How do I publish a website?: a beginner guide

Prepare the site

Before publishing, check the important pages, links, forms, images, mobile layout, titles, and basic accessibility. Remove development-only content and make sure the site does not expose information that should remain private.

Choose a deployment method

A static site can be deployed to a static hosting platform. A server-rendered or database-backed application needs an environment capable of running its application code and connecting to its required services.

The right platform depends on the project's technical requirements, expected traffic, deployment workflow, and maintenance needs.

Connect the domain

If you own a domain, configure its DNS records according to the hosting provider's instructions. DNS changes can take time to propagate. Keep HTTPS enabled so visitors connect securely.

Verify after launch

Open the production URL on more than one device and check the critical paths. Test forms, navigation, redirects, images, metadata, and error pages. If the site should appear in search, make sure important pages are publicly accessible and crawlable.

Production URL loads correctly
HTTPS works
Important links and forms work
Mobile layout is usable
No accidental noindex or access restrictions
Sitemap and Search Console are configured when appropriate

Sources and further reading

Frequently asked questions