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Blog Post Creation Checklist

Transform ideas from intent to real-world impact. Every post should bridge knowing and doing.

Pre-Writing Assessment​

1. Core Value Check​

  • Clear Transformation Path: Does this show how an idea becomes reality?
  • Unique Insight: Is this counter-intuitive or surprising?
  • Actionable Outcome: Can readers DO something after reading?
  • Target Score: Will this achieve 7/10 or higher on our quality matrix?

2. Audience Intent​

  • Problem Identified: What specific pain does this solve?
  • Reader Journey: From confusion � clarity � capability
  • Success Metric: How will readers measure their progress?

The 8-Point Quality Matrix​

Rate each element 1-10 before publishing:

CriterionTargetCheck
CLARITY8+Main idea understood in less than 30 seconds
NOVELTY7+Fresh insight, not recycled wisdom
ACTIONABILITY8+Clear next steps provided
EVIDENCE7+3+ examples, data points, or cases
FLOW8+Logical progression without jumps
HOOK8+First 20 words grab attention
PAYOFF8+Delivers on opening promise
GRAHAM-STYLE7+Short sentences, direct claims

Minimum Score: 56/80 (Average 7/10)

Structure Template​

Opening (The Hook)​

  • First sentence makes a bold claim
  • Counter-intuitive observation
  • Promise clear value in under 20 words

Example: "Everyone talks about knowledge. Almost no one talks about capability."

The Problem (Why Now?)​

  • Current state pain point
  • Why existing solutions fail
  • Cost of inaction

The Insight (The Aha!)​

  • Core framework or formula
  • Visual model if applicable
  • Memorable simplification

Example: "Agency = Knowledge � Understanding � Capability � Intention � Execution"

The Evidence (Proof It Works)​

  • 3+ concrete examples
  • Data or research if available
  • Personal experience or case study

The Path (How To)​

  • Step-by-step progression
  • Tools or resources needed
  • Common pitfalls to avoid

The Payoff (What's Possible)​

  • Clear transformation outcome
  • Success metrics
  • Next action step

Graham-Style Writing Rules​

Sentence Level​

  • Average under 15 words per sentence
  • Active voice throughout
  • Specific over abstract
  • One idea per paragraph

Paragraph Level​

  • Maximum 4 sentences
  • One clear point
  • Transitions between ideas

Word Choice​

  • Simple over complex
  • Concrete over conceptual
  • Present tense when possible

Content Requirements​

Minimum Elements​

  • One clear framework or model
  • Three concrete examples
  • One counter-intuitive insight
  • Five actionable takeaways
  • One memorable formula or principle

Enhanced Features (Choose 2+)​

  • Interactive component (IdeaValue, IdeaMetrics, etc.)
  • Thought experiment
  • Visual diagram
  • Code example
  • Video embed
  • Data visualization

The Dreamineering Lens​

Every post should connect to at least 2 of these themes:

  • Intent � Execution: How wishes become reality
  • Knowledge � Capability: Bridging theory and practice
  • Individual � Network: Personal to collective value
  • Present � Future: Current state to transformation
  • Problem � Solution: Pain to progress
  • Closed � Open: Scarcity to abundance

Pre-Publish Checklist​

Technical​

  • Slug matches content focus
  • Tags defined in tags.yml
  • Meta description under 160 chars
  • All links verified
  • Images optimized
  • Mobile responsive

Quality Gates​

  • Quality Matrix Score 56/80 or higher
  • Read time 3-7 minutes
  • Flesch Reading Ease above 60
  • No passive voice in key points
  • Title promises specific value

Final Tests​

  • The Stranger Test: Would someone with no context understand?
  • The Action Test: Can reader do something immediately?
  • The Share Test: Would you send this to a friend?
  • The Memory Test: What will readers remember tomorrow?

Post-Publish Metrics​

Track within 30 days:

  • Read completion above 70%
  • Share rate above 5%
  • Component interaction above 30%
  • Comments/feedback quality
  • Implementation stories

Common Failures to Avoid​

Content Sins​

L Theory without application L Generic advice without unique angle L Multiple ideas without clear thread L Promise without payoff L Complexity without necessity

Structure Sins​

L Buried lede (main point too late) L No clear progression L Too many tangents L Weak or missing conclusion L No actionable next steps

Style Sins​

L Academic or corporate tone L Passive voice throughout L Jargon without explanation L Long, complex sentences L Abstract without concrete

The One-Page Test​

Before writing, answer in one sentence each:

  1. The Problem: What specific pain am I solving?
  2. The Insight: What's my counter-intuitive take?
  3. The Framework: What's my memorable model?
  4. The Evidence: What proves this works?
  5. The Transformation: How is the reader different after?
  6. The Action: What should they do first?

If you can't answer all six clearly, don't write yet.

Templates for Common Post Types​

The Framework Post​

  1. Problem everyone faces
  2. Why current solutions fail
  3. New framework introduction
  4. How it works (with examples)
  5. Implementation guide
  6. Success metrics

The Counter-Intuitive Post​

  1. Common belief statement
  2. Why it seems true
  3. The hidden flaw
  4. The opposite truth
  5. Evidence for the opposite
  6. New mental model

The How-To Post​

  1. Desired outcome
  2. Why it's hard
  3. The breakthrough method
  4. Step-by-step process
  5. Common mistakes
  6. First action to take

The Synthesis Post​

  1. Two unrelated concepts
  2. Hidden connection
  3. New possibility created
  4. Real-world application
  5. Implementation path
  6. Future implications

Remember​

Every idea wants to become real. Your post is the bridge.

The best posts don't just informthey transform. They don't just explainthey enable. They don't just describethey deliver.

Write posts that make readers say: "I never thought of it that way, and now I can't unsee it."

Use this checklist for every post. Score below 7/10? Don't publishimprove until exceptional.