Launch Sprint Checklist: Everything You Need in 48 Hours

Complete preparation guide for your Launch Sprint. 48 hours of smart prep leads to a high-converting one-page site in just 5 days.

8 min read
Liam Orrill
Launch Sprint Checklist: Everything You Need in 48 Hours

Your Launch Sprint starts Monday. You’ve got 48 hours to organise everything that will make or break your five-day website build. The difference between founders who nail this preparation and those who wing it? A conversion-optimised site versus weeks of revisions.

Here’s exactly what you need to gather, prioritise, and clarify before day one.

Content Audit: What You Actually Need

Primary messaging (30 minutes):

  • One-sentence description of what you do
  • Three core services/offerings with brief explanations
  • Your unique value proposition (what makes you different)
  • Primary call-to-action (book a call, request a quote, start a trial)

Essential copy blocks:

  • Hero headline and subheading
  • About section (2-3 paragraphs maximum)
  • Service descriptions (100-150 words each)
  • Testimonials or case study snippets
  • Contact details and preferred communication method

Skip the corporate jargon. Your Launch Sprint thrives on conversational, benefit-focused copy that speaks directly to your ideal client’s needs.

Visual Assets: Quality Over Quantity

Must-have images:

  • Professional headshot or team photo (high resolution)
  • Service/product images (if applicable)
  • Brand colours and fonts (if established)
  • Logo files (.svg preferred, .png backup)

Nice-to-have visuals:

  • Client work examples
  • Office or workspace photos
  • Process diagrams or infographics

The Launch Sprint process includes design and build phases specifically structured around limited assets. Three great photos trump thirty mediocre ones.

Business Objectives: Get Crystal Clear

Define your primary goal:

  • Lead generation (consultations, quotes, demos)
  • Direct sales (products, services, bookings)
  • Brand awareness (downloads, newsletter signups)
  • Partnership development (collaboration enquiries)

Identify your ideal visitor:

  • Demographics (business size, location, industry)
  • Pain points you solve
  • Decision-making process
  • Budget range expectations

This clarity transforms your Launch Sprint from generic website building into targeted conversion optimization. Fernside Studio’s five-day framework works because every design decision serves your specific objectives.

Competitive Research: Know Your Landscape

Spend 90 minutes reviewing:

  • Three direct competitors’ websites
  • Messaging approaches that resonate
  • Visual styles that feel right for your market
  • Gaps you could fill differently

Document what you find:

  • Screenshots of layouts you admire
  • Headlines that capture attention
  • Contact methods that seem effective
  • Price presentation strategies

This isn’t about copying—it’s about understanding market expectations and finding opportunities to stand out.

Technical Requirements: Set Realistic Expectations

Domain and hosting:

  • Current domain registrar access
  • Any existing website content to preserve
  • Email addresses that need maintaining
  • Preferred hosting arrangement

The Launch Sprint includes managed hosting on Cloudflare Pages, but knowing your current setup prevents delays.

Integration needs:

  • Contact form requirements
  • Google Analytics preferences
  • Social media accounts to connect
  • Third-party tools to embed (calendars, chat widgets)

Performance priorities:

  • Target audience device preferences
  • Page load speed requirements
  • Mobile-first considerations
  • Accessibility standards

Content Hierarchy: Structure for Success

Primary conversion path:

  1. Hero section → Service overview → Contact
  2. About → Testimonials → Call-to-action
  3. Problem → Solution → Next steps

Supporting elements:

  • FAQ section (if space permits)
  • Portfolio/case studies (selected highlights)
  • Team credentials (brief but authoritative)

Your Launch Sprint succeeds when visitors understand what you offer, why it matters, and how to proceed—all within seconds of arrival.

Launch Sprint Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Strategy and Planning

  • Review your prepared content and objectives
  • Refine messaging for maximum clarity
  • Establish visual direction and site structure
  • Confirm technical requirements and integrations

Day 2-3: Design and Development

  • Wireframe approval based on your content
  • Visual design aligned with your brand
  • Responsive development using Astro framework
  • Content integration and optimisation

Day 4: Testing and Refinement

  • Cross-device compatibility checks
  • Contact form and integration testing
  • Performance optimisation
  • Client feedback integration

Day 5: Launch and Handover

  • Final QA and deployment to Cloudflare Pages
  • Analytics setup and verification
  • Training on basic content updates
  • Support process overview

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

Overthinking the copy: Your Launch Sprint includes content refinement. Start with conversational drafts rather than polished prose.

Asset perfection: Use your best available photos and graphics. Professional photography can be added later through our ticketed support system.

Feature creep: Resist adding “just one more section.” Launch Sprints work because they force focus on conversion essentials.

Technical complexity: Save advanced integrations for post-launch. Your five-day site should nail the basics brilliantly.

Week-Before Checklist

Content ready:

  • One-sentence business description
  • Three core service explanations
  • Hero headline and subheading
  • About section draft
  • Contact information
  • Testimonials or social proof

Assets organised:

  • Professional photos (team, workspace, products)
  • Logo files (.svg and .png)
  • Brand colours and fonts
  • Any existing content to preserve

Objectives clarified:

  • Primary conversion goal defined
  • Target audience documented
  • Competitive landscape reviewed
  • Success metrics identified

Technical access confirmed:

  • Domain registrar login details
  • Email account preferences
  • Third-party integration requirements
  • Analytics and tracking preferences

Post-Launch Support Strategy

Your Launch Sprint delivers a complete, conversion-focused site in five days. Post-launch improvements happen through Fernside Studio’s ticket-based support system—no monthly retainers, just clear requests and fixed pricing.

Consider adding Fernside CMS if you need ongoing content control. At £29/month, it includes the hosted panel, SSL management, backups, and priority support ticket handling.

Ready to Begin Your Launch Sprint?

Proper preparation transforms your Launch Sprint from website building into business acceleration. Founders who invest 48 hours organizing content, objectives, and assets receive sites that convert from day one.

The Launch Sprint costs £750 fixed, includes strategy, design, development, and managed hosting. Your investment covers five focused days that most agencies stretch into months.

Book your Launch Sprint and experience what happens when preparation meets focused execution.

Tags
launch sprint checklist website launch checklist Launch Sprint SMB websites
Liam Orrill

Liam Orrill

Founder of Fernside Studio. Builds monochrome, conversion-led websites for SMB teams.

Need Help with Your Website?

Fernside Studio specialises in minimal, high-performance websites that convert. Based in the Midlands, serving businesses across the UK.

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