Content Self-Review Checklist
This checklist helps content owners conduct a thorough self-review of their documentation before submitting it for formal review. Completing this checklist will help identify and address common issues early in the process, making the formal review more efficient.
Document Information
Document Title: ________________________________________________
Document URL/Path: ____________________________________________
Target Audience: ☐ Agent ☐ Team ☐ Brokerage ☐ All Levels
Business Area: ☐ Operations ☐ Sales ☐ Systems & Processes ☐ Training
Content Type: ☐ Article ☐ Guide ☐ Reference ☐ Tutorial
Content Structure and Organization
- The document has a clear and descriptive title
- The introduction clearly states the purpose and scope of the document
- Content is organized in a logical, hierarchical structure
- Headings and subheadings accurately reflect the content they introduce
- Each section transitions smoothly to the next
- The document includes a conclusion or summary where appropriate
- No section is excessively long (aim for readable chunks)
- The structure aligns with similar documents in the same business area
Metadata and Frontmatter
- All required frontmatter fields are present (title, description)
- Description is between 50-160 characters and summarizes the content
- All common fields are included where applicable (sidebar_position, tags, businessArea, contentLevel, lastUpdated)
- Tags are relevant and follow established conventions
- BusinessArea is correctly specified
- ContentLevel is appropriate for the document type
- LastUpdated reflects the current revision date
- RelatedPages references are accurate and relevant
- Any specialized fields appropriate to the content type are included
Writing Quality and Readability
- Content uses clear, concise language appropriate for the target audience
- Sentences are of reasonable length (aim for 20-25 words max)
- Paragraphs are focused on a single idea (aim for 3-5 sentences)
- Technical terminology is explained or linked to definitions
- Industry jargon is minimized or explained
- Content uses active voice predominately
- Tone is professional and consistent
- Spelling and grammar are correct
- Content has been checked for readability (aim for grade level 7-9)
Real Estate Specific Elements
- Real estate terminology is used correctly and consistently
- Role descriptions (agent, broker, team leader) are accurate
- Transaction processes reflect current industry practices
- Legal and regulatory information is accurate and up-to-date
- Financial concepts and calculations are accurate
- Property terminology is used consistently
- Content addresses variations in practice where relevant (e.g., regional differences)
Technical Accuracy
- All factual information has been verified
- Processes and procedures have been tested/validated
- Screenshots and images accurately reflect current interfaces
- System references match current versions and functionality
- URLs and links have been tested and work correctly
- Technical specifications are accurate and complete
- Examples and code snippets (if any) work as described
Completeness
- All aspects of the topic are adequately covered
- Common questions or issues are addressed
- Edge cases or exceptions are noted where relevant
- Prerequisites or dependencies are clearly stated
- Next steps or related processes are referenced
- No obvious information gaps exist
Visual Elements and Formatting
- Text formatting (bold, italic, etc.) is used consistently and appropriately
- Lists are used for sequential steps or related items
- Tables are used where appropriate to organize information
- Images and diagrams enhance understanding of the content
- Code blocks are properly formatted and syntax-highlighted
- Callouts and admonitions are used appropriately for important information
- White space is used effectively for readability
- All images have descriptive alt text for accessibility
Compliance and Legal Considerations
- Content complies with fair housing regulations
- Financial advice includes appropriate disclaimers
- Legal references include appropriate qualifications (e.g., "consult an attorney")
- Required disclosures are included where applicable
- Content respects copyright and intellectual property rights
- Privacy considerations are addressed where relevant
- Content is accessible and follows accessibility best practices
Cross-References and Resources
- Related documents are cross-referenced appropriately
- Links to related content use consistent formatting
- External resources are properly attributed
- Downloadable resources are referenced and linked
- References to related tools or systems are included
- "Next steps" or related processes are linked
Business Level Appropriateness
- Content is appropriate for the specified target audience level(s)
- For agent-level content: focuses on individual implementation
- For team-level content: addresses team dynamics and roles
- For brokerage-level content: considers enterprise-scale concerns
- Multi-level content clearly distinguishes guidance by level
Content Uniqueness
- Content doesn't significantly duplicate existing documentation
- Document adds unique value to the documentation ecosystem
- Overlaps with other content are intentional and add value
- Content is positioned appropriately within the broader topic area
Actionability
- Content enables readers to take appropriate action
- Instructions are clear and specific
- Success criteria or expected outcomes are defined
- Common obstacles or challenges are addressed
- Resources needed for implementation are identified
Final Checks
- I have reviewed the entire document from start to finish
- I have addressed all items in this checklist
- The document meets all applicable quality standards
- I've had a colleague informally review the content (recommended)
- I've tested any procedures or steps described to ensure they work
- Areas requiring subject matter expert input are identified
- Areas requiring compliance review are identified
Notes for Reviewers
Use this space to note any specific areas where you would like reviewers to focus their attention or any known issues that still need to be addressed:
Self-Review Completion
Content Owner: ________________________________
Self-Review Date: ____________________________
Estimated Readability Score: __________________
Areas Identified for Expert Review: ___________________________________________
Areas Identified for Compliance Review: ______________________________________
This self-review checklist is part of the RallyPoynt OS Document Review Framework. For more information on the review process, see the Document Review Framework.