Checklists Tab - Your Step-by-Step Guide to Building Better Google Sites
What is the Checklists Tab?
The Checklists Tab is your personal project manager for Google Sites creation - a curated library of 15 expert-crafted checklists that guide you through every stage of building, launching, and maintaining professional websites. Whether you're launching your first website, optimizing for mobile, or preparing an e-commerce store, each checklist breaks down complex projects into simple, actionable steps you can check off one by one.
Think of it as having an experienced web developer looking over your shoulder, making sure you don't miss critical details. Each checklist covers a specific goal - from pre-launch punch lists to monthly maintenance routines - helping you build websites that are not just beautiful, but functional, accessible, and optimized for success.
In SitesBuddy extension ....❶Open the Checklists Tab to see all 15 available checklists displayed as cards in a searchable grid.❷ Click any checklist to open it, and you'll see organized categories with checkbox items you can mark as complete. Your progress is saved automatically, with a fixed header showing your completion percentage in real-time. Work at your own pace, check off items as you complete them, and come back anytime to continue where you left off.
Key features
Search Functionality
Find the exact checklist you need instantly. Type keywords like "SEO," "mobile," "business," or "launch" in the search bar at the top, and the grid filters to show only matching checklists. Perfect when you need specific guidance quickly.
Visual Progress Tracking
Every checklist includes a fixed progress header that stays visible as you scroll, showing your completion percentage and number of items completed (e.g., "7 of 15 completed"). Watch your progress grow as you check off items, keeping you motivated and on track.
Category Organization
Each checklist is divided into logical categories (like "Content," "Navigation," "SEO Basics," "Mobile Optimization") that group related tasks together. This structure helps you tackle projects systematically without feeling overwhelmed.
Text Size Controls
Adjust text size with A-, A, and A+ buttons in the header for comfortable reading. Your preference is saved so you can focus on the work, not squinting at the screen.
Drag-and-Drop Reordering
Rearrange checklists on the main grid to prioritize the ones you use most. Grab any checklist card by its drag handle and move it to your preferred position - your custom order is saved automatically.
Star Favorites
Star the checklists you use frequently, and they'll appear in your Favorites Tab for instant access. Perfect for recurring tasks like monthly maintenance or ongoing SEO optimization.
Auto-Save Progress
Every checkbox you tick is saved instantly. Close the tab, switch checklists, or shut down your browser - your progress is preserved. Come back anytime to pick up exactly where you left off.
Contextual Descriptions
Many checklist items include helpful descriptions and tips beneath the main task text, giving you extra context or quick instructions without needing to leave the checklist.
Use cases
Pre-Launch Final Check
Use the "Website Launch Checklist" (10 minutes) right before publishing to catch placeholder text, broken links, missing alt text, and other easy-to-miss issues that could embarrass you after launch.
Building Your First Site
Follow the "First Website Checklist" from start to finish as a beginner-friendly roadmap that covers site creation, page setup, navigation, branding, and publishing.
Client Projects
Run through relevant checklists (Business, Portfolio, E-commerce, Local Services) before delivering websites to clients, ensuring every detail is polished and professional.
Mobile-Responsive Redesigns
Use the "Mobile Optimization Checklist" when redesigning existing sites or auditing current sites for mobile usability issues.
SEO Audits & Optimization
Work through the "SEO Optimization Checklist" to improve search rankings with proper page titles, meta descriptions, structured data, keywords, and sitemaps.
Accessibility Compliance
Ensure your site is usable by everyone with the "Accessibility Checklist" covering alt text, contrast, keyboard navigation, heading structure, and link clarity.
Performance Troubleshooting
Diagnose and fix slow-loading pages with the "Performance Checklist" that guides you through Core Web Vitals, image optimization, embed reduction, and speed testing.
Monthly Maintenance Routines
Set a monthly reminder to run through the "Monthly Maintenance Checklist" for content updates, broken link checks, form testing, security monitoring, and analytics review.
E-commerce Store Setup
Transform your site into a profitable store with the "E-commerce Checklist" covering product display, pricing, checkout, trust signals, and conversion optimization.
Portfolio Launches
Create a stunning portfolio with the "Portfolio/Creative Checklist" that ensures high-quality images, project descriptions, case studies, testimonials, and clear contact options.
Local Business Optimization
Attract nearby customers with the "Local Services Checklist" or "Local Foot Traffic Checklist" covering service areas, contact methods, maps, directions, testimonials, and local SEO.
Content Marketing Strategy
Launch or optimize your blog with the "Blog/Content Marketing Checklist" covering blog structure, post templates, categories, SEO, social sharing, and content calendars.
Non-Profit Campaigns
Build websites that inspire action with the "Non-Profit/Charity Checklist" covering mission communication, impact demonstration, donation options, volunteer recruitment, and transparency.
Template Customization
Successfully adapt SitesBuddy templates with the "Using SitesBuddy Templates Checklist" that walks through copying, personalizing content, updating branding, and removing template sections.
Tips & best practices
Start with the Launch Checklist
Even if you've already built your site, run through the "Website Launch Checklist" first - it's only 10 minutes and catches common mistakes that are easy to overlook.
Use Checklists as Learning Tools
Don't just check boxes mechanically - read the descriptions and tips. These checklists teach web development best practices you'll internalize over time.
Combine Related Checklists
For comprehensive projects, work through multiple relevant checklists. For example, combine "Business Website," "Mobile Optimization," "SEO Optimization," and "Accessibility" for a complete business site audit.
Make Monthly Maintenance a Habit
Set a recurring calendar reminder to work through the "Monthly Maintenance Checklist" - regular upkeep prevents small issues from becoming big problems.
Star Your Most-Used Checklists
Add frequently-used checklists to your Favorites Tab for instant access. Common choices: "Website Launch," "SEO Optimization," and "Monthly Maintenance."
Use Checklists for Client Deliverables
Include completed checklists in client handoffs to demonstrate thoroughness and justify your professional fee.
Refer Back During Updates
Anytime you make significant site changes (redesign, new pages, content updates), re-run relevant checklists to ensure quality remains high.
Adapt to Your Needs
Not every item applies to every project. Skip irrelevant items guilt-free, but read them first - they might inspire useful improvements you hadn't considered.