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Production Readiness

What Do I Need Before Launching?

Before launching, you need: a working core feature, basic security (secrets hidden, HTTPS, database protected), error handling that does not show raw errors to users, a way to collect feedback, analytics to track usage, and a legal foundation (privacy policy if you collect data). Everything else can come after launch.

Why this matters

Launch preparation is where builders get stuck. The list of "things to do" keeps growing because there is always one more thing. Having a clear, prioritized list prevents paralysis and helps you launch with confidence.

What's at stake

Under-preparing means launching with exposed data or broken flows. Over-preparing means never launching at all. The goal is the minimum set of requirements that make your launch safe and credible.

Your checklist.

Core feature works reliably

Critical

The one thing your app is known for must work without errors. Test it 10 times in a row. If it fails once, fix it before launching.

Security baseline is met

Critical

No hardcoded secrets, HTTPS enabled, database access controlled, input validation on forms. See our pre-launch security checklist.

Error handling is user-friendly

Critical

When errors occur, users see helpful messages, not stack traces. Test what happens when the network fails, API calls time out, or users enter unexpected input.

Analytics are set up

Important

Add basic analytics (Vercel Analytics, Plausible, or Google Analytics) so you know how many people visit, which pages they use, and where they drop off.

Feedback mechanism exists

Important

A feedback button, email link, or embedded form. Your early users will find bugs and have suggestions — make it easy for them to tell you.

Privacy policy is in place (if collecting data)

Important

If you collect any user data (emails, accounts, analytics), you need a privacy policy. Use a generator like Termly or iubenda for a quick start.

Custom domain is configured

Recommended

A custom domain (yourapp.com) looks more professional than a Vercel or Replit subdomain. It also builds trust and is better for SEO.

Launch with everything you need and nothing you do not

  • Prioritized pre-launch checklist that separates critical from optional
  • Automated checks for security, performance, and legal requirements
  • Launch readiness score so you know exactly where you stand
Get started with BWORLDS

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Related topics

checklist before launching an apphow to know when my app is readywhat security do i need before launchingminimum requirements to launch

Frequently asked questions.

Not strictly required, but strongly recommended. A custom domain costs $10-15/year and significantly improves credibility. Users are more likely to trust yourapp.com than yourapp.vercel.app.

For an initial launch, a simple terms of service is recommended but not legally required in most cases. A privacy policy is more important if you collect any user data. Use a generator to create both quickly.

Basic monitoring (uptime checks with UptimeRobot, error tracking with Sentry) is very helpful but not blocking for launch. At minimum, check your app daily and have a way for users to report when things break.

Basic SEO (proper title tags, meta descriptions, and a sitemap) takes 30 minutes and is worth doing. Advanced SEO optimization can wait until you have validated that people want your product.