Run the technical check first
Confirm a 200 response, usable mobile page, self-consistent canonical and indexable robots directive. Verify the destination, HTTPS and rel value in source.
Review editorial delivery
Check headline, brand spelling, images, author and date. Ensure the link is visible in context rather than hidden or routed through an unexpected redirect.
- Review current publisher evidence, not a single score.
- Align the article, audience and destination page.
- Confirm link and permanence terms before payment.
Monitor on a schedule
Recheck on day one, after a week and periodically thereafter. Keep delivery evidence and terms so removals or changes can be resolved quickly.