1. General Website Setup

• #1 = Website has a clear purpose and goal
• Website is live and fully functional
• Domain name is simple, relevant and unique
• SSL certificate is active (https:// secure)
• Site is mobile-responsive
• Site loads quickly (on mobile and desktop)

2. Branding & Design

• Logo is clean and visible
• Consistent brand colors and fonts
• Clear visual hierarchy (headlines, buttons, images)
• White space is used effectively
• Design feels modern and uncluttered
• Favicon is set up

3. User Experience (UX)

• Navigation is clear and intuitive
• Contact info is easy to find
• Clickable elements are obvious
• No broken links or 404 pages
• Back button works across all pages
• Forms are short and easy to fill out
• Accessibility features (contrast, alt text, legible fonts)

4. Homepage Essentials

• Headline clearly explains what you do
• Sub-headline adds value or detail
• Primary Call-to-Action (CTA) is obvious
• Supporting content: services, features, or benefits
• Social proof: testimonials, reviews, awards, etc.
• Visuals: photo, video, or graphic supporting message
• Contact or lead capture option visible without scrolling

5. Key Pages Present

• Home
• About
• Services or Products
• Contact
• Blog or Resources
• Legal: Privacy Policy, Terms, Disclaimers
• FAQ (if relevant)
• Portfolio / Case Studies (if relevant)

6. Content Quality

• Clear, concise, benefit-driven copy
• Keywords naturally used
• No typos or grammar issues
• CTAs appear throughout the site
• Location/service area mentioned if local
• Tone of voice matches your brand
• Site is regularly updated with fresh content

7. SEO Basics

• Page titles are unique and keyword-rich
• Meta descriptions are written and optimized
• Headers (H1, H2, H3) used appropriately
• URLs are clean and readable
• Images have alt text
• Internal links between pages
• Sitemap submitted to Google
• Google Analytics is installed
• Google Search Console is connected
• Local listing on Google Business Profile

8. Blog / Resource Strategy (if applicable)

• Blog is easy to navigate
• Posts are relevant and helpful
• Posts include images and subheadings
• Keywords are targeted
• CTAs appear in blog content
• Sharing buttons are available
• Regular posting schedule (even if monthly)

9. Lead Generation & Conversion

• Clear and simple contact form
• Strong calls-to-action (buttons, banners)
• Lead magnet or freebie offered (if applicable)
• Pop-ups are timed and non-intrusive
• Email sign-up available
• Booking or scheduling feature (if needed)
• Testimonials, reviews, or success stories
• Case studies or real examples

10. E-Commerce / Sales Features (if applicable)

• Products/services clearly explained
• Pricing is visible or easy to request
• Checkout process is simple
• Payment gateway works securely
• Cart reminders or abandoned cart flows
• Product reviews or ratings
• Return/refund policy clearly stated

11. Technical Performance

• Fast loading speed
• Images are compressed
• Site works across all major browsers
• No broken links or missing images
• No outdated plugins or software
• Regular backups in place
• Website is secure and monitored

12. Analytics & Improvement

• Google Analytics 4 is installed
• Google Search Console is active
• Heatmap or visitor recording tools in use (e.g., Hotjar)
• Conversion tracking set up
• Goal tracking defined (form submissions, clicks, sales)
• Monthly reports reviewed
• Pages with high bounce rates identified

13. Marketing & Traffic Drivers

• SEO strategy in place
• Active social media accounts linked to site
• Email capture with follow-up automation
• Paid ad tracking and landing pages (if applicable)
• Retargeting pixels installed (Meta, Google)
• Blog/SEO content driving organic traffic
• Website URL included in all digital assets

14. Trust & Legitimacy

• Testimonials and/or reviews displayed
• Trust badges (if applicable)
• Secure checkout (if e-commerce)
• Team bios or founder story included
• Real photos vs. stock images
• Affiliations or partners shown
• Awards, media, or community recognition shared