The Ultimate Blog Post Checklist: How to Create Content That Ranks, Engages & Converts with AI

Writing a blog post isn’t just about putting words on a page — it’s about creating content that educates, entertains, and drives results. Whether you’re writing a quick update for your customers, a detailed pillar post designed to rank for years, or a product-driven article to boost sales, a successful blog post requires more than good writing.

From structure and formatting to SEO, conversion, and promotion, every detail matters. A well-optimised post builds trust, attracts the right readers, and turns them into leads or buyers.

That’s why we’ve created this Ultimate Blog Post Checklist. It’s your step-by-step guide to planning, writing, optimising, and promoting content that doesn’t just sit on your site — it works for you.

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Pre-Writing & Strategy

Lay the foundations before you type a single word.

Define your goal

What do you want this post to achieve? (rank, educate, sign-ups, conversions)

Audience clarity

Who are you writing for? (demographics, psychographics, pain points)

Keyword research

Pick a primary keyword + 3–5 long-tail terms with clear intent.

Search intent check

Decide if readers want to learn (informational), compare (commercial), or buy (transactional).

Content type

Decide pillar (evergreen cornerstone) vs. seed (supportive, focused).

Competitor scan

Analyse top 3 ranking posts. Look for content, format, and tone gaps you can fill.

Prompt Template (copy + paste for AI use):

I want to write a blog post on the topic: [Insert Topic Here]. Please help me with the Pre-Writing & Strategy stage by providing the following:

Goal Definition

– Suggest the best primary goal for this blog post. Choose from:(a) rank for a keyword, (b) educate/engage readers, (c) generate leads/sign-ups, (d) support sales/conversions.– Explain why this should be the main goal, and recommend a secondary goal if useful (e.g. ranking + conversions).

Audience Clarity

– Define the target audience:

• Demographics (age, profession, location if relevant)

• Psychographics (values, interests, pain points)

• Buyer journey stage (awareness, consideration, decision)– Explain what this audience wants to achieve by reading this content.

Keyword Research & Intent

– Suggest:

• 1x primary keyword (high intent, SEO-friendly, relevant)

• 3–5 supporting long-tail keywords– Label each keyword with search intent (informational, commercial, transactional, navigational).– Provide an example meta title (under 60 characters) and meta description (155–165 characters, keyword included, click-worthy).

Content Type & Format

– Recommend whether this should be a pillar post (evergreen, comprehensive, cornerstone) or a seed post (shorter, focused, supportive). Justify your choice.– Suggest the best content format to satisfy intent (e.g. how-to guide, checklist, comparison, case study, listicle).

Competitor Scan

– Analyse the top 3 ranking posts for this topic:

• What structure do they use? (listicle, guide, FAQ, case study, etc.)

• What are their strengths?

• What gaps or opportunities exist (e.g. missing visuals, lack of examples, weak CTA)?– Recommend how my content can stand out.

Conversion & UX Opportunities

– Suggest 2–3 ways to integrate conversion opportunities naturally (e.g. CTAs, lead magnets, service links).– Highlight UX improvements the post could include (e.g. comparison tables, visuals, interactive elements).

📌 Output format

Please return everything in a clear, structured format with headings so it’s easy to follow.

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Structure & Planning

Give your post a framework before you dive in.

Headline draft

3–5 clear, benefit-driven options with the keyword.

Outline key sections

Intro, subheadings (H2s/H3s), conclusion, call-to-action.

Content length

Content length → Match intent (e.g., 2,000+ words for pillar guides).

Internal linking map 

Pre-plan 3–5 links to other blogs, services, or products.

Prompt Template (copy + paste for AI use):

You are helping me plan the structure of a blog post. Follow these steps carefully.

Headline Draft

– Write 3–5 clear, benefit-driven headline options that naturally include the primary keyword.– Make sure they’re engaging, aligned with search intent, and avoid clickbait.– Suggest 1 SEO title tag (under 60 characters) and 1 click-worthy meta title (more creative, social-friendly).

Draft Outline

– Create a logical content structure including:

• Intro (hook + promise)

• Subheadings (H2s/H3s)

• Conclusion (key takeaway + summary)

• Call-to-action (aligned with my goal, e.g. book a consultation, download a guide)

– For each subheading, suggest bullet points of what to cover and recommend where to add:

• Lists (e.g. pros/cons, step-by-step)

• Tables or diagrams (if comparisons/data are needed)

• Quotes or expert tips (to build authority)

Recommended Word Count

– Suggest an approximate word count range based on:

• Target keyword difficulty

• Search intent (short, practical vs. long-form, in-depth guide)– Explain why this length is most competitive.

