<!-- Context: content-creation/workflows | Priority: medium | Version: 1.0 | Updated: 2026-02-15 -->

# Audience Review

Process for reviewing content to ensure it resonates with your target audience and achieves its goals.

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## Pre-Publish Review Checklist

### Audience Alignment

- [ ] **Target audience clearly defined**
  - Who is this specifically for?
  - What's their experience level?
  - What's their current situation?

- [ ] **Addresses specific pain point**
  - What problem does this solve?
  - Why does this matter to them?
  - Is the pain point clearly stated?

- [ ] **Delivers promised value**
  - Does it fulfill the hook's promise?
  - Is the value clear and actionable?
  - Would the audience feel satisfied?

- [ ] **Appropriate depth and complexity**
  - Matches audience's knowledge level?
  - Not too basic or too advanced?
  - Explains necessary concepts?

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### Message Clarity

- [ ] **One clear main message**
  - What's the single key takeaway?
  - Is it stated clearly?
  - Is it reinforced throughout?

- [ ] **Logical flow and structure**
  - Does each section connect?
  - Are transitions smooth?
  - Is the progression clear?

- [ ] **No jargon without explanation**
  - Technical terms explained?
  - Acronyms spelled out?
  - Industry language appropriate?

- [ ] **Concrete examples included**
  - Abstract concepts illustrated?
  - Real-world applications shown?
  - Relatable scenarios used?

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### Tone and Voice

- [ ] **Consistent brand voice**
  - Matches established voice?
  - Appropriate formality level?
  - Personality comes through?

- [ ] **Appropriate emotional tone**
  - Matches audience's emotional state?
  - Empathetic to their situation?
  - Energy level appropriate?

- [ ] **Language matches audience**
  - Uses their terminology?
  - Avoids alienating language?
  - Culturally appropriate?

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### Value Proposition

- [ ] **Clear benefit stated upfront**
  - What will they gain?
  - Why should they care?
  - Is it compelling?

- [ ] **Actionable takeaways**
  - Can they apply this immediately?
  - Are steps clear and specific?
  - Is it practical, not just theoretical?

- [ ] **Unique angle or insight**
  - What makes this different?
  - What's the unique perspective?
  - Why consume this vs. alternatives?

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### Call-to-Action

- [ ] **Clear next step**
  - What should they do now?
  - Is it specific and actionable?
  - Is it easy to do?

- [ ] **Appropriate to content**
  - Matches the content topic?
  - Logical progression?
  - Not jarring or forced?

- [ ] **Single primary CTA**
  - One main action requested?
  - Not overwhelming with options?
  - Clear and prominent?

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## Readability and Accessibility

### Readability Checks

- [ ] **Scannable format**
  - Short paragraphs (1-3 sentences)?
  - Subheadings every 200-300 words?
  - Bullet points and lists used?
  - Bold text for emphasis?

- [ ] **Clear hierarchy**
  - Heading levels logical (H1, H2, H3)?
  - Visual hierarchy clear?
  - Important info stands out?

- [ ] **Appropriate length**
  - Long enough to deliver value?
  - Short enough to maintain attention?
  - No unnecessary fluff?

- [ ] **Active voice predominant**
  - 80%+ active voice?
  - Direct and engaging?
  - Not passive and boring?

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### Accessibility Checks

- [ ] **Alt text for images**
  - Descriptive alt text provided?
  - Conveys image meaning?
  - Accessible to screen readers?

- [ ] **Sufficient color contrast**
  - Text readable against background?
  - Not relying on color alone?
  - Accessible to colorblind users?

- [ ] **Captions for video/audio**
  - Subtitles or captions provided?
  - Accurate transcription?
  - Accessible to deaf/hard of hearing?

- [ ] **Mobile-friendly**
  - Readable on small screens?
  - Images sized appropriately?
  - No horizontal scrolling?

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## Quality Assurance

### Content Quality

- [ ] **Factually accurate**
  - Information verified?
  - Sources credible?
  - Data current?

- [ ] **Original content**
  - Not plagiarized?
  - Unique perspective?
  - Proper attribution if quoting?

- [ ] **Complete and comprehensive**
  - All promised points covered?
  - No major gaps?
  - Satisfies the topic?

- [ ] **Examples and proof**
  - Claims backed up?
  - Examples provided?
  - Data or case studies included?

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### Technical Quality

- [ ] **No spelling or grammar errors**
  - Proofread thoroughly?
  - Run through grammar checker?
  - Read aloud for flow?

- [ ] **Links work correctly**
  - All links tested?
  - Open in appropriate window?
  - Relevant and current?

- [ ] **Images optimized**
  - File size compressed?
  - Dimensions appropriate?
  - Quality maintained?

