# Content Optimization Audit Checklist

## SEO Technical Analysis

### Keyword Optimization
- [ ] **Primary keyword identified** - Single focus keyword with search volume
- [ ] **Primary keyword in title** - Appears naturally in page title
- [ ] **Primary keyword in H1** - Used in main heading without stuffing
- [ ] **Primary keyword in first paragraph** - Mentioned within first 100 words
- [ ] **Primary keyword density** - 1-3% throughout content
- [ ] **Semantic keywords integrated** - Related terms used naturally
- [ ] **Long-tail variations included** - Multiple keyword variations covered
- [ ] **Keyword cannibalization avoided** - No competing internal pages

### Meta Tags and Structure
- [ ] **Title tag optimized** - 50-60 characters, compelling and keyword-rich
- [ ] **Meta description written** - 150-160 characters, includes CTA
- [ ] **H1 tag unique** - One H1 per page, different from title tag
- [ ] **Heading hierarchy logical** - H2, H3, H4 used in proper order
- [ ] **URL structure clean** - Short, descriptive, includes target keyword
- [ ] **Schema markup implemented** - Structured data for rich snippets
- [ ] **Canonical tags set** - Avoid duplicate content issues
- [ ] **Open Graph tags** - Social media sharing optimization

### Content Structure
- [ ] **Word count appropriate** - 1,500+ words for competitive topics
- [ ] **Content depth sufficient** - Comprehensive coverage of topic
- [ ] **Subheadings frequent** - Every 300-400 words maximum
- [ ] **Bullet points used** - Break up dense text blocks
- [ ] **Internal links included** - 3-5 relevant internal links
- [ ] **External links added** - 1-2 authoritative external sources
- [ ] **Table of contents** - For long-form content (1,500+ words)
- [ ] **FAQ section included** - Addresses common user questions

## Readability and User Experience

### Readability Metrics
- [ ] **Flesch Reading Ease** - Score of 60+ (standard to easy)
- [ ] **Grade level appropriate** - 8th grade or below for general audience
- [ ] **Average sentence length** - 15-20 words maximum
- [ ] **Paragraph length optimal** - 3-4 sentences maximum
- [ ] **Transition words used** - Smooth flow between ideas
- [ ] **Active voice preferred** - 80%+ active voice usage
- [ ] **Simple vocabulary** - Avoid jargon unless necessary
- [ ] **Personal pronouns** - Use "you" to engage readers

### Visual Hierarchy
- [ ] **Scannable format** - Easy to skim and find information
- [ ] **Whitespace utilized** - Adequate spacing between elements
- [ ] **Font choice readable** - Clean, web-safe fonts
- [ ] **Font size appropriate** - 16px minimum for body text
- [ ] **Line height optimal** - 1.5-1.6 for body text
- [ ] **Contrast sufficient** - WCAG AA compliance (4.5:1 ratio)
- [ ] **Mobile responsive** - Readable on all device sizes
- [ ] **Loading speed fast** - Under 3 seconds load time

### Engagement Elements
- [ ] **Introduction compelling** - Hook within first 2 sentences
- [ ] **Value proposition clear** - What reader will gain
- [ ] **Story elements included** - Narrative structure where appropriate
- [ ] **Examples provided** - Concrete illustrations of concepts
- [ ] **Data and statistics** - Credible numbers to support claims
- [ ] **Images optimized** - Relevant, high-quality, fast-loading
- [ ] **Alt text written** - Descriptive alt tags for all images
- [ ] **Video content considered** - Multimedia for complex topics

## Conversion Optimization

### Call-to-Action (CTA) Elements
- [ ] **Primary CTA above fold** - Visible without scrolling
- [ ] **CTA text action-oriented** - Strong verbs (Download, Start, Get)
- [ ] **Value proposition in CTA** - What user receives
- [ ] **CTA color contrasts** - Stands out from background
- [ ] **Multiple CTAs strategically placed** - Throughout content
- [ ] **CTA relevance maintained** - Matches content topic
- [ ] **Urgency or scarcity included** - When appropriate and honest
- [ ] **CTA button size adequate** - Easy to click on mobile

### Trust and Credibility
- [ ] **Author bio included** - Establishes expertise and authority
- [ ] **Publication date visible** - Shows content freshness
- [ ] **Last updated date** - Indicates content maintenance
- [ ] **Sources cited** - Links to authoritative references
- [ ] **Social proof added** - Testimonials, reviews, or case studies
- [ ] **Contact information accessible** - Easy to find company details
- [ ] **Privacy policy linked** - Builds trust for data collection
- [ ] **Security badges displayed** - For e-commerce or lead gen

