A X pre-publish checklist
Ten things to check in the thirty seconds before you post to X.
X moves fast and rewards posts that say one sharp thing clearly. Run through this before you post.
- Is there exactly one point? A post trying to make three arguments makes none of them well. Cut to the strongest one.
- Does it work with the image or link stripped out? X often shows text-only in some feeds and clients — the text should stand alone.
- Did you check the character count against the real limit, not the old one you remember? X's limits have changed over time; verify before assuming.
- Is the first sentence the whole idea, not a wind-up? People decide to keep reading or scroll in under a second.
- Are you starting a thread when one post would do? Threads that didn't need to be threads read as padding.
- Would you defend this if it got quote-tweeted by someone hostile? X's quote culture is aggressive — know what you're signing up for before you post.
- Did you drop unnecessary hashtags? One relevant hashtag at most; more reads as spam on X specifically.
- Is the link going to unfurl cleanly? Test it if you're not sure — a broken card undercuts an otherwise strong post.
- Are you tagging anyone who actually needs to see it? A tag pulls someone into a conversation; don't do it just for reach.
- Would this post embarrass you in a screenshot six months from now? X posts get archived and resurfaced more than most platforms. Quick gut check before it's permanent.
Thirty seconds, ten checks, and the post that goes out is the sharp one you meant to write.