Free Blog post publishing checklist.
You just finished writing a blog post. It’s helpful, well-written, and full of value. But before you share it with the world, take a few extra minutes to make sure it’s polished and ready to perform. This checklist walks you through everything you should do before you hit “publish,” so your post gets seen, shared, and loved by your audience.
Write a title that gets attention
Your title is the first thing readers see, so it has to catch their eye and make them want to click. Think of it as your post’s headline or promise to the reader.
Choose a clear, specific title that includes your main keyword naturally.
Use tried and true formats like “How to…”, “5 Tips for…”, or “The Ultimate Guide to…”.
Focus on what your audience will get out of reading your post.
Use the same words or phrases your readers would search for on Google.
Create scroll-stopping blog graphics
Your blog graphics are the first thing that draw attention on Pinterest and social media. A strong, consistent visual style helps your content look professional and instantly recognizable.
Design a tall, vertical image around 1000x1500 pixels that looks great on Pinterest.
Add your blog title or a short benefit-focused phrase directly on the image.
Choose fonts that are easy to read and fit your brand personality.
Stick to your brand colors and templates to keep everything cohesive.
Make a few variations of each graphic so you can share the same post multiple times without repeating the exact same image.
Optimize your post for SEO
Good SEO helps your post get found by the right people. A few simple tweaks can make a big difference in how your content performs over time.
Include your main keyword in the title, URL, and first paragraph.
Keep your URL short, simple, and descriptive.
Write a meta description that summarizes what your post is about and includes your keyword.
Use headers (H2s and H3s) to organize your post and include keywords where it feels natural.
Add links to other posts or pages on your site to encourage readers to explore more.
Make your images SEO-friendly
Images help bring your post to life and can also boost your visibility in search results. Taking a few minutes to optimize them is always worth it.
Rename your image files before uploading them using clear, keyword-based names such as brand-photoshoot-tips.jpg.
Add alt text that describes what’s in the image using your keyword naturally.
Write short, conversational image descriptions when sharing on Pinterest to encourage saves and clicks.
Optimize for Pinterest
Pinterest is one of the best ways to drive consistent traffic to your blog. A few small details can make your pins more discoverable and clickable.
Pin your graphics to boards that are relevant to your topic and audience.
Write pin titles and descriptions that include your keywords and highlight the benefit of your post.
Add a short call to action like “Read more” or “Save this for later.”
Double-check that each pin links directly to the correct blog post.
Use Pinterest’s built-in scheduler or tools like Tailwind to plan your pins in advance.
Review your links from time to time to make sure none are broken or outdated.
Systemize and repurpose your content
Once your post is live, find ways to make it work harder for you. Repurposing and systemizing will save you time and keep your content fresh across multiple platforms.
Create reusable Canva templates for your blog and Pinterest graphics to simplify your workflow.
Break your post into smaller sections that can be used as Instagram carousels, Reels, or email tips.
Use AI tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm new headlines, write introductions, or draft Pinterest captions.
Keep this checklist handy as a regular workflow so every new post gets the same level of attention and care.
A well-optimized post is one that keeps working for you long after you hit “publish.” Following this checklist helps you stay consistent, professional, and confident that every blog post is ready to shine.
When your title is strong, your SEO is in place, and your visuals are ready to share, your blog becomes a reliable marketing tool that helps your business grow.
