So you’re launching a new website – exciting times!  You may have a new design, more relevant brand positioning and sometimes even a whole new brand style. And invariably, the excitement is compounded by last minute finishing touches, copy tweaks, and image updates that result in the very best web launch possible.

However, there are some underlying key elements that are sometimes temporarily overlooked or even forgotten amidst the flurry of ‘go-live’ details. We’ve identified three key details that are often missed yet critical for a brand’s digital success:

• Privacy Policy – This important legal statement informs visitors about what information is collected about them while they are on your website and how that information will be used and shared. Specific requirements are outlined not only by the Federal Trade Commission, but also individual states as well as Google. Failure to include a privacy policy could result in a range of fines and penalties.
• Analytics Tracking – Reliable data is important to determining traffic sources, visitors’ interests and PR or advertising success. Don’t miss out on data collection from day one of your website going live – especially with the initial flood of visits resulting from your web launch marketing efforts.  Google Analytics makes the process super easy for you to set up an account and pull a tracking code for your web developer to install.  It is also easy to monitor results from day-to-day with a user friendly interface.
• SEO Elements – Website optimization is critical in a very competitive digital landscape where so many companies are competing for web users’ attention. All the while, optimization best practices are evolving and becoming more and more complex.  At a very minimum, it is important to properly set up your page titles, page descriptions, and on-page keywords from the get-go.  Those small efforts will go a long way in positioning your company’s website for success.

Though these items are best addressed up front, it is never too late to get them implemented (and we recommend that you do).  And if you are still unsure about where and how to begin, we can help!