Starting an Online Business All-in-One For Dummies®, 3rd Edition

Taking a Trial Run

When a major company releases a software program, game, or Web site, it often has a limited distribution in a beta version. Beta means that the work is in test mode and is subject to change. A beta test, or a product in beta mode, is typically released to a large segment of the general public. As for your site, we suggest showing a beta version to a limited group of users in a trial run.

Your site launch checklist

Before you push that last button to make your Web site live, be sure to check off each box (as it applies to you) on this list:

• My site map (or the layout and structure of all my Web pages) is complete.
• The site map matches my Web pages — exactly.
• Each Web site page is displayed and is fully accessible.
• Every link throughout the site works properly and takes me to the appropriate page.
• All graphics and photos are loaded quickly and completely, and the images are crisp and clean.
• My content is free of misspellings and grammatical errors.
• Pricing information and product or service descriptions are correct.
• Pages with online forms or registration information function when I press the Submit button, and the information is sent (in the specified format) to the designated point of contact.
• Text boxes or drop-down boxes on forms and other pages work correctly.
• Buttons for top-level menus work. (Be sure to ensure that these buttons, like the one that returns users to your home page, function properly on every single page.)
• Special commands that are spelled ...