The Ultimate Magento 2 Launch Checklist: A Go-Live Guide

• Launch Component Matrix for Magento 2 Store Owners

• 5 Steps to Launch a Magento 2 Website

• Magento 2 Go-Live Checklist for Your Magento 2 Store Setup

• Magento 2 Go Live Checklist for E-commerce Store Owners: Timeline-Based Guide

• Advanced Considerations for the Pre-Launch Checklist of Magento Ecommerce Online Stores

• FAQs

• Summary

Launch Component Matrix for Magento 2 Store Owners

1. Pre-Launch Checklist

i. General Preparations

• Perform checks across desktop, mobile, and tablet devices.
• Verify system requirements, including operating system compatibility, memory, and PHP extensions.
• Ensure Magento is updated to the latest version.

ii. Product Pages (PDP)

• Optimize product images and videos for all devices.

• Ensure product titles use "H1 tags" and pricing displays accurately, including:

  • VAT
  • Sale prices
  • Tiered pricing

• Test the "Add to Basket" functionality and validate error messages for unselected options.

• Confirm that out-of-stock products and "Back in Stock" notifications display correctly.

• Remove all test products.

iii. Category Pages/PLP

• Confirm product images, secondary hover images, and pricing display correctly.
• Test filtering, sorting, and pagination functionalities.
• Ensure category titles use H1 tags & descriptions render correctly on the front end.

iv. On-Site Search

• Configure relevant search attributes (e.g., "SKU", "name", "description").
• Test search term redirects and synonyms.
• Validate site search results for accuracy and usability.

v. SEO Readiness

• Ensure the site is set to noindex/nofollow before launch.
• Block search engines from accessing dynamic URLs using Robots.txt.
• Import and verify <title> tags, meta descriptions, and product schema.
• Prepare "301 redirects" and set "canonical URLs" for products and categories.

vi. General Admin Setup

• Verify store information, email addresses, currency settings, and shipping configurations.
• Ensure XML sitemaps are updated daily.
• Review transactional emails for proper functionality and branding.

2. Launch Checklist

i. Go-Live Day Checks

• Remove the holding page and IP restrictions.

• Place test orders for various scenarios, including:

  • Guest and registered users
  • Multiple payment options
  • Different shipping addresses
  • Ensure tax calculations are accurate and payments are captured as expected.

ii. SEO Adjustments

• Set the site to INDEX/FOLLOW.
• Spot-check "301 redirects" and validate the sitemap.
• Confirm search engines can crawl the site using Webmaster Tools.

iii. Performance Checks

• Use tools like Google Lighthouse to audit performance.

• Verify licenses and functionality for third-party modules such as:

  • Site search
  • Live chat
  • Reviews

3. Post-Launch Checklist

i. Ongoing SEO Monitoring

• Use Webmaster Tools to check for errors.
• Validate the **Robots.txt** file and monitor sitemap updates.
• Spot-check search listings for proper <title> tags, meta descriptions, and schema markup.

ii. Google Analytics/GTM

a. Track and Analyze Traffic Sources

Use Google Analytics/Google Tag Manager (GTM) to monitor traffic from various channels. For example:

• Organic search
• Paid ads
• Social media
• Referrals

Compare these insights to your historical data. These will allow you to identify trends and evaluate the success of your marketing strategies.

b. Monitor User Behavior

Analyze key metrics such as bounce rates, session durations, and conversion rates. It enables you to identify areas where the user experience could improve, such as pages with high drop-off rates.

c. Record Transactions Accurately

Configure enhanced eCommerce tracking in Google Analytics to capture detailed order data, including:

• Revenue
• Product performance
• Checkout behavior

Validate that all transactions are recorded correctly and cross-check with Magento reports.

d. Optimize Search Tracking

Ensure internal site search tracking is enabled in Google Analytics. It reveals what users are searching for. It also helps optimize your product offerings and search functionality.

