The Ultimate Checklist You Need Before You Publish Your Content
- Anne Marie Ianko
- May 3, 2019
- 4 min read
The great part of content marketing is that it can get you incredible results in followers, sales, shares and general awareness of your products and services.
Successful content however, comes with many elements that are important to have in mind before getting started to get optimal results.
We have compiled a list of many elements you need to check before you publish your content.
Some might apply to your case, some might not, but we are certain this checklist will help you cover the essentials.
Let’s get started.
HEADLINE
How you phrase your headline matters: Is the headline a phrase that people would type in google? This will help bring your content higher up in google rankings.
Does your headline generate curiosity?: A good headline needs to push the reader to discover more of what you have to say.
Is your headline short and to the point?: Make sure you headline is not confusing, and people know what your article will be about. Many times I had to read over a headline more than once, which took away credibility from the writer.
Emotions: Do not shy away from using emotions in your headline when you can. Emotions drive the consumer experience forward.
Headlines need to include popular keywords: Search engines sort content based on keywords and key phrases. You can check what is trending and do your best to tie it with your content when appropriate.
INTRODUCTION
Do I have a hook?: The easiest way to get someone hooked is to ask a question early on in the article. Just make sure you answer the question in the body.
Most important information first: Do not bore your readers with unnecessary information, especially in the introduction. Remember the average attention span of readers has decreased dramatically over the years. Straight and to the point does it.
Do not forget your pictures: If your article calls for pictures, place some right in the introduction to help visuals readers connect faster with your content.
Body
Use headlines: Break the body of your content in smaller sections. Taking this article as an example we can see how we have sections named “Headline”, “Introduction”, “Body” and so on. This helps break the monotony, and also clarify the content accordingly, allowing the reader to revisit certain parts faster. This allows for a user-friendly reading experience.
Write short and to the point paragraphs: Get use to using periods. It helps the reader pause and process the content.
Mind your use of formatting: Use italics for questions, bolds to separate subjects or for subheadings, underline quotes. Generally use formatting options to break the monotony of letters.
Does my story flow?: Make sure your story flows, and it makes sense to the reader. Convey each point clearly and give examples.
Can you use media to make the content pop?: When appropriate use video, audio and pictures. Anything to help all your readers get involved and connect with your message.
Are you using simple VOICE that everyone can connect to?: Write in a simple way that most people can understand. There is no need for complex, over extended words and phrases. Remember simplicity is the expression of elegance.
Use links when appropriate: Especially when you do research. This will allow your readers to know where you find the information. It will help you become more credible and trustworthy.
Quotes others when appropriate: You can quote presidents, researchers, other writers, and anyone else who might be well-known to your audience.
Support your claims with research: Especially when you are stating facts and figures.
CONCLUSION
You can end it with a question: If you are trying to engage readers to comment, this is a great way to end your article. Ask for their opinion, ask what else they might know regarding the subject and engage your audience to comment and share.
Did you leave any questions unanswered?: This excludes the last question to engage your readers of course! Make sure that when someone is done reading your piece, they feel they have all the information they need.
Does your conclusion make your readers want to come back for more?: Did you make your readers cry or laugh? Did you reveal new information? Did you explain to them how something works? Anything that makes your readers feel, or makes their lives easier will get you repeated clients!
READY TO PUBLISH
Time matters: Learn about the best times to publish on different social media to get the most views. Check out this chart.
Call to action: This is critical if you are selling a service / product through your content, or if you are collecting leads or trying to get many views. Ask your audience to share, buy, try for free, or leave their information. Many people will listen to you, especially if you have already established a trusting relationship with your audience.
Do not forget your social sharing buttons: If you are running a blog, make sure that under each article, you have your social media sharing buttons. This will help your audience to share directly from the source, which leads to higher traffic on your website.
Use meta tags: Help Google help you!
Spell check: Use Grammarly or any other services you are familiar with, to help you edit content before publishing it.
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