Posted on: Thursday, May 2nd, 2013

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 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.