You’ve poured hours into coding your website, tweaking the design, and testing the features. It looks ready to launch, but hold up. There’s a good chance it’s hiding some sneaky issues that could trip up users, tank your SEO, or worse, leave you vulnerable. Launching a site with these problems is like shipping a shiny new app with bugs you didn’t catch.
Let’s talk about why your website might not be production-ready and how you can fix it in a snap.
The risk of launching with hidden issues
As developers, we know the thrill of pushing a site live. But launching without a thorough check can lead to headaches. Broken links, sluggish load times, or missing security features can frustrate users, hurt your search rankings, or even expose sensitive data. The worst part? Many of these issues are invisible until someone (or something, like a search engine crawler) stumbles across them.
The good news is, with a quick scan and some targeted fixes, you can launch with confidence and avoid those post-launch fire drills.
Common production pitfalls to watch out for
Here are some of the most common issues that can sneak into your website, even when you think it’s good to go:
Missing SSL Certificate: If your site isn’t using HTTPS, browsers will flag it as “Not Secure,” scaring off users and hurting your SEO. Check your SSL setup with tools like
openssl s_client -connect yoursite.com:443to confirm it’s active and properly configured.Slow Loading Times: If your site takes more than a couple of seconds to load, users will bounce. Large images, unoptimized JavaScript, or server issues are often the culprits. Use browser dev tools to check your Time to First Byte (TTFB) and optimize assets.
No Custom 404 Page: A default 404 page is a missed opportunity to keep users engaged. A custom 404 with your branding and a link back to your homepage can turn a dead end into a better experience.
Accessibility Oversights: Missing alt text for images or poor keyboard navigation can exclude users and violate accessibility standards. For example, ensure all images have descriptive alt attributes like
<img src="logo.png" alt="Company logo">.Security Vulnerabilities: Outdated dependencies or misconfigured headers can leave your site open to attacks. Check for issues like missing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers or outdated libraries using tools like npm audit.
These issues are easy to miss during development but can have a big impact once your site is live. Catching them early saves you time and keeps your users happy.
How to fix issues fast
I’ve launched tons of websites. Some for my own products, others for clients, and let me tell you, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. Even with detailed checklists, I’d miss things like broken links or accessibility issues. The final straw came when I shared a project on LinkedIn, only to see a blank OpenGraph preview staring back at me. lol
That was my “enough is enough” moment. So, I built Cheeeck to help devs and entrepreneurs catch these issues before they become embarrassing problems.
Cheeeck scans your website in about 10 seconds, checking over 20 things like SEO, performance, accessibility, and security. All you do is paste your URL, and it gives you a clear report with prioritized fixes and straightforward instructions. For example, if it spots missing alt text it’ll tell you which images need work.
It’s like having a super-smart friend who catches the stuff you miss, minus the long coffee chats.
Wrapping Up: Launch with Confidence
Launching a website is exciting, but it’s worth taking a moment to make sure it’s truly ready for the spotlight. A quick pre-launch check can catch those hidden issues that could trip you up later—whether it’s a missing SSL certificate, a sluggish page, or an accessibility oversight.
By addressing these problems before your users (or search engines) find them, you’ll set your site up for success.
Your users (and your future self) will thank you for it!
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