • Consider adding an .htaccess file
• Delete all data from previous hosting company servers
• Shut down previous hosting company accounts
• Arrange for refund of any pre-paid hosting services with old hosting company

Project management

• Duplicate Folk Labs After-care survey template & submit to client
• Obtain client approval sign-off for final completed Dev- site
• Agree maintenance contract and terms, payments etc

### Training

• Provide site management and admin training to admin team
• Create tutorial videos