You are ready to launch your brand new Magento store – but is there anything you are missing out? You may be under the impression that you have everything under control however, the reality is that launching an eCommerce store can be a daunting task even for a seasoned Magento Development Company. The final step requires several parameters to be in place to ensure a successful launch. To help you with the same, we’ve compiled a comprehensive pre-launch checklist that will keep you on the right track and ensures a smooth launch of your eCommerce store.

1 Base URLs

Before you launch your Magento site, always make sure that the base URLs are configured correctly. These URLs can be accessed through the Admin Panel by simply following the given instruction: System -> Configuration -> Web.

You should update the base URLs before making your site live. Otherwise, your visitors will be redirected to your staging site.

2. Don’t forget to set up a favicon

It is generally seen that many website owners forget to upload a favicon. It reinforces visual branding and gives your website a unique identity. Furthermore, it gets displayed whenever a visitor bookmarks your site. You can simply follow this path for the favicon : /skin/frontend/default/favicon.ico.

3. HTML Head

For better SEO of your Magento store, it is recommended to change the default setting of the HTML head. You can change the meta title, meta description, and set your targeted keywords for which you want to rank higher in SERP. Follow this path to make the changes: System > Configuration > General > Design> HTML Head.

4. Placeholder Images

Magento uses default placeholder images and shows the symbol of Magento on the product and category pages where you have not uploaded an image. You can change that default image and upload your own placeholder images (if the product is not available) by following this path: System > Configuration > Catalog > Catalog > Product Image Placeholders.

5. Contact Information

Ensure that all the store related information and email addresses are set up correctly. This will help the customer to easily get in touch with you.

To change the store information, you can refer this path: System > Configuration > General > Store Information

To change the email address, you can refer this path: System > Configuration > Store Email Addresses

6. Copyright

In the footer section, you can use the copyright information.Since it will be shown on all the pages of your site, it needs to be up-to-date and correct.

To change the copyright information, you can follow this path: System > Configuration > General > Design > Footer > Copyright

7. Minify JavaScript and CSS

To reduce the load time of your website, you should use the minified versions of JavaScript and CSS. This can be done by merging all the JavaScript files into a single file and doing the same for CSS.

Minify the JavaScript files by following this path: System > Configuration > Developer > JavaScripts > Settings.

Minify the CSS files by following this path: System > Configuration > Developer > CSS Setting.

8. 404 Error Page Design

This error page is shown to the customers when they land on a webpage that does not exist or unavailable at that moment. You should never underestimate the potential of a 404 error page and design it to complement your website theme. You can also use a unique approach and advertise special offers, coupons, and discounts to delight your customers when they land on a 404 page.

Follow this path to setup the error page: CMS > Pages > 404 Page

9. Setting Up Google Analytics

Online store merchants want to stay updated with their website’s performance, such as traffic, leads, and sales. Magento has made it easier by allowing store merchants to integrate the Google Analytics with their Magento store. You can simply create your Google Analytics account and then enter your account number in System > Configuration > Sales > Google API > Google Analytics

If you are also geared up to deploy your Magento website, make sure it is thoroughly checked to ensure smooth operation of your online store. This comprehensive checklist will help you in ensuring the same. However, your Magento store needs to be updated periodically and this is where the role of Magnomates comes in. We have a dedicated team of certified professionals that offer a wide range of services including Magento upgrade services, Magento Store Design Services, Magento support, performance enhancement, extension development, custom module development, security patch installation, and more. Connect with the experts today by dropping an email to info@magnomates.com

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