- [ ] **Formatting consistent**
  - Heading styles consistent?
  - List formatting uniform?
  - Spacing consistent?

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## Engagement Optimization

### Hook and Opening

- [ ] **Strong hook (first 3 seconds/50 words)**
  - Grabs attention immediately?
  - Creates curiosity or promises value?
  - Relevant to target audience?

- [ ] **Clear value proposition early**
  - What they'll get stated upfront?
  - Why they should continue?
  - Compelling reason to engage?

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### Throughout Content

- [ ] **Maintains interest**
  - Pacing appropriate?
  - Variety in content presentation?
  - No boring sections?

- [ ] **Visual breaks**
  - Images, graphics, or videos?
  - White space used well?
  - Not walls of text?

- [ ] **Engagement opportunities**
  - Questions posed?
  - Invites interaction?
  - Encourages comments/shares?

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### Closing

- [ ] **Strong conclusion**
  - Summarizes key points?
  - Reinforces main message?
  - Leaves lasting impression?

- [ ] **Clear CTA**
  - Next step obvious?
  - Easy to take action?
  - Compelling reason to act?

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## Platform-Specific Checks

### Blog/Article

- [ ] SEO optimized (title, meta, headings)
- [ ] Internal links to related content
- [ ] Featured image included
- [ ] Table of contents (if long-form)
- [ ] Social sharing buttons visible

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### Social Media

- [ ] Hook before "see more" cutoff
- [ ] Appropriate hashtags (3-5)
- [ ] Tagged relevant accounts
- [ ] Correct image dimensions
- [ ] Posting at optimal time

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### Video

- [ ] Compelling thumbnail
- [ ] Hook in first 3 seconds
- [ ] Captions/subtitles included
- [ ] End screen with CTA
- [ ] Optimized title and description

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### Email

- [ ] Subject line compelling (40-50 chars)
- [ ] Preview text optimized
- [ ] Mobile-friendly layout
- [ ] Unsubscribe link included
- [ ] Tested across email clients

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### Podcast

- [ ] Clean audio (no background noise)
- [ ] Show notes written
- [ ] Timestamps included
- [ ] Episode artwork uploaded
- [ ] Metadata complete

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## Audience Feedback Integration

### Before Publishing

**Beta readers**:
- Share with small group
- Get feedback on clarity
- Test assumptions
- Identify gaps

**A/B testing**:
- Test different hooks
- Try variations of CTA
- Experiment with formats
- Compare headlines

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### After Publishing

**Monitor engagement**:
- Comments and questions
- Share and save rates
- Time on page
- Drop-off points

**Gather feedback**:
- Ask for input
- Survey audience
- Read comments carefully
- Track common questions

**Iterate**:
- Update based on feedback
- Clarify confusing points
- Add missing information
- Improve weak sections

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## Review Process

### Self-Review (First Pass)

1. **Read through completely**
   - Don't edit yet, just read
   - Note overall impression
   - Identify major issues

2. **Check against checklist**
   - Go through each item
   - Mark what needs fixing
   - Prioritize changes

3. **Make revisions**
   - Address major issues first
   - Then minor improvements
   - Don't over-edit

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### Peer Review (Second Pass)

1. **Share with colleague or friend**
   - Someone in target audience ideal
   - Fresh eyes catch issues
   - Get honest feedback

2. **Ask specific questions**
   - "Is the main point clear?"
   - "Does the hook grab you?"
   - "Is anything confusing?"
   - "Would you share this?"

3. **Incorporate feedback**
   - Consider all feedback
   - Make judgment calls
   - Don't change everything

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### Final Review (Third Pass)

1. **Technical check**
   - Spelling and grammar
   - Links and images
   - Formatting
   - Platform requirements

2. **Read aloud**
   - Catches awkward phrasing
   - Tests flow and rhythm
   - Identifies run-on sentences

3. **Final approval**
   - Meets all checklist items?
   - Satisfied with quality?
   - Ready to publish?

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## Common Review Mistakes

### ❌ Skipping the Review
Publishing without checking.

### ✅ Systematic Review
Following checklist every time.

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### ❌ Only Self-Reviewing
Missing issues you're blind to.

### ✅ Getting Fresh Eyes
Peer review or beta readers.

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### ❌ Over-Editing
Losing voice and authenticity.

### ✅ Balanced Editing
Improve clarity without over-polishing.

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### ❌ Ignoring Audience Fit
Focusing only on technical quality.

### ✅ Audience-First Review
Ensuring it serves the audience.

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## Usage

Use this review process for:
- All content before publishing
- Updating existing content
- Quality assurance
- Team content reviews
- Client content approval

**Remember**: The review process ensures your content serves your audience effectively. It's not about perfection—it's about clarity, value, and resonance.
