<!-- SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT -->
<!-- SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2025-2026 Marcus Quinn -->

# Pre-Publish Checklist

Run the six-point gate first. If any answer is "no," fix that before polishing the page.

## Six-Point Gate

1. **Clear?** Value understood in 5 seconds
2. **Specific?** Concrete numbers, timeframes, or results present
3. **Believable?** Promise feels plausible, not too good to be true
4. **Proof?** Evidence supports the claim
5. **Risk reversal?** Guarantee clearly reduces fear of the wrong decision
6. **One action?** Reader knows the next step immediately

## Core Review

| Area | Checklist |
|------|-----------|
| **Research** | Specific audience defined with top 3 pain points · Know what they've tried that didn't work · Desired outcome clear · Objections identified and addressed · Awareness level determined · Proof points ready (testimonials, stats, case studies) |
| **Headline** | Promises a clear, specific benefit (numbers, outcomes, timeframes) · Speaks to target audience · Creates curiosity or urgency · Passes the "would I click this?" test · At least 10 variations written · Subheadline supports headline (doesn't repeat it) |
| **Opening/Lead** | First sentence hooks the reader · Connects to current pain or desire · Acknowledges what they've tried before · Reader sees themselves in the opening · Transition to solution feels natural |
| **Body Copy** | Benefits outnumber features (3:1 minimum) · Each feature tied to an outcome · Second person (you/your), active voice · Short sentences (<20 words) and paragraphs (2-3 sentences) · No jargon; skimmable with subheads, bullets, and bold |
| **Social Proof** | Testimonials show specific results, named people, and photos where possible · Testimonials address objections · Case studies show before/after transformation · Third-party validation included (G2, press, certifications) · Proof placed strategically throughout copy |
| **Offer** | Core offer clearly defined · Value established before price revealed · Value stack reaches 5-10x price · Bonuses relevant with specific deliverables · Price justified with anchoring or comparison · Payment options reduce friction (plans for $200+ offers) |

## Conversion Safeguards

| Area | Checklist |
|------|-----------|
| **Guarantee** | Strong, clear, prominently displayed · Terms reasonable and fair · Addresses fear of wrong decision |
| **Urgency/Scarcity** | Real and legitimate (not manufactured) · Deadline or scarcity clearly stated · Consequences of waiting spelled out |
| **Call to Action** | One clear action (no competing CTAs) · Button text action-oriented and visually distinct · Appears multiple times on long pages · Friction minimized and next step obvious |
| **Technical** | Mobile-optimized (60%+ traffic is mobile) · Load time under 3 seconds · All links work and form submits correctly · Tracking set up (pixels, analytics) · Checkout process smooth |
| **Final Read** | Read aloud (catches awkward phrasing) · Spelling, grammar, and tone consistent · Redundant words removed · Would you buy based on this page? · Fresh eyes review it |
