The Ultimate Blog SEO Checklist for 2025 (100+ Essential Tasks)

SEO

Your blog posts aren't ranking because you're following SEO advice from 2020.

While everyone's still obsessing over keyword density, the smart content creators are quietly dominating with AI search optimization, voice search strategies, and accessibility compliance. The stuff that actually matters in 2025.

This comprehensive checklist covers everything the other guides conveniently ignore. Over 100 actionable tasks that'll get your content found by both Google and ChatGPT. Let’s dive right in ⬇️

The foundation: setting yourself up for success

Essential tools (because you can't fix what you can't measure)

Before you publish another word, you need to know how your content's performing. 

Google Search Console is a free tool that allows website owners to monitor their site's organic Google traffic, track search performance, and discover issues that could prevent their site from ranking.

✔️ Set up these essential tools:

💡 Connect Google Search Console to Google Analytics so you can view search performance in one place. It's a game-changer for understanding which content actually works.

AI search optimisation (the bit everyone's ignoring)

Here's where most SEO checklists fall apart – they're still stuck in 2020. The search landscape has fundamentally transformed with AI-powered engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews changing how content is discovered.

ChatGPT results overlap only 12% with the Google SERP, based on analysis of 650 individual ChatGPT executions. This means optimising solely for traditional search engines won't guarantee visibility in AI search results.

The AI optimisation essentials:

✔️ Create content that answers conversational queries directly

✔️ Use structured data to help AI systems understand your content

✔️ Write clear, scannable content that AI can easily extract information from

✔️ Include FAQ sections that address follow-up questions

Mobile-first reality check

Making sure your website is mobile-friendly is a crucial part of a successful SEO strategy. Especially considering it is a ranking factor that Google has confirmed.

But here's what most guides miss: it's not just about responsive design anymore. Check your blog on mobile for:

✔️ Readability: Can you actually read the text without squinting?

✔️ Navigation: Are buttons clickable without a stylus?

✔️ Loading speed: Does it actually load quickly on 4G?

✔️ Voice search readiness: Can users navigate with voice commands?

Keyword research that doesn't make you want to cry

Understanding search intent (the real game-changer)

Long-tail keywords are search queries that get a small number of searches per month. They tend to be longer and more specific than head keywords. But here's the crucial bit: they convert better.

On average, long-tail keywords have a conversion rate of 36%. To put that into perspective, the highest-performing landing pages only have a conversion rate of 11.45%.

Search intent breaks down into four main categories:

  1. Informational: People looking to learn ("how to improve blog SEO")

  2. Navigational: People searching for a specific website ("Amelie Pollak copywriter")

  3. Commercial: People researching products ("best SEO tools 2025")

  4. Transactional: People ready to buy ("hire SEO copywriter")

✔️ Match your content to the intent. If someone's searching "how to improve website SEO," they want a guide (like this one). If they're searching "SEO consultant London," they're ready to hire someone.

Voice search optimisation (because everyone's talking to their phones)

As of 2024, more than 65% of 25-49-year-olds speak to their voice-enabled devices at least once per day.

Voice search queries are fundamentally different:

  • Longer and more conversational

  • Often questions starting with "how," "what," "where," "when," "why"

  • Local intent ("near me" searches)

  • Natural language patterns

Optimisation strategy:

✔️ Include conversational keywords in your content

✔️ Create FAQ sections that mirror natural speech patterns

✔️ Use long-tail keywords that sound like actual questions people ask

Technical SEO foundations

Core Web Vitals (because user experience matters)

Core Web Vitals is a set of metrics that measure the speed, interactivity, and visual stability of a webpage. Here's what you need to know:

  1. Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Your LCP should be less than 2.5 seconds in order to provide a good user experience

  2. Interaction to Next Paint (INP): To provide a good user experience, strive to have an INP of less than 200 milliseconds

  3. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): To provide a good user experience, strive to have a CLS score of less than 0.1

Quick wins for Core Web Vitals:

✔️ Compress images and use modern formats (WebP)

✔️ Remove unnecessary third-party scripts

✔️ Upgrade your hosting if it's budget-tier

✔️ Avoid layout shifts by setting image dimensions

Security and trust signals

Security impacts SEO more than you think.

