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Often times when I sit down to write a new blog post I hurry through it to get all of my ideas out before I am distracted. And most times I am so excited to be finished that I just want to hit the publish button. But then I go back and read or have my husband read it and it is riddled with typos and simple errors that shouldn’t be there. I have come up with a checklist for myself that helps to eliminate having to go back and correct these issues.

I have two different lists that I follow. One is the “Before I Hit Publish” and the second is the “After I Hit Publish.” Both of these are important and help me to keep things together.

Before I Hit Publish:

  1. Proofread. I like to read the post out loud because it helps to hear any issues that my eyes may not notice since I did just type it. I also find that waiting an hour or so and coming back to proofread helps.
  2. Check that all photos have watermarks or are linked to original sources.  This is because I would hate to have my work stolen or appear as if I am stealing from someone else.
  3. Make sure all images have descriptive alt tags.  Alt tags are very important, they are the descriptive visual for readers that are unable to see the photo.
  4. Preview the post to check for any visual errors.  Sometimes when I write a post with pictures inserted, the layout is just wrong. The pictures may be too big or something may have been cut off. By viewing the preview of the post I know that it looks like I intended it to.
  5. Verify that all links work properly.  This is an easy one to goof on. All it takes is one typo to throw off a whole link.
  6. Create a Permalink. This helps to keep your post searchable.
  7. Use keywords in title and keep it brief. Keywords are the key to anyone stumbling on your post.
  8. Use keywords in the search description.  See above.

After I Hit Publish:

  1. Share on favorite social media.  I believe this explains itself. If you want people to know that you just published awesomeness, tell them.
  2. Check for comments and respond in a timely manner. Your readers liked what you had to say enough that they let you know with more than a page view. Let them know that you appreciate their time reading by responding

I know there is so much more that goes into writing a blog post, but these are great lists that I use before and after I publish a new post.

Sarah Schultz, author of sarahmschultz.blogspot.com, is a busy mom to a four year old fashionista.  All of her free time is spent sewing and blogging. She lives in the Chicago area, far enough outside the city to enjoy the quietness but close enough to experience the hustle on a whim.  Connect with her on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and on Pinterest.

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{ 14 comments… add one }

  • sverve May 2, 2013, 12:38 pm

    Thanks for sharing your checklists with us, Sarah! These are things that we all should be doing on a regular basis.

    Reply
  • Sue May 2, 2013, 2:26 pm

    Watermarking. Yep. Need to get on that…

    Reply
    • Sarah Schultz June 3, 2013, 5:10 pm

      Sue,
      I actually use Live Writer which has that feature built in when I add photos there. One less step. If I had them after I post a draft I always forget.
      Sarah Schultz recently posted…Go With Me Chair GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
  • Antionette Blake May 2, 2013, 6:50 pm

    Yes, I always read mine out loud – my husband says, “are you talking to yourself again?”

    Reply
    • Sarah Schultz June 3, 2013, 5:13 pm

      Antionette,
      Reading out load helps me see if it really flows like it should. Maybe you should have your husband read it to you.
      Sarah Schultz recently posted…Go With Me Chair GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
  • Nicole Greene May 2, 2013, 11:25 pm

    When I’m writing emotional pieces I am bad bad bad at re-reading. It’s so important though – that and HEADLINES! Wow what a difference a good headline makes. Re the watermarking, I’ve stumbled on pixlr.com/editor and I really like it for watermarking and making “headline images” (and more!).

    Reply
    • Sarah Schultz June 3, 2013, 5:15 pm

      Nicole,
      I will have to check pixlr out. I have not heard of that before.
      Sarah Schultz recently posted…Go With Me Chair GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
  • Vidya Sury May 25, 2013, 4:14 pm

    I have a check list too – one of the things that would freak me out was forgetting to check the permalink! I diligently do that now. Also, another thing that stresses me out is the featured image!

    Nice list, Sarah!
    Vidya Sury recently posted…Encouraging Creativity Through Everyday ExplorationMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sarah Schultz June 3, 2013, 5:17 pm

      Vidya,
      I am guilty of not always using a feature image. I know that this would help traffic with Pinterest and Sverve. But for some reason don’t always make it a point. That is my goal for this month. To include one on every post I publish.
      Sarah Schultz recently posted…Go With Me Chair GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
  • annette anderson June 5, 2013, 2:03 am

    Thanks for these tips. They will come in handy!
    annette anderson recently posted…Dimples BBQ Sauce review/giveawayMy Profile

    Reply
  • Cassi June 5, 2013, 8:50 pm

    Great checklist! I’ve never used the descriptive alt texts on images.
    Cassi recently posted…Book ReviewsMy Profile

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  • Deby August 6, 2013, 12:37 pm

    I think a good way to proof read is to read the post out loud, slowly. If it doesn’t feel right when you speak it, it won’t feel right to your readers when they read it. There are different voices you can use when blogging – some sober, playful, informative, friendly, conversational, warning, instructional – the tone of your writing should match your subject matter.
    Thanks for the tips.
    Deby recently posted…New 2013 FTC Disclosure Guidelines for bloggersMy Profile

    Reply
  • Lydia August 28, 2013, 2:12 pm

    VERY smart suggestions!! Will definitely keep these in mind before I click, “Publish!”
    Lydia recently posted…And babies don’t keepMy Profile

    Reply
  • Nicole Orozco September 8, 2013, 11:40 am

    I have a similar check list that I use, thanks for sharing yours!
    Nicole Orozco recently posted…How do I get started if I want to make money with my blog?My Profile

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