Now that you’re given the go signal to inspect your outsourced website before it goes live or launched, would you know what to do next? Conduct a QA to test the website. QA stands for quality assurance; thus, QA testing means to check the site for any bugs. Web design and development companies have dedicated QA teams. As a paying consumer, however, it won’t hurt to do your part as the website owner.
Check the accuracy and consistency of the design
Designs are pre-approved that you can use as the basis for checking how accurate and consistent the implementation was. From the use of the logos to the sizes of the images, you need to check all elements to ensure that they follow your branding requirements. Also, if there are rollover or scroll effects, check if they are working or not.
Inspect the quality of the images used
Visuals are only strong if they consistently convey the intended message. While custom images are much better than stock photos, you need to look at all the images. High-res photos are the thing now. Make sure there are no lingering watermarks and that they are adequately spaced. The consistency of the filters used must be apparent as well.
Read the textual content
After tackling the visuals, your next stop is the actual content. Read the entire copy to check for syntax errors, inappropriate terms, culturally insensitive language, etc. While at it, gauge the context of the discussion, especially when a graphic or illustration accompanies the text. Fact-check all the information mentioned in the copy. Check if there are any duplicate content because this will affect the site’s performance as well. Nowadays, the privacy policy page is required, so check that your website has one–not the standardized version, but your actual privacy policies.
Click all the menu items and links
Navigability of the website is vital as the users can quickly determine whether the site is easy to use or not. Part of this aspect is the clickability of all the links. Make sure that each link points to the intended page and whether the page has the intended content. Through this also, you may discover if there are any error pages on your website. Consult your specifications whether the link must open on the window or a new tab.
Sample the forms
For sure, the contact us page has a form that you must also test. Check the receiving email address, the fields, and the business name, address, and contact details are correct. Fill out the form to ensure that submissions are being received.
Open the website on browsers and devices
Finally, you need to determine how the site renders on browsers as well as on devices. It must be responsive enough, fitting the screen sizes of the devices, for instance. If there are any compatibility issues, alert the developer team so they can address the problem before the site goes live.
Tracking bugs is not your job, but…
As the site owner, you are responsible for ensuring that every deliverable in the project scope is indeed delivered. You may not have the technical skills. However, the points mentioned above are enough to complement the QA testing done before the website is turned over to you.
