Ever published a blog post or landing page and wondered why it didn’t get the traffic you expected? Most of the time the problem isn’t the topic—it’s the execution. A solid content quality checklist catches those hidden flaws before anyone sees them. Below is a no‑fluff, step‑by‑step guide that lets you audit any piece in minutes.
A checklist turns vague ideas like “make it better” into concrete actions. It forces you to look at every angle—readability, SEO, branding, and even legal compliance. When you use the same list for each article, your standards become consistent, which builds trust with both readers and search engines.
1. Define the Goal
Start by writing one sentence that states what the content should achieve. Is it to inform, convert, or rank for a keyword? If you can’t answer quickly, rewrite the brief.
2. Keyword Placement
Check that your primary keyword appears in the title, first 100 words, at least one sub‑header, and naturally throughout the body. Avoid stuffing—aim for a density of about 0.8% to 1.2%.
3. Readability Score
Run the text through a readability tool (like Hemingway or Yoast). Aim for a grade‑8 level: short sentences, active voice, and simple words. If the score is too high, break up long paragraphs and replace complex terms.
4. Structure & Formatting
Use H1 for the main title, H2/H3 for sections, and bullet points or numbered lists for steps. This helps scanners and search engines understand hierarchy.
5. Visual Elements
Add at least one relevant image, infographic, or video. Include alt text that describes the visual and contains a keyword when appropriate.
6. Internal & External Links
Link to two‑three related articles on your site (internal) and one reputable source outside (external). Ensure all links open in a new tab and have descriptive anchor text.
7. Call‑to‑Action (CTA)
Every piece needs a clear next step—subscribe, download, or buy. Place the CTA above the fold and repeat it near the end if the content is long.
8. SEO Meta Tags
Write a meta title under 60 characters and a description under 160 characters that include the primary keyword. Make them compelling enough to earn clicks.
9. Fact‑Check & Sources
Verify every statistic, date, or claim. Cite the source with a hyperlink. This prevents misinformation and boosts credibility.
10. Proofread for Errors
Run a spell‑check, then read the article aloud. Look for missing commas, awkward phrasing, or duplicated sentences.
Once you’ve ticked off all ten items, give the piece one final glance and hit publish. Over time you’ll notice higher engagement, better rankings, and fewer revisions after publishing.
If you’re managing multiple writers, share this checklist in a Google Doc or as an Asana template. Consistency is the secret sauce that turns good content into great content.
Got a specific challenge—like optimizing long‑form guides or creating SEO‑friendly product descriptions? Drop a comment and we’ll tweak the checklist to fit your niche.
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