Quick answer
What should I do after my website goes live?
Once it's live, check it works for real customers, keep an eye on it, keep your details right, and be clear who looks after updates and fixes.
The jargon
The words you'll come across, in plain English.
- Going live: your website appearing at your own address for everyone.
- Sitemap: a list of your website's pages that helps Google find them.
- Search Console: Google's free tool showing how your site appears in Google, and any problems.
- Enquiry: a call, message or form from someone interested in your work.
- Maintenance: the technical updates and checks that keep a website working and safe.
First checks
What should I check first?
- Open it on your phone and a computer
- Send a test from every form
- Tap the call, email and WhatsApp buttons
- Check your services and contact details
- Check the padlock shows in the address bar
- Check old page addresses take you to the right place
- Check any analytics and cookie choices work
- Write down who owns which account
When will Google show my new website?
Google has to find your pages, read them and decide to keep them. A list of your pages (a sitemap) and Search Console help you keep an eye on that, but they don't guarantee you'll show up.
Looking after it
Who looks after my website?
Clear
You know who checks it's up, does the technical updates, watches renewals and fixes faults.
Assumed
The designer, the host and you all think someone else is keeping an eye on it.
Sprint Start customers choose before launch: Managed, where we look after it, or looking after the hosting yourself.
Keep it up to date
When should I update my website?
- Old phone numbers or email addresses
- Services you don't do any more
- Expired qualifications or memberships
- Photos you no longer have permission for
- Old prices or areas
- Jobs or offers left up after they've closed
Is it working?
How do I know if my website is working?
Note where good enquiries come from, which services they're for, and whether they turn into work. Search Console shows how Google sees your site.
Improving it
How do I make my website better over time?
The changes that usually help most: better photos of your work, clearer explanations of your services, answers to the questions customers ask, and easier ways to get in touch. Only add a new feature when it fixes a real, repeated problem.
Sources
Where this guide comes from.
Checked against these official pages on 27/10/2026. Next check due 27/01/2027. Things can change sooner, so check the official page before an important decision.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
How quickly will Google show my website?
There's no set time. And being found doesn't mean being near the top.
Who updates the website?
That depends on what you've agreed. Write down who does what.
Do I need to post something every week?
No. Only post when you've got something useful and accurate to say.
What if a form stops working?
Tell us straight away, and keep your phone number showing so customers can still reach you.
Should I keep my old website?
Keep a copy just in case, but don't leave two versions live.
When should I check my website?
Straight after launch, and whenever your services, staff, prices, qualifications or suppliers change.
Got a question?
Send us a message and we'll point you in the right direction.
We're happy to help, even if it's not about a website.