Essential security checklist:

✔️ HTTPS everywhere (non-negotiable in 2025)

✔️ SSL certificate properly configured

✔️ Content Security Policy headers

✔️ Regular security audits

Content Security Policy: script-src 'nonce-{RANDOM}' 'strict-dynamic'; object-src 'none'; base-uri 'none'

Accessibility (the forgotten ranking factor)

Accessibility isn't just nice to have – it's becoming a ranking signal.

Both accessibility and SEO prioritize user experience. By making your website easy to use, you improve how people feel when they visit. This is important for search engines.

WCAG compliance essentials:

✔️ Alt text for all images (descriptive, not just keywords)

✔️ Proper heading hierarchy (H1 > H2 > H3)

✔️ Sufficient colour contrast

✔️ Keyboard navigation support

✔️ Screen reader compatibility

Content creation and optimisation

Headlines that work double duty

Your H1 tag needs to serve two masters: search engines and humans. 

Include numbers, power words, and emotional triggers. "SEO Tips" is boring. "The Only SEO Checklist Your Blog Needs in 2025" tells you exactly what you're getting and creates urgency.

Content structure for AI and humans

Google's passage ranking update allows sections of your content to rank independently. This means well-structured headings, subheadings, and concise answers within your blog can now surface in SERPs even if the entire page doesn't rank highly.

Modern content structure:

✔️ Clear H1 with primary keyword

✔️ H2s for major sections (like chapters)

✔️ H3s for subsections within those chapters

✔️ Short paragraphs (2-3 sentences max)

✔️ Bullet points for scannable information

✔️ FAQ sections for voice search optimisation

Meta descriptions that sell

Your meta description is your blog post's elevator pitch. Stay under 155 characters, aiming for 145–155. Use strong verbs or a question to create curiosity.

Example transformation:

❌ "Learn about SEO for blogs"

"The only blog SEO checklist that actually works in 2025. Boost traffic by 300% with these proven strategies."

Advanced optimisation strategies

Schema markup (your secret weapon)

Schema markup can lead to the generation of rich snippets, which are enhanced search results featuring additional data like ratings, images and opening hours. This extra information can make your snippet more appealing, leading to a higher click-through rate (CTR).

Essential schema types for blogs:

✔️ Article schema for blog posts

✔️ FAQ schema for question sections

✔️ How-to schema for instructional content

✔️ Person schema for author information

✔️ Organisation schema for brand credibility

Video content optimisation

Something most SEO checklists completely ignore: video optimisation. Structured data, including video schema markup, helps search engines like Google provide more accurate and direct answers in voice search results.

Video SEO checklist:

✔️ Descriptive filenames with keywords

✔️ Video transcripts for accessibility

✔️ Video schema markup implementation

✔️ Thumbnail optimisation

✔️ Video sitemaps for search engines

Internal linking architecture

Internal linking is one of the most important tactics in SEO marketing. It involves linking from one page to another within your own website.

But here's the strategic approach:

✔️ Link to relevant, helpful content (not just promotional pages)

✔️ Use descriptive anchor text

✔️ Create topic clusters around main themes

✔️ Make sure every page is reachable within 3 clicks from homepage

✔️ Regularly audit for broken internal links

The bits that are easy to forget

E-E-A-T optimisation

Google's E-E-A-T framework (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) is crucial for content rankings.

