1. Basic Functionality Checks

• Homepage Loading: Ensure the homepage loads correctly without errors.
• Links: Test all internal and external links for functionality.
• Forms: Verify that all forms (contact, subscription, etc.) are working correctly, including validation messages for incorrect inputs.
• Search Functionality: Test the website’s search feature to ensure it returns relevant results.

2. User Interface (UI) Checks

• Layout Consistency: Check for consistent layout across different pages (fonts, colors, styles).
• Responsive Design: Verify that the website displays correctly on various devices (desktop, tablet, mobile).
• Navigation: Ensure the navigation menu is functional and intuitive. Test dropdown menus and submenus.
• Buttons: Test all buttons to ensure they work as expected and provide appropriate feedback (hover effects, loading indicators).

3. Content Validation

• Text Content: Check for spelling and grammatical errors in the text.
• Images: Ensure all images are loading properly and are of high quality. Check for alt text on images for accessibility.
• Videos: Verify that embedded videos play correctly and are accessible.
• Meta Tags: Ensure that meta titles and descriptions are correctly set for SEO purposes.

4. Performance Checks

• Loading Speed: Test the loading speed of the website using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to ensure it meets performance standards.
• Browser Compatibility: Check the website’s functionality on different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
• Error Messages: Ensure that any 404 or server error messages are user-friendly and guide users back to the homepage or relevant pages.

5. Security Checks

• SSL Certificate: Verify that the website is using HTTPS and has a valid SSL certificate.
• User Authentication: Test user login/logout functionalities for security.
• Sensitive Data Handling: Ensure that sensitive information (passwords, credit card details) is handled securely.

6. Functionality of Key Features

• Shopping Cart (if applicable): Test adding/removing items, updating quantities, and proceeding to checkout.
• Payment Processing (if applicable): Ensure that payment gateways function correctly and provide confirmation messages.
• User Registration/Login: Test user registration and login processes, including password recovery options.

7. Accessibility Checks

• Screen Reader Compatibility: Verify that the website is compatible with screen readers.
• Keyboard Navigation: Test that all interactive elements are accessible via keyboard navigation.
• Color Contrast: Ensure that text and background color contrast meets accessibility standards.

8. Cross-Functional Integration Checks

• Third-Party Integrations: Verify the functionality of any integrated third-party services (e.g., analytics, social media sharing).
• APIs: Test any API calls to ensure they return the expected data.

9. Backup and Recovery

• Backup Procedures: Ensure that backup procedures are in place and functioning correctly.
• Recovery Testing: Test the website’s recovery procedures to ensure data can be restored in case of a failure.

10. Feedback Mechanism

• Feedback Forms: Test feedback or bug-reporting forms to ensure they are operational.
• Contact Information: Ensure that contact details are accurate and easily accessible.

Conclusion

Using this Website Testing Sanity Checklist can help ensure that your site remains functional and user-friendly after updates or changes. It’s crucial to validate these aspects to provide users with a seamless experience and maintain the integrity of your website. Regularly updating and adapting this checklist can further enhance your quality assurance process.

For more in-depth testing strategies and resources, you might consider checking out platforms like Software Testing Help or the Ministry of Testing, which provide valuable insights into various testing methodologies and practices.

Feel free to modify or expand this checklist according to your specific website requirements!