LinkedIn pre-publish checklist for posts that need to convert
Twelve checks—reader, promise, proof, stakes, CTA, risk, jargon, fold, format, limits, timing, read-aloud—for posts aimed at DMs or calls, not vanity.
A post that converts is rarely the loudest one.
It is the clearest about who it is for and what happens next.
The checklist
1) One reader
Can you name them in one short phrase?
“Everyone” means no one.
2) One promise
What will they understand or be able to do after reading?
Three promises means three posts.
3) Proof that matches the claim
If you claim results, show how you measured—or soften the claim.
“Here is what we tried” often converts better than “we are the best” when nobody knows your logo yet.
4) Obvious stakes
Why care this week, not someday?
5) CTA that respects attention
Pick one primary move:
- a question that filters replies
- one link with context
- a DM keyword only if you will answer fast
6) Comment risk scan
Are you accidentally insulting a group, dunking on a person, or starting a fight you cannot maintain?
7) Jargon audit
Cut insider terms unless your reader lives in that dialect daily.
8) First two lines
If the fold is weak, the rest barely matters.
“Book a call” after a post that never earned trust reads desperate, not confident.
9) Readability
Short paragraphs. One idea per paragraph. No phone-wall.
10) Honest limitation
One line on when the advice does not apply. Trust goes up.
11) Schedule sanity
Unclear copy hurts more than an imperfect posting hour.
12) Read aloud
If you trip over a sentence, rewrite it.
When you want a second reviewer
Checklists catch what you meant to check.
A second read catches blind spots.
PostMentor gives structured feedback you can apply in pieces without rewriting your whole voice.
Use the demo as the last pass before posts that need to drive real conversations.
Try PostMentor with your next draft
Paste your rough idea and get practical feedback on hook strength, readability, and flow while keeping your voice intact.