Basic Pre-Publishing Checklist for a New Web Page or Blog Post
Here’s a straightforward, essential checklist to run through before hitting “publish.” This covers content quality, technical basics, SEO fundamentals, and usability—drawn from common best practices to help avoid common pitfalls. It’s by no means exhaustive, just a guide to get started and hit the main elements.
Content Quality
- Proofread thoroughly: Check for spelling, grammar, typos, and clarity. Read aloud or use tools like Grammarly.
- Ensure accuracy: Verify facts, dates, names, and sources.
- Compelling title/headline: Make it engaging, descriptive, and keyword-inclusive (e.g., use numbers or questions for clickability).
- Strong introduction and conclusion: Hook readers early; end with a summary or call-to-action (CTA).
- Proper formatting: Use headings (H1, H2, etc.), short paragraphs, bullet points, and bold/italics for readability.
Visuals and Media
- Add relevant images/videos: Include at least one featured image; optimize file sizes for fast loading.
- Alt text for images: Describe each image accurately for accessibility and SEO.
- Multimedia variety: Embed videos, infographics, or embeds if they enhance the content.
Links and Functionality
- Internal links: Link to 3–5 related pages/posts on your site.
- External links: Ensure they open in a new tab and point to reputable sources.
- Test all links: Confirm none are broken.
SEO Basics
- Target keyword: Include primary keyword naturally in title, intro, headings, and throughout (aim for 1–2% density).
- Meta title and description: Write a unique, compelling meta title (under 60 characters) and description (under 160 characters).
- URL slug: Keep it short, descriptive, and keyword-rich (e.g., /basic-checklist-publishing-blog-post).
- Categories/tags (for blogs): Assign relevant ones; avoid over-tagging.
Technical and Usability
- Mobile responsiveness: Preview on phone/tablet—ensure it looks good and loads quickly.
- Page speed: Optimize images; test with tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.
- Accessibility check: Proper heading structure, alt text, and sufficient color contrast.
- Final preview: View the page/post in incognito mode or as a draft to catch formatting issues.