Experience signals:

✔️ First-hand experience with topics you're writing about

✔️ Case studies and real examples

✔️ Personal anecdotes and insights

✔️ Behind-the-scenes content

Expertise indicators:

✔️ Author credentials and bio

✔️ Topic-relevant qualifications

✔️ Consistent publishing in your niche

✔️ Depth of knowledge in content

Authority building:

✔️ High-quality backlinks from reputable sources

✔️ Citations and mentions in industry publications

✔️ Social proof and testimonials

✔️ Recognition from peers

Trust signals:

✔️ Contact information and about page

✔️ Privacy policy and terms of service

✔️ Transparent business information

✔️ Customer reviews and testimonials

Content freshness and updates

Improve the formatting, add more (better) content, include new screenshots, and more. Then, relaunch it like it was a new post. And that simple 1-2 punch often increases search engine traffic to that page by a lot!

Content refresh strategy:

✔️ Update statistics and data annually

✔️ Add new sections based on recent developments

✔️ Refresh screenshots and examples

✔️ Update outdated links and references

✔️ Expand thin content with additional value

International SEO considerations

If you're targeting multiple countries or languages:

Hreflang implementation:

✔️ Proper hreflang tags for language/region targeting

✔️ Consistent URL structure across regions

✔️ Localised content (not just translations)

✔️ Cultural adaptation of examples and references

Progressive Web App (PWA) optimisation

The adoption of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) should be seriously considered, as they offer a seamless mobile experience with features like offline access and push notifications, ultimately enhancing engagement.

PWA SEO benefits:

✔️ Improved mobile user experience

✔️ Faster loading times

✔️ Offline accessibility

✔️ Enhanced engagement metrics

Content formats and optimisation

Featured snippets strategy

The good thing about SEO is that it's easy to configure your posts to be eligible for featured snippets.

Featured snippet optimisation:

✔️ Identify common questions in your topic area

✔️ Answer questions directly under subheadings

✔️ Use clear, concise language

✔️ Format answers with bullet points or numbered lists

✔️ Keep answers between 40-60 words for optimal snippet length

Long-form vs. short-form content

HubSpot found that top-ranking posts often fall in the 1,200–2,400 word range. Match depth to the complexity of the topic. Don't add fluff.

Content length strategy:

  • 1,000-1,500 words: Simple how-to guides and basic tutorials

  • 1,500-2,500 words: Comprehensive guides and in-depth analysis

  • 2,500+ words: Ultimate guides and resource pages

  • Quality over quantity: Always prioritise value over word count

Content repurposing for SEO

Transform one piece of content into multiple formats:

  • Blog post → Video script → Podcast episode

  • Long-form guide → Email course → Social media series

  • Case study → Infographic → Slide deck

  • FAQ section → Video answers → Audio snippets

Your easy SEO checklist

PHASE 1: FOUNDATION SETUP (Do Once)

Essential Tools Setup

✔️ Google Search Console: Set up and verify your domain

✔️ Google Analytics 4: Install tracking code and configure goals

✔️ Bing Webmaster Tools: Add and verify your site

✔️ Google PageSpeed Insights: Bookmark for regular testing

✔️ Core Web Vitals monitoring: Set up in Search Console

✔️ Connect GSC to GA4: Link accounts for unified reporting

✔️ SSL Certificate: Ensure HTTPS is properly configured

✔️ Security headers: Implement Content Security Policy

✔️ XML Sitemap: Create and submit to search engines

✔️ Robots.txt: Configure crawler access permissions

WordPress/CMS Setup (If Applicable)