iii. Customer Feedback

a. Collaborate with Customer Support Team

Communicating regularly with your customer service team enables you to understand the types of issues and queries customers report. Categorize these issues to identify patterns that indicate larger problems in the store's functionality or user experience.

b. Actively Solicit Feedback

Deploy customer satisfaction surveys or review prompts to capture insights directly from users. Tools like Net Promoter Score (NPS) can help gauge overall customer satisfaction.

c. Implement Changes Based on Insights

Use feedback to prioritize enhancements, such as:

• Simplifying checkout flows
• Optimizing navigation
• Improving product descriptions

Communicate these changes to customers to show responsiveness to their concerns.

iv. Sales Tracking

a. Verify Order Flow in Magento

Check that all placed orders are flowing smoothly through the Magento admin panel. Ensure order statuses are updating correctly & aligning with the expected workflow, such as

• "Processing"
• "Shipped"
• "Completed"

b. Cross-Check Third-Party Integrations

If you use ERP, CRM, or other third-party systems, confirm that orders and customer details are syncing accurately. Test various scenarios, such as refunds, cancellations, & reorders, to ensure consistent data flow.

c. Monitor Payment Gateways

Validate that payments are processed without errors across different gateways. Check for anomalies, such as duplicate payments or failed transactions, & resolve them promptly.

d. Assess Performance Trends

Track sales trends over time to identify seasonality, high-performing products, or underperforming categories. Use this data to inform inventory management, marketing campaigns, and sales strategies.

5 Steps to Launch a Magento 2 Website

Step 1: Basic Configuration

i. System Version

Verify that you are using the latest Magento 2 version. If unsure, use one of the following methods to check:

• Admin Dashboard
• Composer.json or Composer.lock files
• Command Line
• Chrome Extension
• URL Check
• PHP Code
• Online Tools

For assistance, consider our Magento 2 Upgrade Service.

ii. System Requirements

Ensure the system meets the following Magento 2.x requirements:

• Operating System: Linux distributions (Debian, CentOS, Ubuntu, RedHat Enterprise Linux).

Note: macOS and Windows are not supported.

• Memory: Minimum 2GB RAM for updates.
• Composer: Use the latest stable version.
• Web Service: Apache 2.2/2.4 or Nginx 1.8.
• PHP Extensions: Ensure required extensions like curl, intl, and soap are installed.
• Mail Server: Configure MTA or SMTP.
• SSL: Install an HTTPS security certificate (self-signed certificates are not accepted).

iii. Store URLs

1. Verify base URLs are set correctly for your live site.
2. Update store URLs in Magento Admin using:

System > Configuration > Web.

3. Review and update frontend URLs for proper functionality.
4. Remove index.php from URLs.
5. Verify all admin and storefront URLs to ensure they work correctly and return a "200 OK status".
6. Check for proper "www" and "http/https" settings.
7. Update base URLs in core_config_data to prevent redirection to the staging site.
8. Ensure URLs include the correct trailing forward slash.

Note: If you are still facing problems, change the default /admin URL to a unique and secure one. Options include:

• Use SSH: php bin/magento setup:config:set --backend-frontname="admin_path".
• Edit app/etc/env.php.
• Use the 'Admin Panel' settings.

iv. Security Certificate

1. Purchase and configure an SSL certificate for secure customer interactions.
2. You can also install a trusted SSL certificate to protect sensitive customer data.
3. Configure secure URLs in Stores > Configuration > General > WEB > Base URLs (Secure).

v. Favicon

1. Upload a favicon to enhance branding and user experience.
2. Upload a favicon to represent your brand in the browser's address bar.
3. Optimize the HTML head for SEO by adding titles and meta descriptions under:

Content > Design > Configuration > [Your Current Store Edit] > HTML Head > Favicon Icon

vi. HTML Head

1. Update the title, meta descriptions, and keywords for SEO.
2. Access these settings in Magento Admin using:

System > Configuration > General > Design.

