Static Site Deployment Checklist

Static websites are simple to operate, but a few basic checks can make them more reliable and easier to maintain. This note summarizes a minimal deployment checklist for small documentation sites, project pages, and service information pages.

1. Confirm DNS Records

Before deploying the site, confirm that the domain points to the correct server address. For most small websites, an A record is enough:

  • A record for IPv4
  • AAAA record only if IPv6 is available
  • CNAME record for aliases or subdomains

Avoid adding unused records. Incorrect IPv6 records are a common cause of connection failures when the server does not actually support IPv6.

2. Enable HTTPS

HTTPS should be enabled by default for public websites. A valid certificate helps browsers verify the site identity and prevents common security warnings.

For small static sites, a web server with automatic certificate management is convenient. After HTTPS is enabled, verify that the certificate matches the domain name and that renewal works automatically.

3. Use a Minimal Web Server Configuration

A static site usually does not need a complex backend. A simple configuration should include:

  • Static file serving
  • Compression support
  • Reasonable security headers
  • Access logging
  • A clean error page

Keeping the configuration small reduces maintenance work and makes future troubleshooting easier.

4. Add Basic Health Checks

A simple health endpoint can be useful for monitoring. For example, a plain text file such as /health.txt can return a short response like:

ok

This is enough for basic uptime checks without adding an application backend.

5. Keep Content Simple

Static sites are easier to maintain when the structure is predictable. A small site can use the following sections:

  • Home
  • Documentation
  • Status
  • Changelog
  • Contact

Avoid leaving default template text unchanged. Replace placeholder content with clear and neutral information about the site.

6. Review Logs Periodically

Access logs and error logs can help identify broken links, certificate issues, and unexpected traffic patterns. For long-running servers, log rotation should be enabled to prevent logs from using too much disk space.

7. Keep a Small Backup

Static websites are easy to back up. A basic backup should include:

  • Site source files
  • Web server configuration
  • DNS notes
  • Deployment commands

For small projects, a private Git repository is often enough.

Summary

A reliable static site does not need a complicated stack. Correct DNS records, valid HTTPS, simple static hosting, basic monitoring, and clean content are usually enough for small public websites.