Internal Linking Plan

– Here’s a list of important URLs from my website:[Paste your key URLs here – pillar posts, seed posts, product pages, categories].

From this list:

• Recommend 3–5 internal links that would fit naturally in the structure.

• Explain where they should go (e.g., under “Benefits of X” → link to product page).

UX & Conversion Enhancements

– Suggest 2–3 ways to improve readability (scannable formatting, short paragraphs, multimedia).– Recommend conversion opportunities (inline CTA, banner, checklist download).

📌 Output format

(return in this order):

1. Headline Options

2. SEO & Social Titles

3. Draft Outline (with section notes)

4. Recommended Word Count

5. Suggested Internal Links (with placement notes)

6. UX & Conversion Enhancements

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Writing & Content Creation

Bring your content to life.

Engaging introduction 

Hook the reader by answering “what’s in it for me?” in the first 2–3 sentences.

Scannable sections

Short paragraphs, H2/H3s, bullet points, bold highlights.

Add value

Stats, insights, FAQs, or personal expertise.

Consistency

Keep voice aligned with Concept Fusion tone (approachable, plain English, professional).

Examples

Weave in real or client-based examples.

Brand alignment

Does it sound like you? Double-check before publishing.

Prompt Template (copy + paste for AI use):

You are helping me write a blog post. Use the outline provided below and follow these instructions carefully.

Engaging Introduction

– Write an opening that hooks the reader in the first 2–3 sentences by clearly answering: “What’s in it for me?”– Keep it conversational but professional, and set clear expectations for what the post will deliver.

Scannable Sections

– Expand each section of the outline into:

• Short paragraphs (2–4 sentences each)

• Clear subheadings (H2/H3 as in the outline)

• Bullet points and bold highlights for key takeaways

• Simple, jargon-free explanations

Add Value

– For each section, provide thorough answers to likely reader questions.– Where relevant, include:

• Statistics (with reputable sources)

• Actionable insights & tips

• Expert commentary or FAQs if appropriate

• Comparisons (pros/cons, do’s/don’ts, before/after examples)

Consistency

– Maintain the following brand tone and style:

• Clear, approachable, plain English

• Professional but not corporate

• UK English (spelling & phrasing)

• Helpful and educational (not salesy or stuffed with jargon)– Voice guide: Concept Fusion explains SEO and marketing in plain English so business owners feel confident and informed.

Examples

– Weave in practical examples to make content more relatable. Example:“At Concept Fusion, we often optimise blog posts for clients who want both SEO traffic and newsletter-ready content.”

Internal Links

– Insert the internal links suggested in the planning stage naturally into the content.– Make sure they feel contextual and useful (not bolted on).

Brand Alignment

– Double-check tone: Does this sound like Concept Fusion?– Ensure the content avoids fluff and focuses on usefulness + authority.

📌 Output format

Return the post in markdown with:

1. Title (H1)

2. Subheadings (H2/H3) as structured

3. Short paragraphs, bullet lists, and bolding where helpful

4. A clear conclusion and call-to-action

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SEO Optimisation

Make sure your post can actually be found.

Keyword in title tag & H1

(under 60 chars).

Optimised meta description

(155–165 chars, keyword + click-worthy).

Headings (H2/H3)

Add long-tail keywords naturally.

Internal links

3–5 contextual, helpful placements.

External links

2–3 authoritative sources for credibility.

Image alt text 

Descriptive, keyword-friendly.

Schema markup

FAQ schema or HowTo where relevant.

Prompt Template (copy + paste for AI use):

You are optimising a blog post draft I’ve already written. Review the content provided and apply the following SEO best practices without changing the overall meaning, flow, or brand tone.

Title & H1

• Ensure the primary keyword appears naturally in the blog title and H1.

• Keep the title under 60 characters so it displays fully in search results.

Meta Description

• Write an optimised meta description (155–165 characters).

• Must include the primary keyword.

• Make it engaging and click-worthy (mini sales pitch to boost CTR).

Headings (H2/H3)

• Review all subheadings.

• Insert secondary or long-tail keywords naturally where they fit.

• Ensure headings remain clear, scannable, and user-friendly.

Internal Links

• Insert 3–5 contextual internal links to relevant posts, services, or product pages.

• Each link must feel natural and helpful, not forced.

• Recommend anchor text for each link that balances clarity and SEO.

External Links

• Add 2–3 authoritative external references (e.g. .gov, .edu, trusted industry sources).

• Ensure links add credibility and value for the reader.

Image Optimisation

• Generate descriptive, keyword-friendly alt text for each image.

