Editorial website Checklist
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Editorial Website Checklist
Complete Pre-Publish Guide for Web Designers & Content Creators
PHASE 1: RESEARCH & STRATEGY
☐ Define the story I'm telling (emotional core)
☐ Identify target audience (who, what they need, what trust looks like)
☐ Clarify the emotion the reader should feel
☐ Determine the primary action (what should they do?)
☐ Research competitor editorial sites (what works, what doesn't)
☐ Set the tone (serious, playful, luxurious, minimal)
PHASE 2: COPYWRITING & MARKETING
☐ Write the headline (draws readers in to the first line)
☐ Craft the subhead (clarifies the headline)
☐ Outline the main message (did I make a point?)
☐ Check clarity (is it clear, succinct, direct?)
☐ Add examples, stories, quotes, or sources (did I go deep enough?)
☐ Embed supporting content (videos, audio, YouTube clips, tweets)
☐ Ensure uniqueness (first-person insight, opinion, perspective)
☐ Remove unnecessary words (chop filler)
☐ Proof for grammar, spelling, and flow
☐ Read for tone and consistency
☐ Get someone else to proof (fresh eyes catch errors)
PHASE 3: TYPOGRAPHY
☐ Choose serif font for headlines (elegance + authority)
☐ Choose clean sans-serif for body text (readability)
☐ Set letter spacing for mood (tight = energy, loose = luxury)
☐ Check line height (optimal reading comfort)
☐ Ensure font sizes follow hierarchy (headline > subhead > body)
☐ Test readability on mobile (no tiny text)
☐ Verify type is 80% of editorial impact (type = story)
PHASE 4: LAYOUT & WHITESPACE
☐ Add big margins (luxury feel)
☐ Create single focal point per section (no clutter)
☐ Use asymmetry for energy (not all grids)
☐ Minimize icons (maximize text)
☐ Ensure whitespace feels confident (not empty)
☐ Break copy with subheads (scannable content)
☐ Use bullet points for lists (enhances "scannability")
☐ Preview on mobile and desktop (formatting issues)
☐ Check mobile view (no awkward spacing)
PHASE 5: IMAGERY
☐ Use high-res photos (no filters, no compression)
☐ Remove color overlays (let images breathe)
☐ Ensure images support the story (not distract)
☐ Rename images with keywords (SEO)
☐ Check image alignment (centered, not off)
☐ Verify image load speed (no slow-loading blocks)
☐ Test photo + text narrative power (does it work together?)
PHASE 6: COLOR PALETTE
☐ Limit to black, white, one accent color (restrained)
☐ Remove gradients (no noise)
☐ Use color for mood, not decoration (subtle)
☐ Check contrast (readable text on backgrounds)
☐ Verify color consistency across screens (no shifts)
☐ Ensure color doesn't overpower typography (text wins)
PHASE 7: MICRO-INTERACTIONS
☐ Add smooth scroll reveals (fade-in text)
☐ Set hover effects on images (subtle, not flashy)
☐ Test animation timing (not too fast/slow)
☐ Ensure motion feels premium (not gimmicky)
☐ Check mobile animations (do they work on phones?)
☐ Verify no performance issues (animations don't slow site)
PHASE 8: LINKS & SEO
☐ Add external links to relevant sources (credibility)
☐ Add internal links to helpful posts (SEO + retention)
☐ Edit links to open in new window (keep readers on page)
☐ Test all links (none are broken or outdated)
☐ Optimize title (keyword first, search-friendly)
☐ Add meta description (search engines need it)
☐ Add social metadata (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram understand post))
☐ Optimize URL/permalink (use keywords)
☐ Categorize and tag post (SEO + user navigation)
PHASE 9: PREVIEW & PUBLISH
☐ Proof work again (rested mind catches errors)
☐ Preview in preview mode (catch formatting issues)
☐ Check mobile view (displays fine on phones)
☐ Verify all images load (no broken images)
☐ Test navigation (links work, menu is smooth)
☐ Final review for tone (consistent throughout)
☐ Hit publish button (site is live)