TPHUBS.COMOnline store launch checklist: 30 things to check before you open
Launching before your policy pages are written or before you have placed a test order is one of the most common mistakes. A first customer who hits a broken checkout rarely comes back. Go through this list before launch day; print it and tick things off.
1. Platform and domain
- The store account and domain are in your name, with an admin email you control.
- Your domain points to the store, and both www and non-www load the same address.
- The site runs on HTTPS.
- You have an email on your domain (for example [email protected]).
2. Products
- Every product has clear photos in a consistent aspect ratio, compressed for the web.
- Descriptions are written for shoppers: benefits, materials, sizing, care, not just specs.
- Variants (size, color) have the right price, stock and image.
- Prices, compare-at prices and currency are correct.
- Products sit in sensible collections, and search works.
3. Policy and information pages
- Returns and refund policy.
- Shipping policy: where you ship, how long it takes, what it costs.
- Privacy policy and terms of service.
- A contact page with at least one instant channel (WhatsApp, Messenger) and your business details.
- An about page that says who you are, what you sell and why buy from you.
These pages aren't only for shoppers. Google Merchant Center and many payment providers review them before approving your account.
4. Payments and shipping
- At least one payment method your customers actually use is enabled.
- You have placed a real test order end to end and received the confirmation email.
- Shipping rates show correctly for each region you serve.
- Order notification emails carry your store name, logo and language.
5. SEO basics
- Home, collection and product pages each have their own title and meta description.
- URLs are short and readable (for example /products/white-cotton-tee).
- Images have alt text describing the product.
- The site is added to Google Search Console and the sitemap is submitted.
- Links shared on social media show a proper preview image.
6. Analytics
- Google Analytics 4 is installed and recording visits.
- If you will run ads, the Meta or TikTok pixel is installed and a test purchase event fires.
7. Experience and speed
- You have browsed the whole store on a real phone, not just a laptop.
- You have checked speed with PageSpeed Insights and removed unneeded apps and effects.
- No placeholder text, sample images or test products remain.
- The 404 page links back to the shop.
8. Local rules
- Check what your country, and the countries you sell to, require online stores to display, such as business registration details, cancellation rights or tax information.
Rules differ by market and change over time. If you are unsure, ask a local advisor.
After launch
In the first week, check in daily: are orders arriving, what do customers ask most (add those answers to product pages or an FAQ), and which pages do people leave from. A good store keeps being adjusted based on real customers.
TPHubs Shopify packages cover most of this list, from policy pages, payments and shipping to basic SEO, and Shopify Professional adds Search Console, GA4 and Merchant Center. See the details in our pricing.