| name | seo-content |
| description | Creates search-optimized articles that rank well and read naturally for humans. This skill should be used when writing blog posts, pillar content, guides, or any content where organic search traffic is a goal - balancing search engine requirements with genuine reader value. |
SEO Content
This skill creates content that ranks on Google while actually being worth reading - not keyword-stuffed garbage that tricks algorithms but bores humans.
Objective
Write content that satisfies search intent, demonstrates expertise, and earns rankings through genuine value - not manipulation.
Intake Questions
Before writing SEO content, gather context:
- Target keyword: What primary search term are you targeting?
- Search intent: What does the searcher actually want? (Information, comparison, solution, purchase)
- Current top results: What are the top 5 articles ranking? What do they cover?
- Audience knowledge level: Beginner, intermediate, or expert?
- Unique angle: What can you add that doesn't exist in current results?
- Internal links: What related content exists to link to?
- CTA goal: What should readers do after reading? (Subscribe, buy, read more)
Search Intent Matching
Match content format to what searchers actually want:
Informational Intent
Signals: "how to," "what is," "why does," "guide"
Content type: Tutorials, explanations, comprehensive guides
Example: "how to start a podcast" → Step-by-step guide
Navigational Intent
Signals: Brand names, specific product searches
Content type: Product pages, brand pages, comparisons
Example: "Mailchimp pricing" → Pricing page or pricing comparison
Commercial Investigation
Signals: "best," "vs," "review," "top," comparisons
Content type: Comparison posts, reviews, roundups
Example: "best email marketing software" → Comparison article
Transactional Intent
Signals: "buy," "discount," "deal," specific product + purchase words
Content type: Product pages, sales pages
Example: "buy MacBook Pro" → Product/sales page
Content Structure
Title Tag Optimization
- Include primary keyword near the beginning
- Keep under 60 characters
- Add a hook or benefit
- Make it click-worthy (but not clickbait)
Formula: [Primary Keyword]: [Hook/Benefit] ([Year] if relevant)
Example: "Content Marketing Strategy: The Complete Guide for 2024"
Meta Description
- 150-160 characters
- Include primary keyword naturally
- Summarize value proposition
- Include a subtle CTA
Example: "Learn how to build a content marketing strategy that drives traffic and leads. Step-by-step process with templates and real examples."
H1-H6 Hierarchy
Structure content with semantic headings:
H1: Main Title (only one, contains primary keyword)
H2: Major Section 1
H3: Subsection
H3: Subsection
H2: Major Section 2
H3: Subsection
H4: Sub-subsection
H2: Major Section 3
Rules:
- Only one H1 per page
- H2s are major sections (use keywords naturally)
- H3s break down H2 topics
- Don't skip levels (H2 → H4 is wrong)
Introduction Formula
Hook readers and search engines in the first 100 words:
- Hook: Surprising stat, question, or pain point
- Empathy: Show you understand their situation
- Promise: What they'll learn/gain
- Keyword: Include primary keyword naturally
- Roadmap: Brief preview of what's covered
Body Content Guidelines
Paragraph structure:
- Lead with the point (inverted pyramid)
- One idea per paragraph
- 2-4 sentences max
- Use transition words between sections
Readability targets:
- 8th grade reading level (Hemingway app)
- Short sentences (under 20 words average)
- Active voice preferred
- Avoid jargon unless audience expects it
- No Em-Dashes: Never use em-dashes (-) or en-dashes (-). Use hyphens (-) or other punctuation.
Semantic coverage:
- Cover related topics/entities Google expects
- Answer "People Also Ask" questions
- Include synonyms and related terms naturally
- Don't keyword stuff - write for humans
Conclusion Structure
End strong with:
- Summary of key points
- Reinforcement of main takeaway
- Clear next step CTA
- Internal link to related content
E-E-A-T Signals
Demonstrate Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness:
Experience
- Share personal experiences and case studies
- Include "I tested this" or "In my experience"
- Add original screenshots, data, or examples
Expertise
- Author bio with credentials
- Cite sources and link to authoritative references
- Demonstrate deep knowledge of nuances
Authoritativeness
- Link to authoritative external sources
- Get quoted/linked by other authorities
- Display credentials and certifications
Trustworthiness
- Clear author attribution
- Updated dates on content
- Factual accuracy (cite sources)
- Transparent about limitations/bias
On-Page SEO Checklist
Technical elements to include:
Natural Writing Principles
Avoid these SEO writing mistakes by applying human content standards:
- Say something disagreeable: Don't just parrot consensus. Take a stand that a reasonable person could disagree with.
- Human-Led Outlines: Always start with a human-designed outline that prioritizes the narrative arc over keyword placement.
- Inject "Un-AI" Statements: Use humor, opinion, or unique perspectives that AI is unlikely to generate spontaneously.
- Radical Specificity: Back up every point with specific, real-world examples or data points.
- Avoid Clichés: If you find yourself using the same phrasing as every other article on the SERP, start over and find a different angle.
| Over-Optimized (Bad) | Natural (Good) |
|---|
| "Best coffee makers. Looking for the best coffee makers? Our best coffee makers guide..." | "Finding the right coffee maker can be overwhelming. Here's how to choose..." |
| Keyword in every paragraph | Keyword where it naturally fits |
| Writing for algorithms | Writing for humans first |
| Thin, surface-level content | Comprehensive, genuinely helpful |
| Generic advice anyone could give | Specific insights from experience |
Content Differentiation
Stand out from existing results by:
- Depth: Cover aspects competitors missed
- Freshness: Include latest information/trends
- Originality: Add unique data, research, or perspectives
- Format: Better visuals, structure, or interactivity
- Authority: Stronger credentials or real experience
- Actionability: More specific, implementable advice
Output Format
When creating SEO content, deliver:
- SEO Brief: Keyword, intent, competitor analysis, angle
- Title Tag & Meta Description: Optimized versions
- Content Outline: H2/H3 structure with key points
- Full Article: Complete content following guidelines
- On-Page Checklist: Completed checklist for QA
- Internal Link Suggestions: Related content to link
Cross-References
- Apply
brand-voice to maintain brand consistency
- Use topics from
keyword-research for content planning
- SEO articles can become sources for
content-atomizer
- Include
lead-magnet CTAs where relevant
newsletter can repurpose SEO content for subscribers
