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Free template · Cutover phase

Website launch checklist template

DNS, SSL, email MX, redirects, forms and analytics on launch day. Free download in Word and PDF.

CM-TPL-CUT-07Cutover phaseWord and PDFFree
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Free download

Download the website launch checklist template

A launch-day checklist for moving a website to a new host or platform: DNS, SSL, email MX, redirects, forms and analytics, with checks for the first day and week.

Download Word (.docx)Download PDF (.pdf)

Free to use and adapt. Document ID CM-TPL-CUT-07, version 1.0, November 2026.

What's inside

What the template includes

Document sections

  1. Launch details · Fill in before launch day.
  2. Pre-launch (one week to 48 hours before) · Items that need lead time.
  3. DNS · Change only the web records. Record before and after values in the DNS cutover record sheet.
  4. SSL / TLS · Test from outside your network.
  5. Email (MX and mail records) · The website move must not change where email goes. Check these before and after the DNS change.
  6. Redirects and SEO · Protect search rankings and bookmarks.
  7. Forms and integrations · Test every form end to end, including where the data lands.
  8. Analytics and tracking · Confirm data is flowing on day one, or you lose the launch baseline.
  9. After launch: first 24 hours and first week · Keep the old host until this section is complete.
  10. Sign-off · Sign once the launch-day checks are complete.
How to use it

How to use this template

  1. Start using the checklist at least a week before launch; the pre-launch section has items that need lead time.
  2. Assign every item an owner. Tick Done only when the verification has actually been carried out.
  3. Pay special attention to the Email section: changing DNS hosts is the most common way a website launch breaks email.
  4. Keep the old site running and unchanged until the post-launch checks are complete.
  5. Delete items that do not apply (for example e-commerce) and add platform-specific checks.
Built to a standard

Ready to share with your steering committee

  • Branded cover or instructions page with document ID and version
  • QR code linking to the latest version, and a Code128 barcode for your document register
  • Document control, approval block and a clear disclaimer
  • Example rows written for real migration projects, which you replace with your own
Use it with

Guides that use this template

How to change your domain or URL structure without losing SEOHow to migrate from Shopify to WooCommerceHow to migrate from Wix or Squarespace to WordPressHow to migrate from WooCommerce (or Magento) to Shopify
FAQ

Questions about this template

Is the website launch checklist template free?

Yes. Download it in Word and PDF and adapt it for your organisation. No sign-up is needed.

Can I use it in Google Sheets or Google Docs?

Yes. Upload the file to Google Drive and open it with Google Sheets or Docs. Dropdowns and most formulas carry across; check conditional formatting after converting.

Can I remove the Cloud-Migrations branding?

Yes. Replace the logo and footer with your own. Keep the disclaimer in mind: the template is general guidance and needs adapting to your project.

How do I know I have the latest version?

Scan the QR code on the cover or instructions sheet. It opens this page, which always links to the current version.