✔️ SEO Plugin: Install Yoast SEO, RankMath, or All in One SEO

✔️ Caching Plugin: Set up W3 Total Cache or WP Rocket

✔️ Image optimisation: Install Smush or similar plugin

✔️ Schema plugin: Install for structured data

✔️ Security plugin: Wordfence or Sucuri for WordPress

✔️ Backup solution: Regular automated backups

✔️ CDN setup: Cloudflare or similar service

✔️ Database optimisation: Regular cleanup and optimisation

Technical Foundation

✔️ Mobile responsiveness: Test across devices and screen sizes

✔️ Page speed baseline: Record current Core Web Vitals scores

✔️ Accessibility audit: Run initial WCAG compliance check

✔️ Internal linking audit: Map current site architecture

✔️ Broken link check: Use Screaming Frog or similar tool

✔️ Duplicate content audit: Identify and fix duplicates

✔️ URL structure review: Ensure clean, keyword-friendly URLs

✔️ Canonical tags: Implement to prevent duplicate content issues

PHASE 2: KEYWORD RESEARCH & STRATEGY

Primary Keyword Research

✔️ Seed keyword identification: List 10-20 main topics for your niche

✔️ Search volume analysis: Use Google Keyword Planner or Semrush

✔️ Keyword difficulty assessment: Target mix of low and medium difficulty

✔️ Search intent mapping: Categorise as informational, commercial, etc.

✔️ Long-tail keyword research: Focus on 3+ word phrases

✔️ Question-based keywords: Use AnswerThePublic for voice search

✔️ Competitor keyword analysis: Identify gaps in their content

✔️ Seasonal keyword trends: Plan content calendar around trends

Advanced Keyword Strategy

✔️ Topic cluster planning: Group related keywords into themes

✔️ Keyword cannibalisation check: Ensure no overlap between pages

✔️ Local keyword research: Include location-based terms if relevant

✔️ Voice search optimisation: Target conversational queries

✔️ AI search keywords: Research how ChatGPT users search your topics

✔️ Featured snippet opportunities: Identify question-based keywords

✔️ Video keyword research: Find YouTube search terms

✔️ Image keyword research: Optimise for Google Images

PHASE 3: CONTENT PLANNING & CREATION

Content Strategy

✔️ Content calendar creation: Plan 3-6 months of blog topics

✔️ Content pillar identification: Choose 3-5 main topic areas

✔️ Buyer journey mapping: Create content for awareness/consideration/decision

✔️ Content format planning: Mix of guides, lists, case studies, etc.

✔️ Content length strategy: Match depth to keyword competition

✔️ Content update schedule: Plan refreshes for evergreen content

✔️ Seasonal content planning: Align with industry events and trends

✔️ Repurposing strategy: Plan multi-format content creation

Individual Post Creation

✔️ Keyword intent research: Understand what users really want

✔️ SERP analysis: Study current top 10 results for target keyword

✔️ Content outline creation: Structure with H2/H3 headings

✔️ Target word count: Aim for 1,500-3,000 words for competitive terms

✔️ Introduction hook: Write compelling opening paragraph

✔️ Value proposition: Clearly state what readers will gain

✔️ Call-to-action planning: Decide on desired reader action

✔️ Expert quotes: Include 2-3 authority figures if relevant

PHASE 4: ON-PAGE SEO OPTIMISATION

Title & Meta Optimisation

✔️ H1 tag optimisation: Include primary keyword naturally (under 60 chars)

✔️ Title tag creation: Compelling title with keyword (50-60 characters)

✔️ Meta description: Persuasive summary with keyword (145-155 characters)

✔️ URL slug optimisation: Clean, keyword-rich, descriptive URLs

✔️ Focus keyword placement: In title, first paragraph, and H2s

✔️ LSI keywords: Include related terms throughout content

✔️ Keyword density check: Maintain 1-3% density for primary keyword

✔️ Title variations: Create multiple options and A/B test

Content Structure

✔️ Heading hierarchy: Proper H1 > H2 > H3 structure

✔️ Paragraph length: Keep to 2-3 sentences maximum

✔️ Bullet points: Use for scannable information

✔️ Numbered lists: For step-by-step instructions

✔️ FAQ section: Include for voice search optimisation

✔️ Table of contents: Add for long-form content (2,000+ words)