• Keep alt text accessible, natural, and not keyword-stuffed.

• Suggest optimising file sizes for fast load speed (don’t rewrite the image, just note it).

Schema Markup

• If the post answers FAQs → create FAQ schema (JSON-LD format).

• If it’s a how-to or process → suggest a HowTo schema block.

• Only include schema that makes sense for the post.

📌 Output format

Return the optimised post in markdown with:

1. Updated H1

2. Meta description

3. Revised H2/H3s with natural keyword insertions

4. Internal & external links (with anchor text suggestions + placement notes)

5. Image alt text list

6. Schema code block (if applicable)

   
   
   
   

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Formatting & Readability

Make your blog easy (and enjoyable) to read.

Short paragraphs

2–4 sentences max.

Lists & tables

Summarise points visually.

Images, diagrams, or videos

Add diagrams, charts, flowcharts, or videos (e.g., pillar → seed → product flow).

Quote boxes or tips

Highlight pro tips or insights.

Accessibility 

Alt text, logical headings, mobile-friendly layout.

UX layer

Add table of contents, anchor links, sticky CTA where needed.

Prompt Template (copy + paste for AI use):

You are improving the formatting and readability of a blog post I’ve drafted.

⚠️ Keep the content and tone exactly the same — do not change meaning or rewrite unnecessarily.Your job is to reformat, restructure, and enhance readability so the post is easy to scan, engaging, and accessible.

Apply the following best practices:

1. Paragraphs & Spacing

• Break up long text into short paragraphs (2–4 sentences max).

• Use whitespace strategically for readability.

2. Lists & Tables

• Convert long sentences or item-heavy paragraphs into bullet points or numbered lists.

• Where comparisons or options exist, create a table format for clarity.

3. Visuals

• Suggest where to add images, diagrams, flowcharts, or videos to support the content.

• Example: If the post explains content clusters, add a pillar → seed → product page flowchart.

• Insert inline notes: (Suggested Visual: [description])

4. Highlighting & Callouts

• Add quote boxes or tip callouts for expert insights, pro tips, or key takeaways.

• Use bold and italics for emphasis (but avoid overuse).

5. Accessibility

• Ensure alt text descriptions are written for all visuals.

• Check heading hierarchy is logical (H1 → H2 → H3).

• Keep layout mobile-friendly with good text-to-background contrast.

6. UX Enhancements

• Suggest optional table of contents, anchor links, or sticky CTA sections if appropriate.

📌 Output Format

Return the optimised blog post in markdown with:

1. Reformatted paragraphs, lists, and tables.

2. Inline notes where visuals, diagrams, or videos should be inserted.

3. Quote boxes/tips styled in markdown (e.g., > Pro Tip:).

4. A final section titled “Recommended Alt Text” with a list of alt text for each suggested visual.

   
   
   
   

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Conversion Optimisation

Don’t just attract — convert.

Lead magnets

Offer checklists, templates, downloads.

Mid-post CTAs

Insert contextual calls-to-action, not just at the end.

End CTA

Strong, action-focused next step (e.g. book a call, shop a product).

Conversion clarity

• Reader should always know: “What’s my next step?”

Prompt Template (copy + paste for AI use):

You are enhancing a drafted blog post for conversion optimisation.⚠️ Do not change the meaning or tone of the content — instead, strategically add or suggest conversion-focused elements that guide readers to take action.

Apply the following best practices:

1. Lead Magnets

• Suggest 1–2 lead magnet opportunities (e.g., checklist, template, download, free trial, guide).

• Indicate where in the post they could be offered.(Example: After a section on SEO basics, insert a downloadable SEO checklist opt-in.)

2. Mid-Post CTAs

• Insert contextual call-to-action (CTA) boxes within the content (not just at the end).

• These should feel natural and tied to the section.(Example: After explaining social media strategy, add a CTA like: “👉 Need help planning content? Book a free consultation with Concept Fusion.”)

3. End CTA

• Write a strong, action-focused closing CTA that drives readers to the next step (book a call, view services, shop a product, sign up to a newsletter).

• Ensure it is clear, concise, and aligned with the blog’s goal.

4. Conversion Clarity

• Ensure all CTAs are:

  • Specific (what action will happen)

  • Benefit-driven (why they should do it)

  • Visually distinct (suggest button or box formatting in markdown).

📌 Output Format

Return the optimised blog post in markdown with:

1. Suggested lead magnet placements (inline notes like: (Lead Magnet Opportunity: Free Checklist Download)).

2. Mid-post CTA boxes using markdown blockquotes (> CTA:).

3. A rewritten final CTA section at the bottom.

4. A summary list of all CTAs added with their location.

   
   

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Promotion & Distribution

A blog post only works if people see it.

