Thank goodness it’s Friday and thank goodness for our first full infographic! Keep this infographic handy whenever you’re planning to launch a website to ensure that your timing is spot on.
Remember to go to our social media sites @ontarioseo, Google+ and Facebook to share and retweet this infographic for the chance to win a one hour web consult. Use #TGFI and start sharing the knowledge now!
Beat the website launch clock by keeping your team on track with our When to Launch your Website checklist. Download the full version here.
Plan Ahead
GIVE YOURSELF TIME
A “reasonable timeline” depends on the size & complexity of your website. A 50 page website could require at least two months of development time – Leave a few weeks for buffer/testing time.
“DIYers” should double their timelines! Leave buffer time for pre-launch testing: A flawed website is never a fan favourite.
Home Work
DON’T FORGET:
a. Social media outreach
b. Public Relations
Give yourself time to build a solid email list & social media interest
Launch a press release
Timing
LOTS OF QUALITY TRAFFIC IS KEY & TIMING WILL AFFECT THE LEVEL OF ATTENTION THAT YOUR SITE RECEIVES
There is no perfect formula; however, some things to always be aware of include…
Do not launch just prior to, or during a holiday. Be wary of summertime launches as engagement is typically lower & target audiences are less engaged at this time.
Do not launch on a weekend: if anything goes wrong, you need all hands on deck to fix technical issues STAT.
The majority of websites launch on Monday or Tuesday between 8:30 and 10:00AM. Consider whether you want to follow the status quo or mix it up with a wonderful Wednesday launch.
* If you are re-launching a site, look to your past analytics for your highest traffic/conversion days & times. Pick the winning combination and make that your target day to launch.
TARGET
YOUR AUDIENCE INFLUENCES THE TIME THAT YOU SHOULD LAUNCH
- When are your target audiences online?
Are they surfing during office hours or night owls Tweeting at midnight?
- Do your research:
Young adults are most active online at 3:00PM
- Sundays are not a fun day for websites:
Generally, Sundays see low traffic to sites
CARPE DIEM
Take Advantage of Newsworthy opportunities
Align your website launch with a rebrand or other big, bold announcement! Hint: Only a well thought-out plan will allow you to do this.
MEASURE
GIVE YOURSELF THE TIME TO BE BETTER INFORMED
Make sure you have your analytics in place & launch at the beginning of a month:
This will allow you to complete a highly accurate comparison between your old website & the new one (month on month when compared to the previous year)
IN SUMMARY
Plan Ahead • Don’t Race the Digital Clock • Do your Research
Target Lucrative audiences with your Timing Prepare for Pre-Launch Marketing • Track Results