✔️ Summary/conclusion: Recap key points clearly

✔️ Content depth: Cover topic comprehensively

Readability & User Experience

✔️ Reading level: Aim for Grade 9 level or lower

✔️ Sentence length: Mix short and medium sentences

✔️ Active voice: Use instead of passive voice where possible

✔️ Transition words: Use to improve flow between ideas

✔️ Subheadings: Break up long sections with descriptive H2s/H3s

✔️ White space: Ensure content isn't cramped

✔️ Font size: Minimum 16px for body text

✔️ Line spacing: Use 1.5 line height for readability

PHASE 5: TECHNICAL SEO OPTIMISATION

Core Web Vitals

✔️ Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Optimise to under 2.5 seconds

✔️ Interaction to Next Paint (INP): Keep under 200 milliseconds

✔️ Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Maintain under 0.1

✔️ Image optimisation: Compress and use WebP format

✔️ Remove unused CSS: Eliminate render-blocking resources

✔️ JavaScript optimisation: Defer non-critical scripts

✔️ Font optimisation: Use font-display: swap

✔️ Third-party script audit: Remove unnecessary tracking codes

Mobile Optimisation

✔️ Mobile-friendly test: Use Google's testing tool

✔️ Touch targets: Ensure buttons are at least 44px

✔️ Viewport configuration: Set proper mobile viewport

✔️ Image scaling: Ensure images fit mobile screens

✔️ Menu functionality: Test mobile navigation

✔️ Pop-up optimisation: Avoid intrusive interstitials

✔️ AMP implementation: Consider for news/blog content

✔️ Progressive Web App: Evaluate PWA implementation

Security & Trust

✔️ HTTPS implementation: SSL certificate across entire site

✔️ Security headers: Content Security Policy, X-Frame-Options

✔️ Regular security scans: Monthly vulnerability checks

✔️ Privacy policy: Current and GDPR compliant

✔️ Terms of service: Legal protection for your content

✔️ Contact information: Easily accessible contact details

✔️ About page: Build trust with transparent information

✔️ Author bios: Include credentials and expertise

PHASE 6: CONTENT ENHANCEMENT

Image Optimisation

✔️ Alt text: Descriptive text for all images (include keywords naturally)