Social media snippets

3–5 tailored captions + graphic/reel ideas.

Email newsletter 

Teaser/summary + link back.

Repurpose content

Break into LinkedIn posts, carousels, infographics.

Outreach

Share with partners, collaborators, communities.

Backlink opportunities

Pitch guest posts or niche directories.

Prompt Template (copy + paste for AI use):

You are a digital marketing assistant helping me promote and distribute a blog post I’ve just written. Using the blog content provided, create a structured promotion plan with ready-to-use content snippets and outreach ideas.

Follow these steps:

1. Social Media Snippets

• Write 3–5 short captions tailored for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter.

• Each should include:

  • A hook (attention-grabber)

  • Relevant hashtags

  • A call-to-action (CTA)

• Suggest 1–2 simple graphic or reel ideas to pair with the captions.

2. Email Newsletter

• Write a teaser/summary (2–3 sentences) highlighting the blog’s value.

• Include a CTA button/link back to the blog.

• Suggest an email subject line optimised for opens.

3. Repurposing Content

• Suggest 2–3 ways to repurpose the blog into new formats, such as:

  • LinkedIn article

  • Instagram carousel/reel

  • Infographic

  • Slide deck for presentations

4. Outreach

• Provide a list of potential outreach angles (e.g., sharing with partners, collaborators, communities).

• Draft a short outreach email or DM template to share the blog with relevant contacts.

5. Backlink Opportunities

• Identify 3–5 potential backlink sources (guest blogs, niche directories, forums, or industry sites).

• Draft a short pitch for how to position the blog when asking for a backlink.

📌 Output Format

Deliver everything in clear, copy-paste-ready format with headings:

• Social Media Snippets (captions + graphic/reel ideas)

• Email Newsletter (subject line + teaser + CTA)

• Repurposing Ideas

• Outreach (angles + sample email/DM)

• Backlink Opportunities (sources + pitch draft)

Tone must remain professional, approachable, and aligned with [Business Name’s] brand voice.

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Post-Publish & Maintenance

Keep your content working long after it’s live.

Check analytics

Page views, time on page, bounce rate, conversions.

Performance benchmarks 

Compare to goals (e.g., 2–3 mins time on page, 1–3% conversion).

Update regularly

Refresh stats, examples, links.

Add new internal links

As new blogs go live.

Re-promote

Quarterly or seasonally, with fresh hooks.

Prompt Template (copy + paste for AI use):

You are a content maintenance assistant helping me keep a blog post relevant and performing well after it’s published. Using the blog content and analytics data provided, create a structured plan for monitoring, updating, and re-promoting the post.

Follow these steps:

1. Analytics Check

• Review page views, time on page, bounce rate, and conversions.

• Highlight:

  • What’s working (e.g., sections with high engagement).

  • What needs improvement (e.g., high exits or low clicks).

• Suggest at least 2 optimisation ideas based on the data.

2. Content Updates

• Scan for outdated stats, broken links, or missing recent examples.

• Recommend new data, quotes, or insights to keep the post fresh.

• Suggest SEO improvements (e.g., add FAQs, refresh keywords, expand thin sections).

3. Internal Linking

• Identify newer posts, services, or product pages that could be linked back to this blog.

• Suggest anchor text for each link to keep it natural and keyword-rich.

4. Re-Promotion

• Write 2–3 fresh social media snippets with different hooks from the original launch.

• Suggest an email update idea, e.g., “We’ve updated our guide with new insights.”

• Recommend a re-promotion schedule (quarterly, seasonally, or tied to industry events).

📌 Output Format

Return results as a clear checklist with sections:

• Analytics Review (insights + 2 optimisation ideas)

• Content Update Recommendations

• Internal Linking Suggestions (with anchor text)

• Re-Promotion Plan (social snippets + email + timing)

Tone must remain professional, approachable, and aligned with [Business Name’s] voice.

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A blog post isn’t just about filling your site with words — it’s about creating content that has a purpose: to attract, educate, and convert. By following this checklist, your team will have a roadmap to create blog posts that not only look professional but also perform in search results.

At Concept Fusion, we specialise in helping businesses do exactly this: from keyword research and content strategy to design, formatting, and promotion. Whether you need a pillar post to anchor your SEO or ongoing content support, our flexible retainer plans (starting from £300/month) give you expert blog content that keeps working long after it’s published.

Ready to take blog writing off your plate? Book your free consultation today and let’s plan your next high-performing post.

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