| name | seo-aeo-content-cluster |
| description | ALWAYS use this when the request matches SEO AEO Content Cluster: Builds a topical authority map with a pillar page, prioritised cluster articles, content types, internal link map, and content gap analysis. |
SEO-AEO Content Cluster
Selective Reading Rule
Start with:
references/senior-master-standard.mdreferences/usage-routing.mdreferences/quality-checklist.md
Then load only the inherited docs, scripts, assets, or examples that match the user's actual task.
Overview
Maps out a complete topical authority structure around a pillar keyword. Produces a pillar page definition, 8–15 cluster articles sorted into Priority 1/2/3 tiers, a content type for each, an internal link map, and a content gap analysis identifying AEO opportunities competitors are missing.
Part of the SEO-AEO Engine.
When to Use This Skill
- Use when building topical authority around a new subject
- Use when you need to know what to write next to support a pillar page
- Use when planning a content calendar for a niche
- Use when you want to identify AEO content gaps competitors are missing
How It Works
Step 1: Define the Pillar Page
Set the primary keyword, target audience, and word count target (2500–4000 words) for the pillar page that anchors the cluster.
Step 2: Generate Cluster Articles
Produce 8–15 subtopics sorted into three priority tiers:
- Priority 1 — High volume, clear intent. Write these first.
- Priority 2 — Medium volume, long-tail focus. Write second.
- Priority 3 — Low volume, high conversion intent. Write last.
Assign each article a unique keyword, content type, search intent, and link map.
Step 3: Build Internal Link Map
Every cluster article must link back to the pillar page. No orphan articles. Show the full tree of relationships.
Step 4: Run Content Gap Analysis
Identify angles that competitors likely miss — especially question-based AEO opportunities that AI engines commonly surface.
Examples
Example: Automated Budgeting Cluster
Pillar: The Complete Guide to Automated Budgeting
Priority 1:
How to Build a Budget That Actually Works | how-to guide
Best Budgeting Apps Compared | comparison
What Is Zero-Based Budgeting? | explainer ← AEO priority
Priority 2:
4. How to Automate Your Savings in 3 Steps | how-to guide
5. Budgeting for Millennials: What Nobody Tells You | opinion
Link Map:
Pillar ← Article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Article 1 ↔ Article 4
Article 2 → Article 3
AEO Priority:
★ Article 3 — "What Is" format has highest AI extraction probability
★ Article 2 — comparison table will be lifted for product queries
Best Practices
- ✅ Do: Assign every cluster article a unique target keyword — no overlap
- ✅ Do: Include at least one FAQ page and one comparison article in every cluster
- ✅ Do: Flag the 2 highest AEO-opportunity articles for priority writing
- ❌ Don't: Let any article become an orphan — every article links to at least one other
- ❌ Don't: Target the same keyword on both the pillar and a cluster article
Common Pitfalls
-
Problem: Cluster articles all target similar keywords and cannibalise each other
Solution: Run a uniqueness check — every article needs a distinct keyword with no semantic overlap.
-
Problem: No AEO content in the cluster
Solution: At least 2 articles must be structured as direct-answer pages (FAQ or "What Is" explainer).
Related Skills
@seo-aeo-keyword-research — provides the keyword foundation for the cluster@seo-aeo-blog-writer — writes the Priority 1 cluster articles@seo-aeo-internal-linking — builds the detailed link map from cluster output
Additional Resources
Limitations
- Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
- Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
- Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.
