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Pre‑launch Checklists

Course Content
Copyright Agreement
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UAMS Copyright Agreement
Use of Material
Website & E‑Commerce Basics
This module introduces learners to the core concepts behind websites and online stores. Students explore how websites work (domains, hosting, CMS vs hosted platforms) and gain a clear understanding of different website and e-commerce models. The module covers foundational platforms such as WordPress, WooCommerce, and Shopify, including their purpose, strengths, and common use cases. Learners also review essential setup concepts like site structure, navigation, basic SEO, and store functionality.
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How Websites Work (domains, hosting)
00:00
CMS vs Hosted Platforms
00:00
Intro to WordPress & Shopify
00:00
Types of Websites and Online Stores
00:00
Domains, Hosting & Setup
This module explains the foundational components required to launch a website or online store. Learners explore how domain names work, how web hosting stores and delivers website content, and the role of DNS in connecting the two. The module also introduces hosting types, setup considerations, and basic installation workflows for platforms like WordPress and Shopify. By the end of the module, learners can confidently choose a domain, understand hosting options, and complete the initial setup needed to get a website online.
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Choosing a Domain Name
00:00
Web Hosting Basics
00:00
Installing WordPress (local & live)
00:00
Creating a Shopify Account
00:00
WordPress Dashboard & Settings
This module introduces learners to the WordPress admin dashboard and its core settings. Students explore the layout of the dashboard, key menu areas, and the purpose of essential settings such as site title, permalinks, user roles, reading, and discussion options. The module emphasizes how proper configuration affects site usability, SEO, and security. By the end of the module, learners can confidently navigate the WordPress dashboard and configure settings to support a well-structured, functional website.
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WordPress Dashboard & Settings
00:00
WordPress Admin Overview
00:00
Pages, Posts, Media
00:00
Permalinks & User Roles
00:00
Themes & Customization
00:00
Block Editor vs Page Builders
00:00
Using Elementor in WordPress
00:00
Responsive Design Basics
00:00
Backups, Updates & Security
00:00
Shopify Platform Overview
This module introduces learners to Shopify as a leading hosted e-commerce platform. Students explore its key features, including store setup, themes, apps, and integrations, and understand how Shopify simplifies online selling for businesses of all sizes. By the end of the module, learners can explain Shopify’s functionality, identify its advantages, and determine when it is the right platform for an online store.
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Shopify Ecosystem
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Shopify vs WooCommerce
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Admin Dashboard Tour
00:00
Themes & Customization
00:00
Products & Collections
00:00
Navigation & Pages
00:00
SEO for Shopify
00:00
Email & Social Selling
00:00
Analytics & Reporting
00:00
Launch & Maintenance
This module guides learners through the final steps of preparing, launching, and maintaining an online store. Students explore pre-launch checklists, performance testing, ongoing updates, backups, security, and routine maintenance for both Shopify and WordPress sites. The module emphasizes best practices for keeping stores secure, fast, and operational post-launch. By the end of the module, learners can confidently launch a website or store and implement a consistent maintenance routine to ensure long-term stability and growth.
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Pre‑launch Checklists
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Performance Testing
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Ongoing Maintenance (Shopify)
Ongoing Maintenance (WordPress)
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Website Security & Account Protection
By the end of this lesson, learners will understand why website security matters, how accounts get hacked, and how to protect websites and online accounts using simple, everyday tools like strong passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
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What Is Website Security?
00:00
Common Website Security Threats
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Password Security Basics
00:00
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
00:00
Website-Level Security Tools
00:00
Everyday Security Habits
00:00
Website Learning Lab

Module Overview

This lesson provides a comprehensive pre-launch checklist for Shopify stores. Completing these steps ensures your store is fully functional, optimized, and ready for customers.

Checklist

Below is a checklist that would help learners to:

  • Verify all store setup components before launch

  • Ensure products, pages, and collections are complete and accurate

  • Test payment, shipping, and tax settings

  • Check store design, navigation, and usability

  • Plan pre-launch marketing and analytics tracking

Lesson 1: Store Setup Verification

  • Confirm store name, domain, and branding

  • Ensure Shopify Payments or other payment gateways are active

  • Verify shipping profiles and tax settings

  • Enable SSL certificate for secure checkout

Checklist Items

  1. Domain is connected and functioning

  2. Store currency and language are correct

  3. Staff accounts created if applicable

  4. Policies (privacy, shipping, returns) are in place

Lesson 2: Product and Inventory Check

  • Ensure all products are added with accurate details

  • Verify product images, descriptions, pricing, and variants

  • Check inventory levels and SKU accuracy

  • Confirm collections are complete and organized

Checklist Items

  1. Products are correctly categorized into collections

  2. Variants configured correctly (size, color, material)

  3. High-quality images uploaded for all products

  4. Product SEO (titles, descriptions, tags) completed

Lesson 3: Store Design and Navigation

  • Test theme customization and layout on desktop and mobile

  • Verify main menu, footer menu, and links to pages

  • Ensure homepage, product pages, and collection pages display correctly

  • Test mobile responsiveness and page load speed

Checklist Items

  1. Logo and branding applied consistently

  2. Navigation menus are clear and functional

  3. Images and sections properly aligned

  4. Call-to-action buttons visible and functional

Lesson 4: Payment, Shipping & Taxes

  • Test payment gateway using test orders or sandbox mode

  • Verify shipping rates and profiles for different regions

  • Confirm tax settings match local regulations

  • Ensure checkout flow is smooth and error-free

Checklist Items

  1. Payment processed successfully in test mode

  2. Shipping calculated correctly for domestic and international addresses

  3. Taxes applied accurately per product and region

  4. Refund and return process is set up

Lesson 5: Marketing & Analytics Setup

  • Install and configure Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel

  • Set up email marketing tools or integrations

  • Verify discount codes or promotional campaigns

  • Plan social media and launch announcements

Checklist Items

  1. Analytics tracking code installed and verified

  2. Marketing email templates ready

  3. Discount codes created and tested

  4. Social media launch posts scheduled

Lesson 6: Testing & Final Review

  • Test the entire shopping experience from browsing to checkout

  • Review broken links, typos, and image errors

  • Get feedback from a test group if possible

  • Ensure backup of theme and settings before launch

Checklist Items

  1. Test ordering flow with sample purchases

  2. Check all internal and external links

  3. Ensure pages, blogs, and FAQs display correctly

  4. Backup current theme and settings

Practical Activity

  • Go through your Shopify store using this pre-launch checklist

  • Test adding products to cart, applying a discount, and completing checkout

  • Verify shipping, taxes, and payment processing

  • Preview pages and navigation on desktop and mobile

  • Ensure analytics tracking is active and working

Key Takeaways

  • A thorough pre-launch checklist ensures a smooth, professional launch

  • Testing products, payments, shipping, and taxes prevents customer issues

  • Design, navigation, and marketing readiness are crucial for first impressions

  • Backup and final review reduce risk and improve confidence before launch

Exercise Files
Module Lesson_ Shopify Pre-launch Checklist.pdf
Size: 12.11 KB
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