Fact‑Check SOP — verify stats, names, quotes, links, spellings, and dates; keep a source log
Use this friendly, repeatable system to make sure everything in your post is true and traceable. You will check stats, names, quotes, links, spellings, and dates, and you will keep a simple source log so anyone can see where your facts came from. Graphics sit below each heading to guide your eyes before you read.
Table of Contents
Why fact‑checking matters
You fact‑check to protect your reader and your name. A true line is useful; a wrong line spreads fast and hurts trust. With this SOP, you follow a calm order, keep a short record of sources, and publish with confidence.
Quickstart: check a post in 30 minutes
- Prep & log: Open a copy of the post. Create the source log table (use our template below).
- Stats: Confirm the number, year, and original source. Replace weak “listicle blogs” with primary sources.
- Names: Check spelling, job titles, company names, and capitalization.
- Quotes: Confirm exact words and permission. Keep quote punctuation as in the source.
- Links: Test each link, remove trackers, and confirm it points to the right page.
- Spellings & dates: Decide US/UK spelling once. Confirm dates with local time zones when relevant.
The SOP in 10 Steps (Detailed & Simple)
Step 1 — Duplicate your draft and turn on “Suggest” or “Track Changes”
Work in a copy to keep your original safe. Use suggestion mode so editors can see every fix. Rename the copy so the purpose is clear.
Step 2 — Create a source log table
Make a table with these columns: Line/ID, Claim, Source (URL), Source date or “Accessed on,” Status (OK / Fix / Replace), and Notes. Paste each checked item into a new row.
Step 3 — Check stats first
Find the original report or dataset, not a repost. Match the exact number and the year. If the number is old, say the year in the line or replace it with a newer source from the same origin if available.
Step 4 — Check names and titles
Use the person’s own site or LinkedIn for spelling. Check if their title is current. For companies, match the official casing (e.g., “YouTube,” not “Youtube”).
Step 5 — Check quotes
Match the quote word for word. Record where you found it (interview, article, report, video). If you interviewed the person, keep the recording or transcript. If the quote is long, check usage rights and context.
Step 6 — Check links
Open every link. It must go to the right page and load. If the link has tracking parameters (like ?utm=), remove them. Link to the report page, not a copy of the PDF on a random site if possible.
Step 7 — Check spellings and style
Decide once: US (color) or UK (colour). Match that choice everywhere. Check product and feature names exactly (e.g., “Google Search Console,” not “Google Search console”).
Step 8 — Check dates and time zones
Write full dates (e.g., 31 October 2025). If the event relates to a place, consider that place’s time zone. When citing older numbers, always show the year so the reader understands freshness.
Step 9 — Resolve conflicts and record decisions
If two sources disagree, check how they measured the thing. Prefer the original measurement (primary). Write a short note in your log explaining the choice you made.
Step 10 — Export the source log and attach it to your draft
Download your log as CSV or keep it as a table in the doc. Put a small link near the top so editors can open it fast.
Check Stats — how to do it
When a line has a number, copy the exact number and metric from the original report. Check the year, country, and sample size. If the number is rounded on a blog, use the original precise number or state it as “about X” if the source does that.
Check Names — how to do it
Prefer the person’s official bio or the company’s press page. If someone changed roles, say “as of [month year]” or avoid the title if not needed. Keep diacritics (e.g., “Nadía”) as shown in the source.
Check Quotes — how to do it
Do not “clean up” words unless you use brackets […] and say you did so. Keep punctuation as said. Add who said it and where. If you translated the quote, say that.
Check Links — how to do it
Remove “utm” parts and long redirect chains. If a page is unstable, add a note with an archive link (e.g., “Archived on …”). Use anchor text that tells the reader what they will see on the page.
Check Spellings — how to do it
Many words have two correct versions. Choose one and stay with it. If the publication has a style guide, follow it. For product names, copy the exact casing from the official site.
Check Dates — how to do it
Write dates in a way that is clear for all readers. If information changes often (like job titles or prices), add “as of [full date]”.
Keep a Source Log (template)
| Line/ID | Claim | Source (URL) | Source Date / Accessed | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H2‑2, para 3 | “40% of readers skim posts” | https://…/original‑report | 2024‑09‑15 | OK | Primary report page |
| H3‑1 bullet 2 | “Quote by A. Patel” | https://…/interview | Accessed 2025‑10‑31 | Fix | Missing words; replaced with exact line |
CSV starter (copy to your sheet/app): Line ID,Claim,Source URL,Source Date/Accessed,Status,Notes "H2-2, para 3","40% of readers skim posts","https://.../original-report","2024-09-15","OK","Primary report" "H3-1 bullet 2","Quote by A. Patel","https://.../interview","Accessed 2025-10-31","Fix","Adjusted wording to match source"
Templates you can use today
Template A — Short email to confirm a quote
Subject: Quick quote check for your approval Hi [Name], I’m finalizing a post and included your line below. Can you confirm this is accurate? “[Exact quote here]” If you’d like a tiny tweak for clarity (not meaning), let me know. Thanks, [Your name]
Template B — Replace weak blog source with a primary source
Instead of linking: random-blog.com/“100-stats” Link to: the original report page (e.g., organization.gov/report-2025) Add note: “Data from [Agency], 2025 report (Table 3).”
Template C — Link hygiene (quick rules)
• Remove ?utm= and tracking bits • Prefer HTTPS over HTTP • Point to report/article page (not a file dump) • Add “Archived on [date]” if the page often changes
Demo Before/After
Original: “Around 50% readers skim, says a popular blog; source: random site.”
After fact‑check: “About 43% of readers skim posts, according to [Agency]’s 2024 report (Table 3).” (Link points to the report page. Year shown.)
FAQ
How many sources do I need?
For each important claim, keep at least one reliable source. For big or sensitive claims, keep two.
What is a primary source?
The original report, dataset, official page, or the person who said the words. A news article about a report is secondary; the report itself is primary.
Do I need special tools?
No. Your browser, a notes app or spreadsheet for the log, and careful reading are enough. If your publisher uses a specific tool, follow their steps too.