A Top Priority for Website Launch
Someone who recently registered a domain started a discussion on Reddit, asking about the top three considerations for launching a successful website, even before taking any major actions. They specifically excluded the usual suggestion of adding the domain to Google Search Console and emphasized that the type of business or niche didn’t matter. Instead, the focus was on scaling traffic within the first six months of the website launch.
Their question was:
The Most Upvoted Answer
The top response was:
The rest of the top-voted response added:
“Claim your brand on major social media platforms.
Build citations and directory listings that are indexed quickly, along with niche-relevant ones.
Start reactive digital PR as the initial link-building strategy.”
John Mueller’s Advice on SEO Preparation
John Mueller, from Google, provided excellent advice by highlighting a technical aspect often overlooked during the early stages of website development.
He said:
“Just throw this out there – if you don’t have a site ready, either keep DNS disabled or put up a custom holding page. Don’t use a generic server/CMS holding page. It generally takes longer for a site that’s known to be parked/duplicated to get recognized as a normal site than it does for a site to be initially picked up.”
Keep DNS Disabled
DNS (Domain Name System) is the mechanism that converts a domain name into the IP address where a website’s content is hosted. By keeping DNS disabled, Google won’t discover or crawl the domain since it doesn’t point to anything, effectively making the domain invisible until you’re ready.
Avoid Generic Server/CMS Holding Pages
Using a generic holding page signals to Google that the domain is either parked or inactive. This can lead to a delay in getting the site recognized and indexed. Instead, Mueller advises using a custom holding page if DNS isn’t disabled.
By following Mueller’s advice, you can ensure that Google only discovers your site when it’s fully prepared for indexing, which can speed up the process significantly.
Additional Considerations
Based on my experience creating numerous brands and websites, here are some other crucial factors to consider when launching a new site.
1. Build a Defensive Moat Around Your Domain
In the context of domain management, a “moat” means registering variations of your domain name to prevent competitors from claiming similar ones. This could include:
- Singular/Plural Variations: If your domain is in the singular form, register the plural version (e.g., LauraWebDesign.com and LauraWebDesigns.com). This stops others from launching similar-sounding businesses.
- Other Top-Level Domains (TLDs): If you have the .com version, try to register other available TLDs like .net, .org, and potentially relevant country codes (e.g., .co or .ai).
- Word-Order Variations: Domains with different word orders (e.g., LauraWebDesign and WebDesignLaura) might be worth registering if you want to avoid confusion with future competitors.
2. Plan for Future Growth
A common mistake is choosing a domain name that’s too narrow in focus, which could restrict future growth. For instance, if you choose a domain focused on a specific product (like running shoes), you might find it limiting if you later want to expand to other types of shoes. It’s often better to select a more general brand name that allows room for growth.
3. Create a Unique Symbol or Mascot
Creating a recognizable symbol or mascot can help with brand identity. I’ve commissioned artists to design original icons for my websites, which I use in multiple formats, such as 64×64, 32×32, and 16×16 pixels. While I’ve paid up to $1,200 for a set of custom images, the important thing is that the design is unique and appeals to your audience. A memorable mascot can work well on merchandise like hats or mugs and serves as a visual representation of your brand.
Many Things to Consider Before Launch
If you need expert assistance with web design in UK or are looking for a professional SEO services UK to help with your site’s launch and SEO strategy, feel free to reach out to us. We specialise in delivering tailored web solutions that get results.