✔️ File names: Keyword-rich, descriptive filenames

✔️ Image compression: Optimise file sizes without quality loss

✔️ Responsive images: Use srcset for different screen sizes

✔️ Image format: Use WebP with JPEG fallback

✔️ Image schema: Implement ImageObject schema markup

✔️ Caption optimisation: Include relevant keywords in captions

✔️ Image sitemap: Submit to Google Search Console

Video Content

✔️ Video schema markup: Implement VideoObject structured data

✔️ Video transcripts: Full text transcription for accessibility

✔️ Video thumbnails: Custom, keyword-optimised thumbnails

✔️ Video descriptions: Keyword-rich descriptions

✔️ Video sitemap: Create and submit video sitemap

✔️ Video loading: Lazy load videos to improve page speed

✔️ Video hosting: Choose between self-hosted vs YouTube embed

✔️ Closed captions: Add for accessibility and SEO

Internal Linking

✔️ Related content links: Link to 3-5 relevant internal pages

✔️ Anchor text optimisation: Use descriptive, keyword-rich anchor text

✔️ Deep linking: Link to important pages beyond homepage

✔️ Link placement: Include links naturally within content flow

✔️ Orphan page check: Make sure all pages are internally linked

✔️ Link equity distribution: Spread authority throughout site

✔️ Breadcrumb navigation: Implement for better site structure

✔️ Related posts section: Add at end of each post

PHASE 7: STRUCTURED DATA & SCHEMA

Essential Schema Types

✔️ Article schema: Basic markup for all blog posts

✔️ Person schema: Author information and credentials

✔️ Organisation schema: Company/website information

✔️ FAQ schema: For frequently asked questions sections

✔️ How-to schema: For step-by-step instructional content

✔️ Review schema: If including product/service reviews

✔️ Local business schema: If targeting local searches

✔️ Breadcrumb schema: Navigation path markup

Advanced Schema Implementation

✔️ Video schema: For embedded or hosted videos

✔️ Image schema: Enhanced image search visibility

✔️ Event schema: For time-sensitive content

✔️ Product schema: For commercial content

✔️ Recipe schema: For food/cooking content

✔️ Course schema: For educational content

✔️ Job posting schema: For career-related content

✔️ Software application schema: For app/tool reviews

Schema Testing & Validation

✔️ Google's Rich Results Test: Validate schema markup

✔️ Schema Markup Validator: Check syntax and structure

✔️  Search Console monitoring: Track rich result performance

✔️ JSON-LD format: Use Google's preferred schema format

✔️ Schema updates: Keep markup current with content changes

✔️ Error monitoring: Regular checks for schema errors

✔️ Competitor analysis: Study competitors' schema implementation

✔️ Rich snippet optimisation: Optimise for enhanced SERP display

PHASE 8: ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION

WCAG Compliance

✔️ Alt text for images: Descriptive text for screen readers

✔️ Heading structure: Logical H1-H6 hierarchy

✔️ Color contrast: Minimum 4.5:1 ratio for text

✔️ Keyboard navigation: Full site navigation without mouse

✔️ Focus indicators: Visible focus states for interactive elements

✔️ Form labels: Proper labeling for all form inputs

✔️ Skip links: Allow users to skip to main content

✔️ Language declaration: Specify page language in HTML

Enhanced Accessibility

✔️ Screen reader testing: Test with NVDA or JAWS

✔️ Font size flexibility: Allow text scaling to 200%

✔️ Motion reduction: Respect prefers-reduced-motion

✔️ Audio controls: Provide controls for auto-playing media

✔️ Error identification: Clear error messages and instructions

✔️ Time limits: Avoid or make adjustable

✔️ Seizure prevention: No rapidly flashing content

✔️ Mobile accessibility: Touch target sizes and spacing

PHASE 9: AI & VOICE SEARCH OPTIMISATION

AI Search Optimisation

✔️ Conversational content: Write for natural language queries

✔️ Direct answers: Provide clear, concise answers to questions

✔️ Context-rich content: Include background information

✔️ Source attribution: Cite authoritative sources

✔️ Content freshness: Regular updates with current information

✔️ Multi-angle coverage: Address topic from different perspectives

✔️ AI-friendly formatting: Use clear headings and bullet points

✔️ Featured snippet optimisation: Target position zero results

Voice Search Strategy

✔️ Question-based content: Answer "who, what, where, when, why, how"

