Website Checklist: How to Build a Modern, AI-Enhanced Website from Scratch

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Define Your Website Purpose & Goals

Before diving into domain names or platforms, clarify:

• Your core objectives: e-commerce sales, lead generation, blogging, portfolio showcase? Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely).
• Target audience & their needs (consider audience personas, search intent, device usage).
• Key success metrics: e.g., monthly visitors, contact form submissions, AOV (average order value).

This high-level clarity ensures every subsequent decision supports your end goals.

Choose Your Domain Name

• Keep it short, memorable, brand-aligned, and if you’re local-focused, include region (e.g., chiangmaicakeshop.com).
• Check domain history (use tools like DomainTools) to avoid penalties.
• Register via trusted providers like Namecheap, SiteGround, or Interserver—looking for free WHOIS privacy and transparent renewal rates. Reminder: ICANN restricts changes/transfers within 60 days.

Set Up Professional Email

• Create branded emails (e.g., info@yourdomain.com) via Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
• If budget-sensitive, alternatives like Zoho Mail offer free-tier options.
• Ensure DMARC/DKIM/SPF are configured to prevent phishing and to improve deliverability.

Choose Your Platform + AI Builder Options

Traditional CMS/Web Framework:

• WordPress remains dominant—rich plugin ecosystem, flexibility, hosting compatibility.
• Alternatives include CraftCMS or custom frameworks (e.g., Laravel, Yii2), depending on your dev team’s preference.

Modern No-Code/AI tools:

• Builders like Wix AI, Squarespace AI, and Bookmark AIDA can generate starter sites in minutes using AI prompts.
• These are excellent for rapid prototypes or MVP launches if you prefer less technical upkeep.

Select Reliable Hosting

Depending on your needs:

Managed WordPress:

• Kinsta, WP Engine, or Cloudways for high performance, daily backups, and specialized support.

General shared/cloud hosting:

• SiteGround, InterServer offer affordable plans (~USD 3–5/month) with strong uptime.

Cloud/VPS:

• Providers like DigitalOcean, AWS LightSail, or Cloudflare Pages offer flexible, scalable options.

AI builder hosting:

• Included with services like Wix or Squarespace—no separate hosting required.

Choose based on expected traffic, complexity, budget, and support expectations.

Design, Branding & Content Structure

• Create or update your brand style guide: colors, fonts, buttons, imagery (favicon included) .
• Use AI-assisted design tools: ChatGPT, Canva AI, Figma with AI plugins to generate element suggestions or mockups.
• Define site architecture: main pages, navigation, and internal linking structure—sitemaps help both UX and SEO.

Launch Pre-Launch QA + Testing

Functionality & Speed

• Test all forms, CTAs, integrations (analytics, payment, booking).
• Optimize page performance: image compression (TinyPNG), lazy loading, combine assets, use CDN (Cloudflare, BunnyCDN), caching plugins.

Accessibility & Cross-Browser

• Ensure WCAG compliance: alt text, proper color contrast, label associations, touch targets ≥44px.
• Test across major browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge) and devices (phones, tablets, desktops).

Content Quality

• Proofread using Grammarly or Hemingway.
• Validate links using Ahrefs or Screaming Frog for SEO and usability.

SEO Essentials

• Meta tags, structured URLs, schema markup (Organization, FAQs).
• Generate and submit sitemap.xml and robots.txt.
• Ensure site speed and mobile-friendliness.

Post-Launch Maintenance & Analytics

• Monitor uptime and performance with tools like UptimeRobot or Pingdom.
• Set up Google Analytics 4 + Search Console; track conversions and behavior flow.
• Update software/plugins monthly.
• Maintain regular backups offsite (e.g., Dropbox, S3).
• Quarterly content roadmap + SEO refresh—e.g., season-specific updates or trend articles.

AI-Powered Enhancements

• Content: Use ChatGPT or Jasper to draft blogs, product descriptions, or social copy.
• Design: Figma community AI plugins can auto-suggest UI improvements.
• User experience: Implement chatbots (ChatGPT via API or Botpress) for 24/7 support.
• SEO: Tools like SurferSEO combined with AI help identify topics and optimize structure.

Modern Website Build Checklist

Final Thoughts

Whether you build with WordPress or an AI-powered builder, success hinges on planning, performance, and ongoing optimization. Embrace AI to accelerate content creation, improve UX, and scale your site intelligently. Good luck—may your site thrive!

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