Launch safety

A practical release checklist for a calmer launch.

Use this checklist to confirm testing, approval, rollback and launch responsibilities before the release goes live.

Scope
  • Confirm what is launching now
  • List anything intentionally deferred
  • Lock content and asset owners
  • Note external dependencies
Environment
  • Test staging against production assumptions
  • Check env vars, domains and integrations
  • Verify forms, payments or auth flows
  • Make sure monitoring is switched on
Launch plan
  • Define who gives final sign-off
  • Agree on a go-live window
  • Set a rollback trigger
  • Record post-launch checks
Why it matters

Launches go sideways when teams assume details will sort themselves out. A checklist turns release confidence into something concrete and repeatable.