Launch checklist: DNS, SSL and email for your new directory

The script is installed and the first links are in. Before you share the address with the world, go through this list. It takes about an hour and avoids the most common launch-day problems.

Domain and DNS

• Both your-domain and www.your-domain open the site.
• Auto-renew is on for the domain.
• If your domain and hosting are both with DOMAINSROCK, the name servers are already set; otherwise point an A record for @ and www to your server.

SSL

• A certificate covers both the bare domain and www.
• Force HTTPS and the Canonical domain are set under Security and access › Hardening.
• The site address in General settings matches the canonical address.

Email

• A mailbox on your own domain, such as support@your-domain.
• SMTP details entered under Notification settings, and a test email received.
• SPF and DKIM records added in DNS, so approval emails do not land in spam.

Content and pages

• Privacy policy, terms of use and an about page reviewed and published.
• Sample links removed (php artisan wagroups:samples --remove).
• Main categories have page text.

Search and analytics

• Site verified in Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.
• /sitemap.xml submitted.
• Analytics added, with cookie consent switched on.

Safety net

• Automatic daily backups switched on and the cron line added.
• Two-step verification on for your admin account.

Done? Announce it — and tell us. We love seeing what our customers build with WAGroups.