✔️ Local optimisation: Include location-based information

✔️ Natural language: Write as people actually speak

✔️ Long-tail focus: Target 3+ word conversational phrases

✔️ FAQ sections: Address common spoken questions

✔️ Speed optimisation: Fast loading for voice search results

✔️ Mobile optimisation: Voice searches are predominantly mobile

✔️ Speakable markup: Implement for voice assistant compatibility

PHASE 10: EXTERNAL FACTORS

Link Building

✔️ High-quality backlinks: Earn links from authoritative sites

✔️ Guest posting: Write for relevant industry publications

✔️ Resource page outreach: Get listed on relevant resource pages

✔️ Broken link building: Find and replace broken links with your content

✔️ Internal link building: Strategic internal linking campaign

✔️ Social proof: Encourage social sharing and mentions

✔️ Influencer outreach: Connect with industry influencers

✔️ Press releases: For newsworthy content or announcements

Social Signals

✔️ Social media promotion: Share across all relevant platforms

✔️ Social sharing buttons: Add to blog posts

✔️ Open Graph tags: Optimise for Facebook sharing

✔️ Twitter Card markup: Enhanced Twitter sharing

✔️ LinkedIn optimisation: Professional network sharing

✔️ Pinterest optimisation: Visual content for Pinterest

✔️ Community engagement: Participate in relevant online communities

✔️ Email marketing: Promote to email subscribers

PHASE 11: MONITORING & ANALYTICS

Performance Tracking

✔️ Google Analytics setup: Track traffic, engagement, conversions

✔️ Search Console monitoring: Track rankings, impressions, clicks

✔️ Core Web Vitals tracking: Monitor speed and user experience

✔️ Ranking position tracking: Use Semrush, Ahrefs, or similar

✔️ Conversion tracking: Set up goals and events

✔️ Heat mapping: Use Hotjar or Crazy Egg for user behavior

✔️ Error monitoring: Track 404s and technical issues

✔️ Uptime monitoring: Ensure site availability

PHASE 12: ONGOING MAINTENANCE

Weekly Tasks

✔️ Content publishing: Maintain consistent publishing schedule

✔️ Social media promotion: Share new and evergreen content

✔️ Comment moderation: Respond to blog comments

✔️ Performance monitoring: Check key metrics

✔️ Competitor monitoring: Track competitor content and rankings

✔️ News monitoring: Stay updated on industry changes

✔️ Internal linking: Add links to new content from existing posts

✔️ Image optimisation: Compress and optimise new images

Monthly Tasks

✔️ Content audit: Review and update existing content

✔️ Broken link check: Find and fix broken internal/external links

✔️ Technical SEO audit: Check for crawl errors and issues

✔️ Keyword ranking review: Track position changes

✔️ Analytics analysis: Deep dive into traffic and behavior data

✔️ Backlink analysis: Monitor new and lost backlinks

✔️ Site speed testing: Ensure optimal loading times

✔️ Security update: Update plugins, themes, and core software

Quarterly Tasks

✔️ Comprehensive SEO audit: Full technical and content review

✔️ Content refresh: Major updates to top-performing content

✔️ Keyword strategy review: Adjust based on performance data

✔️ Competitor analysis: In-depth review of competitor strategies

✔️ Link building campaign: Systematic outreach efforts

✔️ Accessibility audit: Ensure ongoing WCAG compliance

✔️ Schema markup review: Update and expand structured data

✔️ Content calendar planning: Plan next quarter's content

Annual Tasks

✔️ Complete site redesign review: Assess if updates needed

✔️ SEO strategy overhaul: Adapt to algorithm changes

✔️ Tool evaluation: Review and upgrade SEO tools

✔️ Team training: Update skills and knowledge

✔️ Budget planning: Allocate resources for coming year

✔️ Goal setting: Set new SEO objectives and KPIs

✔️ Historical data analysis: Year-over-year performance review

✔️ Technology updates: Major platform or infrastructure updates

FINAL CHECKLIST: BEFORE YOU PUBLISH

Pre-Publishing Review

✔️ Proofread thoroughly: Check grammar, spelling, accuracy

✔️ Fact-check content: Verify all statistics and claims

✔️ Link functionality: Test all internal and external links

✔️ Image optimisation: Compress and add alt text to all images

✔️ Mobile preview: Test on multiple devices and screen sizes

✔️ Loading speed: Ensure page loads quickly

✔️ Social sharing: Test sharing on major platforms

✔️ Call-to-action: Ensure CTAs are clear and compelling

Post-Publishing Actions

✔️ Submit to Search Console: Request indexing

✔️ Share on social media: Promote across all channels

✔️ Email notification: Send to subscribers if applicable

✔️ Internal linking: Add links from relevant existing content

✔️ Monitor performance: Track initial engagement and rankings

✔️ Respond to feedback: Engage with comments and social mentions

✔️ Schedule follow-up: Plan content updates and refreshes

✔️ Document learnings: Note what worked for future content

Ready to transform your content strategy?

Your blog posts should be working harder for your business. But SEO is just one piece of the content puzzle. Your brand voice, messaging strategy, and conversion optimisation need to work together seamlessly to turn search traffic into loyal customers.

That's where I come in. I help ambitious brands develop distinctive verbal identities and create copy that converts

Book a discovery call and let's chat about giving your brand the voice – and the search visibility – it deserves.


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Messaging Pyramid Guide: How to Create a Brand Message Hierarchy (2025)