### Persuasion Framework
- [ ] **Problem identification** - Clearly states user pain point
- [ ] **Solution presentation** - Offers clear resolution
- [ ] **Benefits over features** - Focuses on user value
- [ ] **Objection handling** - Addresses common concerns
- [ ] **Social proof integration** - Customer success stories
- [ ] **Risk reversal offered** - Guarantees or free trials
- [ ] **Scarcity or urgency** - Limited time or quantity (when true)
- [ ] **Clear next steps** - Obvious path forward for user

## Platform-Specific Optimization

### Blog Post Checklist
- [ ] **Category assigned** - Proper blog categorization
- [ ] **Tags added** - Relevant topic tags (5-10 maximum)
- [ ] **Featured image set** - Eye-catching, relevant thumbnail
- [ ] **Social sharing buttons** - Easy sharing options
- [ ] **Related posts suggested** - Keep readers engaged
- [ ] **Comment section enabled** - Encourage engagement
- [ ] **Email capture included** - Newsletter signup opportunity
- [ ] **Print-friendly format** - Clean printing layout

### Landing Page Checklist
- [ ] **Single focused goal** - One primary conversion objective
- [ ] **Navigation simplified** - Minimal distractions
- [ ] **Headline benefit-focused** - Clear value proposition
- [ ] **Subheadline supporting** - Elaborates on main benefit
- [ ] **Hero image relevant** - Supports main message
- [ ] **Form fields minimal** - Only essential information
- [ ] **Progressive disclosure** - Complex forms broken into steps
- [ ] **Thank you page optimized** - Next steps after conversion

### E-commerce Product Pages
- [ ] **Product title descriptive** - Includes key features/benefits
- [ ] **High-quality images** - Multiple angles, zoom functionality
- [ ] **Detailed description** - Comprehensive product information
- [ ] **Specifications listed** - Technical details in scannable format
- [ ] **Customer reviews displayed** - Social proof and ratings
- [ ] **Related products shown** - Cross-selling opportunities
- [ ] **Stock status clear** - Availability information
- [ ] **Shipping information** - Costs and delivery times

## Content Performance Metrics

### SEO Metrics to Track
- [ ] **Organic search rankings** - Position for target keywords
- [ ] **Organic traffic volume** - Sessions from search engines
- [ ] **Click-through rate** - From search results to page
- [ ] **Bounce rate** - Percentage leaving immediately
- [ ] **Time on page** - Average engagement duration
- [ ] **Pages per session** - Content stickiness measure
- [ ] **Internal link clicks** - Related content engagement
- [ ] **Featured snippet capture** - Position zero achievements

### Engagement Metrics
- [ ] **Social shares** - Content virality indicator
- [ ] **Comments and interactions** - Community engagement
- [ ] **Email signups** - Lead generation effectiveness
- [ ] **Download rates** - Content offer performance
- [ ] **Video watch time** - Multimedia engagement
- [ ] **Return visitor rate** - Content quality indicator
- [ ] **Mobile vs desktop usage** - Device preference insights
- [ ] **Geographic performance** - Regional content effectiveness

### Conversion Metrics
- [ ] **Conversion rate** - Primary goal completion percentage
- [ ] **Lead quality score** - Sales-qualified lead percentage
- [ ] **Customer acquisition cost** - Cost per converted customer
- [ ] **Lifetime value** - Long-term customer worth
- [ ] **Attribution analysis** - Content's role in conversion path
- [ ] **A/B test results** - Variation performance comparison
- [ ] **Heat map analysis** - User behavior patterns
- [ ] **Form abandonment rate** - Conversion friction points

## Ongoing Optimization

### Regular Maintenance Tasks
- [ ] **Content freshness updates** - Quarterly content reviews
- [ ] **Broken link checks** - Monthly link validation
- [ ] **Image optimization** - Compress and update images
- [ ] **Speed optimization** - Regular performance audits
- [ ] **Mobile experience testing** - Cross-device functionality
- [ ] **Security updates** - SSL certificates and plugins
- [ ] **Backup verification** - Ensure data protection
- [ ] **Analytics review** - Monthly performance analysis

### Content Strategy Evolution
- [ ] **Competitor analysis** - Quarterly competitive research
- [ ] **Keyword research updates** - New opportunity identification
- [ ] **User feedback integration** - Comments and survey insights
- [ ] **Seasonal content planning** - Holiday and event alignment
- [ ] **Content gap analysis** - Missing topic identification
- [ ] **Format experimentation** - Video, podcasts, interactive content
- [ ] **Distribution channel testing** - Social platforms and partnerships
- [ ] **Content repurposing** - Maximize existing content value