Use this pre-publish checklist to prevent factual errors, off-brand tone, accessibility gaps and SEO issues in AI-assisted content.
How to Use
Complete every item. If any “Fail”, send back for revision. Keep a screenshot or PDF of the completed checklist for audit trails.
1) Accuracy & Citations
- All facts, figures, and dates traced to credible sources in the Source Log.
- Claims match the cited source (no extrapolated stats).
- Quotes are accurate and attributed; external brand names are spelled correctly.
- Local context is correct for South Africa (currency, laws, terminology).
2) Originality & Risk
- Passed originality scan; phrasing is genuinely ours.
- Sensitive topics reviewed for bias and safety.
- No private or regulated data included.
3) Brand Voice & Readability
- Tone matches brand (plain-English, helpful, confident).
- Jargon replaced or defined; examples included.
- Sentences concise; paragraphs 2–4 lines; lists for scannability.
4) SEO & Structure
- One clear H1 (from post title), logical H2/H3s.
- Title tag and meta description written to intent and keywords.
- Internal links to relevant pages; external links to authoritative sources (open in same tab).
- Descriptive file names, WebP images, alt text that describes function not keywords.
- Appropriate schema (BlogPosting, FAQ, HowTo) added and validated.
5) Accessibility & UX
- Heading order is sequential; no skipped levels.
- Colour contrast passes; link text is descriptive.
- Tables are responsive; captions used where needed.
- Mobile preview looks correct; CTAs are visible and tappable.
6) Compliance & Legal
- Images licensed or original; attributions included if required.
- Disclaimers present for regulated advice.
- Privacy considerations reviewed (no personal data exposed).
Publish Gate
Pass: all checks complete. Fail: return with notes to the writer/editor. Record changes in the change log.
Keep handy: Editorial AI Workflow · Research-to-Outline System