blog-article-writer

name	blog-article-writer
description	Creates long-form content including blog posts, articles, guides, and thought leadership pieces. Uses SEO best practices, storytelling frameworks, and learns from reference materials. Use this skill for blog posts, articles, how-to guides, listicles, case studies, and any long-form written content.
allowed-tools	["Bash","Read","Write","Glob","Grep","AskUserQuestion","WebSearch"]

Blog & Article Writer Skill

QUICK REFERENCE

• Output folder: output/content/blogs/
• File naming: YYYY-MM-DD_topic_blog.md
• Sample script: scripts/samples/sample_blog_content.py
• Run with: .venv\Scripts\python.exe scripts/samples/sample_blog_content.py
• References: Check references/ folder for brand voice and examples before writing
• Frameworks: AIDA, PAS, Hook-Story-Offer (see content-frameworks skill)
• Python: ALWAYS use .venv\Scripts\python.exe (never bare python)

Creates compelling long-form content that ranks, engages, and converts.

Scope of This Skill

This skill handles:

• Blog posts
• How-to guides
• Listicles
• Thought leadership articles
• Case studies
• Ultimate guides
• Comparison posts
• News/trend articles
• Guest posts
• Pillar content

NOT handled by this skill:

• Short social posts → Use social-media-writer
• Email copy → Use email-copywriter
• Visual content → Creates written content only

Article Types & Structures

1. How-To Guide

# How to [Achieve Result] in [Timeframe]

**Hook**: [Why this matters now]

**Introduction**:
- Problem statement
- What you'll learn
- Why trust this guide

## What You'll Need / Prerequisites
- [Requirement 1]
- [Requirement 2]

## Step 1: [Action Verb + Outcome]
[Detailed instructions]
[Pro tip or warning]

## Step 2: [Action Verb + Outcome]
...

## Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. [Mistake + how to fix]
2. [Mistake + how to fix]

## Conclusion
- Summary of steps
- Next action to take
- CTA

## FAQ
[Address common questions]

2. Listicle

# [Number] [Adjective] [Things] for [Audience] in [Year]

**Hook**: [Pattern interrupt or stat]

**Introduction**:
- Why this list matters
- How it was curated
- Quick preview

## 1. [Item Name]
[Why it's on the list]
[Key benefit]
[How to use/apply]

## 2. [Item Name]
...

## Bonus: [Extra Item]

## How to Choose the Right One
[Comparison or decision framework]

## Conclusion + CTA

3. Thought Leadership

# [Bold Claim] : Why [Common Belief] Is Wrong

**Hook**: [Contrarian opening]

**Introduction**:
- The conventional wisdom
- Why it's outdated/wrong
- Your alternative view

## The Problem with [Conventional Approach]
[Evidence and examples]

## A Better Way: [Your Framework]
[Your methodology]

## Evidence This Works
[Case studies, data, testimonials]

## How to Implement
[Actionable steps]

## Conclusion
- Key shift in thinking
- Call to action

4. Case Study

# How [Client] [Achieved Result] in [Timeframe]

**Quick Stats**:
- [Key metric 1]: [Result]
- [Key metric 2]: [Result]
- [Key metric 3]: [Result]

## The Challenge
[Client's situation and problems]

## The Solution
[What was implemented]

## The Process
### Phase 1: [Name]
### Phase 2: [Name]
### Phase 3: [Name]

## The Results
[Detailed outcomes with data]

## Key Takeaways
[What readers can apply]

## Ready to [Achieve Similar Results]?
[CTA]

5. Ultimate Guide

# The Ultimate Guide to [Topic] in [Year]

**Table of Contents**
[Linked sections]

## Introduction: What is [Topic] and Why Does It Matter?

## Part 1: [Foundation/Basics]
### Chapter 1.1
### Chapter 1.2

## Part 2: [Intermediate/Strategy]
### Chapter 2.1
### Chapter 2.2

## Part 3: [Advanced/Tactics]
### Chapter 3.1
### Chapter 3.2

## Part 4: [Tools & Resources]

## Conclusion: Your [Topic] Action Plan

## FAQ

SEO Best Practices

On-Page Elements

Element	Best Practice
Title	55-60 chars, keyword near front
Meta Description	150-160 chars, include CTA
H1	One per page, includes keyword
H2/H3	Include secondary keywords
URL	Short, includes primary keyword
First 100 Words	Include primary keyword naturally
Images	Alt text with keywords
Internal Links	2-5 to relevant content
External Links	1-3 to authoritative sources

Keyword Integration

• Primary keyword: In title, H1, first paragraph, conclusion
• Secondary keywords: In H2s, throughout body
• LSI keywords: Related terms, synonyms
• Natural density: Write for humans first