Step 2: Content and SEO Optimization

i. Placeholder Images

1. Replace default Magento placeholders with branded images.
2. Update settings in System > Configuration > Catalog > Product Image Placeholders.
3. Compress images using tools like TinyPNG or ShortPixel.

ii. Contact Information

1. Go to System > Configuration > General > Contacts.
2. Confirm business and store email addresses for customer queries.

a. Email Addresses

1. Replace all testing email addresses with business email addresses using:

Stores > Settings > Configuration > General > Store Email Addresses

2. Update the "Contact Us" email under Stores > Configuration > General > Contacts.

b. Phone Number

1. Update the default phone number.
2. Go to Stores > Configuration > General > General > Store Information.

c. Email Templates

1. Customize email templates to align with your branding.
2. Update default logos as well.

d. 404 Error Page

1. Design a functional and visually aligned error page.
2. Set up via CMS > Pages > Search for "404 not found".
3. Review and personalize CMS pages like privacy policies and terms & conditions.

iv. Google Analytics and Sitemap

1. Integrate Google Analytics for traffic monitoring by navigating to:

System > Configuration > Sales > Google API > Google Analytics

2. Enable Google Analytics and Adwords tracking codes using Stores > Configuration > Sales > Google API.

3. Generate a sitemap to improve SERP rankings in the following settings:

Catalog > Google Sitemap > Add New Sitemap.

v. Marketing

Use email campaigns and newsletters to:

• Send welcome emails with coupons or discount codes.
• Promote offers via email and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Step 3: Sales and Checkout Configurations

i. Cart and Checkout Options

1. Enable one-page or guest checkout options.
2. Verify all settings.
3. Test cart functionality, shipping estimates, and coupon codes. Examples include product addition, editing, removal, and pricing accuracy.
4. Enable guest checkout and terms & conditions in System > Configuration > Sales > Checkout.

ii. Tax Settings

1. Navigate to System > Configuration > Sales > Tax.
2. Ensure taxes are configured according to business requirements.

iii. Shipping Methods

1. Navigate to Stores > Configuration > Sales > Shipping Methods.
2. Configure and test all shipping methods.

iv. Payment Methods

1. Test payment gateways for different card types and smooth transactions.
2. Handle failed transactions and test refund workflows.
3. Verify payment gateway error messages.
4. Add, configure, and test payment methods.
5. Ensure they are live, not in test mode, using:
6. Update settings in System > Configuration > Sales > Payment Methods.

Step 4: Performance and Optimization

1. Update store indexes in System > Index Management.
2. Enable full-page cache in System > Cache Management.
3. Run system compilation for better performance in Admin > Tools > Compilation.
4. Configure log retention to maintain performance in System > Configuration > Advanced > System > Logs tab.
5. Optimize loading speed by merging CSS and JS files via System > Advanced > Developer.

Step 5: Final Launch Preparations

i. Cron Scheduling

1. Schedule recurring tasks like emails, catalog price rules, and sitemap updates under:

Stores > Configuration > Advanced > System > Cron.

2. Set up periodic tasks like email updates and newsletters.

ii. Backup and Maintenance

• Maintain regular backups of your store.
• Use a staging site for updates & new functionalities to avoid disrupting live operations.

Note: Replace weak staging credentials with strong passwords for the live site.

Magento 2 Go-Live Checklist for Your Magento 2 Store Setup

1. Prepare your Magento 2 Checklist

i. Keep Magento Updated

Ensure you're running the latest Magento 2 version to access:

• New features
• Security patches
• Improved performance

Outdated software increases vulnerabilities and compatibility issues.

ii. Verify System Requirements

Confirm your server meets Magento's hardware and software specifications, including:

• PHP version
• Memory
• Disk space

This method lays the foundation for a stable and scalable store.

iii. Configure SSL Certificate

SSL certificates need proper configuration across all store pages and assets. It allows you to prevent mixed content warnings. Different SSL types (DV, OV, EV) offer varying levels of security and customer trust indicators. Implementation requires proper redirect rules from HTTP to HTTPS.

