Your Ultimate Content Marketing Checklist

The next step is to be sure your content engages readers and keeps them hooked until the end. Consider…

Titles:

• Does your title capture attention?
• Does your title showcase the content’s main benefits?
• Does the title arouse curiosity, if applicable?
• Does the title use social proof, if applicable?
• Did you create a succinct title that wouldn’t be truncated on the platform?
• Did you include attention-getting words in the title?
• Did you track and test titles to see which ones perform best?

Content:

• Is this content something your audience really wants?
• Have you organized the content for easy consumption?
• Does the content solve a specific problem?
• Does the content include plenty of tips, examples, etc.?
• Is the content created for the level of your reader?
• Is the content created to resonate with a specific audience?
• Does the content keep readers engaged?
• Do you share any stories or humor?
• Do you share unique steps, tips and ideas?
• Did you approach the topic from a unique angle?
• Did you include any tools such as checklists, worksheets and similar?
• Did you include images to add value to the content?
• Did you format the content to create value (such as a video course)?
• Did you put the content in your audience’s preferred format?
• Did you proof and polish the content?
• Did you format the content for easy readability?
• Does the content include a call to action at the end?
• Did you simplify complex processes?
• Is the content oriented to the reader and their problems?
• Does the content use the word “you” 3-4X as much as the word “I” or similar?
• Does the content provide hope that the reader can solve their problem?
• Does the content avoid hype or psychological tricks?
• Did you include a call to action that tells people what to do, why they should do it, and also why they should do it now?

Create urgency with CTAs, such as by offering a limited-time discount, extending a special bonus for a limited time, sharing a scarce offer, and/or reminding readers that their pain won’t go away if they do nothing.

Check for easy readability:

• Uses everyday words (no dictionary required).
• Utilizes short sentences and paragraphs.
• Highlights important points with bold, italics, font colors, etc.
• Breaks up text using bulleted lists.
• Creates white space by inserting images.
• Includes compelling captions with the images.
• Format in widely accessible form (such as .pdf, upload to a blog, etc.).

Check for unique content:

• Stories.
• Tips.
• Examples.
• Formulas/systems.
• Case studies.
• Twists on old methods.
• Novel hacks.
• New strategies.
• New phrases.
• Little-asked questions and answers.
• Unusual comparisons.
• Fresh approaches to “old” methods.

1. If this content is to help generate traffic via SEO, then check:
   • Did you use a keyword tool to find keywords?
   • Are you using long-tail, specific keywords?
   • Are you using any keywords with commercial intent?
     
   • Did you avoid stuffing the content with keywords?
     
2. If this content is to help generate traffic through word of mouth, then check: 
   • Is the content unique?
   • Does the content generate a positive emotional reaction?
     
   • Is the content short/easy to consume?
     
   • Is the content easy to access?
     
   • Is the content easy to share?
     
3. Did you track and test your content to optimize response? This includes testing:
   • The overall topic
   • The title
     
   • The opener
     
   • The call-to-action
     
   • The graphics
     

The final step is to distribute the content, including:

• Publish on your blog.
• Use guest-blogging opportunities.
• Send to your newsletter list.
• Post on social media.
• Use during a guest podcast.
• Share on a webinar.
• Provide info during a niche interview.
• Share during a coaching session.
• Offer as a free lead magnet.
• Upload to video-sharing platforms.
• Syndicate for a wider audience.
• Distribute in physical form (such as a handout).
• Package into a bonus product.
• Distribute on PRWeb.com and similar (for press releases).
• Share in an offline publication.
• Make it rebrandable and ask marketing partners to share it.