Build a pre-publish checklist for writers

Pre-Publish Checklist for Writers

1. Content Review

   • Confirm the article aligns with the target audience’s interests and intent.

   • Verify the article covers the topic comprehensively and logically.

   • Ensure each section flows smoothly with clear transitions.

2. Grammar, Spelling & Punctuation

   • Run a full grammar and spell check using tools like Grammarly or Hemingway.

   • Double-check homophones (e.g., their/there/they’re) and context-based errors.

   • Read aloud or use text-to-speech to catch awkward phrasing.

3. SEO Optimization

   • Ensure the primary keyword appears in the title, H1, intro, and conclusion.

   • Include related LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords naturally.

   • Add meta title and meta description within character limits.

   • Use short, keyword-rich URL slugs (e.g., yourdomain.com/pre-publish-checklist).

   • Optimize image file names and alt texts with relevant keywords.

4. Headings and Formatting

   • Use only one H1 (the main title), followed by H2s and H3s for subheadings.

   • Maintain consistent formatting for headings, lists, and paragraphs.

   • Break up long paragraphs and use bullet points where necessary for readability.

5. Fact-Checking and Source Attribution

   • Verify all data, statistics, and factual claims.

   • Link to reputable sources and studies where applicable.

   • Ensure quotes are attributed correctly with accurate context.

6. Internal and External Linking

   • Add internal links to related articles or cornerstone content.

   • Include a few relevant external links to authoritative sources.

   • Check for and fix any broken or outdated links.

7. Media Optimization

   • Compress images for fast loading without sacrificing quality.

   • Embed videos, infographics, or charts when useful for clarity.

   • Confirm all media is properly licensed or original.

8. Readability and Tone

   • Use short sentences and simple vocabulary unless technical complexity is necessary.

   • Ensure a consistent tone and voice aligned with brand guidelines.

   • Avoid passive voice where possible; prefer active constructions.

9. Call to Action (CTA)

   • Include a clear and relevant CTA (comment, subscribe, buy, read more).

   • Position CTAs strategically (end of article, middle if appropriate).

10. Mobile and Cross-Browser Check

• Preview the post on both desktop and mobile devices.

• Verify formatting and media rendering on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.

11. Meta Tags and Schema

• Add proper meta tags: title, description, author, date, etc.

• Implement structured data/schema markup for articles or FAQs if applicable.

12. Permalink and Category Settings

• Double-check the permalink is clean, short, and keyword-optimized.

• Assign the correct category and relevant tags for proper indexing.

13. Plagiarism Check

• Run the content through plagiarism detection tools to ensure uniqueness.

• Rephrase or remove any flagged content.

14. Legal Compliance

• Ensure content is compliant with copyright, GDPR, and privacy policies.

• Include disclaimers if there’s medical, legal, or financial advice.

15. Final Preview

• Preview the post in draft mode and read it from start to finish.

• Look for visual consistency, white space, and proper alignment.

• Confirm publish date, author name, and featured image settings.

16. Backup and Save

• Save a backup of the final draft in cloud storage or your local system.

• Note down revision history and version control if working in teams.

17. Schedule or Publish

• Choose the right publish time based on audience engagement data.

• Set automatic social sharing if integrated (e.g., via Buffer or Jetpack).

Following this checklist helps maintain quality, consistency, and professionalism across all published articles, improving reader experience and search engine visibility.