Secure customer data with an SSL certificate. Once installed, update settings in Magento Admin using:

Stores > Configuration > General > Web > Base URLs (Secure)

iv. Set Up Store URLs

Define base and secure URLs that align with your brand identity. Then, update these by navigating to Stores > Configuration > Web.

v. Add a Favicon

Enhance brand visibility with a favicon. Upload it in Content > Design > Configuration > HTML Head.

vi. Implement 301 Redirects

Redirect old URLs to new ones. It allows you to preserve SEO rankings and provide efficient navigation.

vii. Create a Custom 404 Error Page

Design a "404 page" that matches your store’s theme and guides users back to the main site. You can configure this by going to Stores > Configuration > Web > Default Pages.

viii. Conduct an SEO Audit

Audit page titles, meta descriptions, and keyword usage. It allows you to optimize for search engine rankings.

ix. Review Store Content

Check product descriptions, category pages, and blog posts. It allows you to check for accuracy and relevance.

2. Launch your Store

i. Update DNS Records

Update your DNS settings to direct visitors to your live store. You can access this through your domain registrar’s control panel.

ii. Test Website Performance

Validate page load speeds, uptime, server response times, and error rates. It allows you to ensure optimal user experience.

iii. Address Legal Requirements

Add privacy policies, terms and conditions, and return policies. It will allow you to comply with regulations and build customer trust.

3. Ensure Long-Term Success for your Magento Website with Post-Go-Live

• Regularly check metrics like page speed, server response, and error logs to maintain a smooth experience.

• Stay current with Magento updates to enhance security and access the latest features.

• Update product descriptions, blog posts, & static pages regularly to keep content relevant & engaging.

• Use tools like Google Search Console and SEMrush. They help you monitor keyword performance and optimize your SEO strategy.

• Leverage Google Analytics to understand the following aspects for informed decision-making:

  • Traffic sources
  • Popular pages
  • User behavior

Magento 2 Go Live Checklist for E-commerce Store Owners: Timeline-Based Guide

1. A Week Before the Launch

• Ensure your system meets the software requirements to run Magento 2.
• Both developers and business owners should approve the go-live process.
• Inform all stakeholders about any expected downtime during the transition.
• Stage the site on the production server and test using the production URL on localhost.
• To switch your store to production mode, run this command:

php bin/magento deploy:mode:set production.

• Create and test necessary "301 redirects". They allow you to ensure they lead to the correct functional pages. During the testing phase, fix broken redirects.
• Check site infrastructure, including meta tags, alt tags, and schema markup.
• Arrange all payment gateway credentials in advance.
• Purchase and configure the SSL certificate on the live server.
• Ensure all patches are installed, updates are functioning, and no directories are exposed.
• Add the site’s Google Analytics ID in the Magento backend using:

Stores > Configuration > General > Web > Base URLs & Base Secure URLs

• Configure email addresses in Stores > Configuration > General.
• Verify all integrations are functioning as intended.
• Install & configure the Easy Site Maintenance extension to enable temporary maintenance during go-live.
• Perform a trial run of the entire go-live process to identify any issues in advance.

2. During Go-Live

• Move all files and the database to the live server.
• Edit the base URLs in the Magento database to reflect the live environment.
• Activate the Easy Site Maintenance extension.
• Test integrations and confirm that SSL is functioning correctly.
• Activate the shipping and payment methods for live use.
• Update the **robots.txt** file with live site entries.
• Configure a Cloudflare or Fastly CDN module for optimal performance across regions.
• Test all payment methods and confirm that orders are processing correctly.
• Verify that cron jobs are on your web server according to Magento’s guidelines.
• Ensure all inquiries from contact forms are being received.
• Remove the maintenance flag after confirming all processes are functional.
• Review the checkout process for any errors or anomalies.
• Refresh and enable caching for optimal performance.
• Change the admin password from the default to a secure one.

3. Post-Go-Live Tasks

• Continuously monitor server logs, Google Analytics, and the payment process for smooth functionality.
• Review the entire process to detect and resolve any unexpected issues.
• Analyze website traffic, checkout flows, & server performance to ensure the store operates efficiently.

