There is so much more to simply writing a post and hitting publish. In order to be successful and get the response you desire there are proper steps that need to be taken BEFORE and AFTER hitting that publish button. To make things easy, not only did put together a step by step BEFORE and AFTER guide to follow… I also created a new blog post checklist (FREE PRINTABLE) you can download.
I use this printable every single time I post something because something about having a hardcopy keeps me in line. I am the queen of procrastination. Before I started using this checklist, I would finish a post, hit submit and then tell myself “oh I will do the Pinterest part later!” or “I will optimize the SEO tomorrow I just want to post it right now”. I was never fully completing my task which in result made those brand new posts next to useless for bringing in new traffic.
This new blog post checklist keeps me in line. Since I started using it I have noticed a huge increase in my traffic because I am actually checking all the boxes. Everything is much more organized and structured which makes for great results.
Download the new blog post checklist that I use below!
“DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. That means I have a paid partnership with some of the brands listed below and if you make a purchase using one of my links, I will receive a commission at no additional charge to you! Thank you.”
Here are the steps to take BEFORE hitting publish:
- Yoast SEO Optimized 100%
- We want that Green Smiley face in the box. Steps to complete:
- Decide on a key phrase
- Write the meta description
- Edit all image alt. attributions
- Add outbound links
- Add internal links from other posts
- We want that Green Smiley face in the box. Steps to complete:
- Add affiliate disclosure
- If you are promoting an item or going to receive any commission if someone makes a purchase using one of your links/promo codes you HAVE to disclose the information. It is illegal not too let people know about your paid partnerships! Put your disclosure at the TOP of the page in a spot that is EASY to see. You can’t hide it at the bottom.
You can make yours however you want if you use proper guidelines. For reference, this is what I say in my disclosure:
“DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. That means I have a paid partnership with some of the brands listed below and if you make a purchase using one of my links, I will receive a commission at no additional charge to you! Thank you.”
If you are concerned if your blog is legal, I recommend looking into professional help as I am not a legal professional.
- If you are promoting an item or going to receive any commission if someone makes a purchase using one of your links/promo codes you HAVE to disclose the information. It is illegal not too let people know about your paid partnerships! Put your disclosure at the TOP of the page in a spot that is EASY to see. You can’t hide it at the bottom.
- Add internal links to your posts
- A huge mistake bloggers make is not referencing their previous post in their new content. You want to keep a reader on your site for as long as possible so add in similar posts theyer might be interested throughout your blog. (Subtly drop links everywhere from the beginning, middle and end!) Click here to see the most common mistakes bloggers make! (see what I did there?)
- A huge mistake bloggers make is not referencing their previous post in their new content. You want to keep a reader on your site for as long as possible so add in similar posts theyer might be interested throughout your blog. (Subtly drop links everywhere from the beginning, middle and end!) Click here to see the most common mistakes bloggers make! (see what I did there?)
- Create cover photo
- I create all my cover photos using Canva which is free and easy to use!
- I create all my cover photos using Canva which is free and easy to use!
- Insert email subscription
- Never look past the power of an email list! With every post comes an opportunity to expand your email connections by adding subscription boxes. My favorite email platform is ConvertKit! ConvertKit is affordable, easy to use and has ENDLESS features. Click here to try it out yourself.
- Never look past the power of an email list! With every post comes an opportunity to expand your email connections by adding subscription boxes. My favorite email platform is ConvertKit! ConvertKit is affordable, easy to use and has ENDLESS features. Click here to try it out yourself.
- Create tags & choose category
- Organize your new post in the proper category on your website so viewers can easily your content!
- Organize your new post in the proper category on your website so viewers can easily your content!
- Proof read the content
- Aim for 100% readability and watch out for typos!
Here are the steps to take AFTER hitting publish:
- Save post URL to your “All Posts” excel sheet
- Save the URL to all of your posts for easy reference. I organize all my post in an excel sheet by category. This saves me time when looking to link a new post and see what posts I can freshen up.
- Create new pins on Canva
- The more new pins you create for your post the better. Create different pins to promote your new post using photos, graphics and catchy titles such as “How To’s” or “10 Ways to __”, etc. I try to create anywhere from 5-10 new pins per post. You want to make them appealing, professional and eye-catching!
- Schedule new pins on Tailwind
- Now it is time to use your Tailwind scheduler. Tailwind is a lifesaver when it comes to promoting your blog and getting new traffic. It is an automatic pin scheduler which saves you SO much time.
If you don’t already use Tailwind sign up right now and get one month free!
- Now it is time to use your Tailwind scheduler. Tailwind is a lifesaver when it comes to promoting your blog and getting new traffic. It is an automatic pin scheduler which saves you SO much time.
- Publish post to all social media accounts
- Have you started your blog social media accounts? Good for you! The more accounts you have the better your exposure. Promote your new post all over the place on every platform.
- Have you started your blog social media accounts? Good for you! The more accounts you have the better your exposure. Promote your new post all over the place on every platform.
- Write an email to subscribers about new post
- Last but not least, write an email to your subscribers about your new post! Include your favorite blurbs from the post, link the best products, give a sneak peak of some tips…. add anything that is going to result in getting some new views!
I hope this helps! Stick to the blog post checklist and you will be on your way to getting more traffic.
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