Advanced Considerations for the Pre-Launch Checklist of Magento Ecommerce Online Stores

1. Choose between managing inventory with or without stock tracking.
2. Configure inventory settings under Products > Catalog > [Edit Product] > Advanced Inventory.
3. Set the default homepage & 404 error page in Stores > Configuration > Web > Default Pages.

4. Check licenses for installed extensions to ensure compatibility with the live environment.
5. Disable unnecessary extensions and verify licenses for live mode under:

Stores > Configuration > Advanced > Advanced

6. Enable caching and refresh indexes for optimal performance using:

a. System > Cache Management b. System > Index Management

7. Delete all testing orders, products, and customer data from the staging environment.
8. Replace placeholders with branded images from Catalog > Catalog > Product Image Placeholder.
9. Reduce site load time by minifying and merging JavaScript via:

Stores > Configuration > Advanced > Developer > JavaScript Settings

10. Minify and compress CSS files to improve load time using:

Stores > Configuration > Advanced > Developer > CSS Settings

11. Use system compilation to improve performance.
12. Run the command given below:

php bin/magento setup:di:compile-multi-tenant

13. Enable varnish cache for faster load times via:

Stores > Configuration > Advanced > System > Full Page Cache

14. Test and verify the newsletter subscription and unsubscription process.
15. Generate and configure the Google sitemap using Catalog > Google Sitemap.
16. Automate sitemap updates in Stores > Configuration > Catalog > XML Sitemap.
17. Fix broken links and add schema markup for better SERP performance.
18. Set appropriate values for memory_limit and max_execution_time to handle heavy operations.
19. Implement a system for regular database backups and restores. For example, you can use tools like the Magento 2 Cloud Backup extension.
20. Test and optimize load time using tools like GTMetrix/Google PageSpeed Insights/Pingdom. Address performance bottlenecks.
21. Enable crawling for Google to index your store.
22. Set robots.txt to INDEX, FOLLOW.

Note: It allows you to enable website crawling and indexing for search engines.

FAQs

1. Why should Magento developers check the Magento version?

Magento developers must use the latest version of Magento. Updates improve performance, security, and compatibility with extensions.

2. What does Magento provide for SEO optimization?

Magento provides tools like the Magento 2 Google Sitemap extension. These help improve website visibility.

3. How can I update the admin URL in Magento 2?

Custom admin paths should include random strings of characters, not just simple words. Implementation requires updating server configurations and security rules. Optimized security layers like IP whitelisting and two-factor authentication should also be considered. You can change the admin URL in Magento 2 via settings, which improves your store's security.

4. Why is testing infrastructure performance using New Relic APM necessary?

Evaluate infrastructure performance using New Relic APM and infrastructure agents. It ensures smooth site performance.

5. What methods clear the Magento 2 cache effectively?

Backend and CLI tools can be used to clear the Magento 2 cache before the store goes live. To do this, enable the cron configuration in Magento 2 with the correct production store settings.

6. What configuration should be checked before launch day?

Check the configuration for email IDs, payment systems, and redirects. These steps finalize your store's readiness.

7. How can Magento SEO services improve your store launch?

Magento SEO services optimize meta tags and site visibility. Magento allows better search rankings through sitemap generation. Before launch, make configuration changes in your local environment. Update the test email IDs and verify Fastly caching. Remove product functions and test the online payment system. Consult a development company for advanced SEO solutions.

Summary

A thorough Magento 2 launch checklist ensures your store is fully optimized and ready to go live. This checklist helps Magento 2 store owners:

• Ensure their e-commerce store is ready for customers.
• Avoid issues and guarantee a smooth site launch.
• Make their store launch a success.
• Enable SEO-friendly URLs, add meta tags, and integrate Google Analytics with Magento 2.
• Improve store performance & ensure users see the latest updates by clearing the cache.
• Enhance performance and user experience.
• Ensure configurations are correct, SEO is optimized, and performance is ready for traffic.

Avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth site launch with managed Magento hosting.