Content Length Guidelines

Article Type	Optimal Length
News/Updates	300-500 words
Standard Blog	1,000-1,500 words
How-To Guide	1,500-2,500 words
Ultimate Guide	3,000-7,000 words
Pillar Content	5,000-10,000 words

3-Mode Workflow

MODE 1: PLAN

1. Understand Content Goals

   - Topic and angle
   - Target audience
   - SEO keywords (if any)
   - Content type/format
   - Desired length
   - Publication context
   

2. Research & References

   # Check existing content on topic
   ls references/examples/blogs/
   
   # Analyze successful articles
   python scripts/content/analyze_articles.py \
     --folder references/examples/blogs/ \
     --output output/analysis/article_patterns.json
   
   # Web research for current info
   # Use WebSearch tool for latest data
   

3. Create Outline

   python scripts/content/generate_blog_outline.py \
     --topic "Content Marketing" \
     --type how-to \
     --keywords "content marketing, strategy, ROI" \
     --output output/content/blogs/
   

4. Document Plan

   ## Article Plan
   
   ### Topic
   [Main subject]
   
   ### Angle
   [Unique perspective/hook]
   
   ### Type
   [How-to/Listicle/Thought Leadership/etc.]
   
   ### Target Keywords
   - Primary: [keyword]
   - Secondary: [keywords]
   
   ### Outline
   [H2 structure]
   
   ### Target Length
   [Word count]
   
   ### References
   [Sources to cite]
   

MODE 2: CLARIFY

Essential Questions:

• "What's the main topic and angle?"
• "Who is the target reader?"
• "Are there specific keywords to target?"
• "What's the desired word count?"

Context Questions:

• "Is this for SEO, thought leadership, or both?"
• "Any specific points you want to cover?"
• "Sources or references to include?"

Style Questions:

• "Formal or conversational tone?"
• "First person or third person?"
• "Technical or accessible language?"

MODE 3: IMPLEMENT

1. Write Article

   python scripts/content/write_article.py \
     --outline output/content/blogs/outline.md \
     --tone conversational \
     --length 2000 \
     --output output/content/blogs/
   

2. Optimize for SEO

   • Check keyword placement
   • Write meta description
   • Add internal/external links

3. Save Output

   output/content/blogs/
   ├── [date]_[topic]/
   │   ├── outline.md
   │   ├── draft.md
   │   ├── meta.json
   │   └── images_needed.txt
   

Writing Guidelines

Opening Hooks

Type	Example
Stat	"73% of B2B marketers say content marketing increases engagement."
Question	"What if everything you knew about [topic] was wrong?"
Story	"Last year, I made a $50,000 mistake with my content strategy."
Bold Claim	"Most content marketing advice is dead wrong. Here's why."
Problem	"You're creating content. You're posting consistently. But nothing's working."

Paragraph Guidelines

• Short paragraphs: 2-4 sentences max
• One idea per paragraph
• Transition sentences between sections
• White space for readability
• Subheadings every 200-300 words

Bullet Point Guidelines

• Use for lists of 3+ items
• Start each with action verb or parallel structure
• Keep to one line when possible
• Don't overuse - save for scannable info

Conclusion Best Practices

1. Summarize key points (not repeat verbatim)
2. Reinforce the main takeaway
3. Call to action - what should they do next?
4. Optional: Question to spark comments

Example Interactions

"Write a blog post about email marketing"

[PLAN]
- Topic: Email marketing
- Determine angle and type
- Research current best practices

[CLARIFY]
- "What specific aspect - strategy, copy, automation?"
- "Target audience - beginners or advanced?"
- "Any keywords to target?"
- "Desired word count?"

[IMPLEMENT]
- Create comprehensive outline
- Write full article
- Optimize for SEO
- Add meta description

"Create a how-to guide for LinkedIn growth"

[PLAN]
- How-to format
- Step-by-step structure
- Practical, actionable content

[CLARIFY]
- "What audience - job seekers, founders, creators?"
- "Any specific strategies you want included?"
- "Case studies or examples to reference?"

[IMPLEMENT]
- Detailed step-by-step guide
- Include pro tips and common mistakes
- Add FAQ section
- Optimize for search

"Write a thought leadership piece about AI in marketing"

[PLAN]
- Thought leadership format
- Need unique angle/perspective
- Research current discourse

[CLARIFY]
- "What's your unique take on AI in marketing?"
- "Contrarian view or forward-looking?"
- "Any original data or experience to share?"

[IMPLEMENT]
- Bold opening hook
- Build argument with evidence
- Practical implications
- Strong conclusion with POV

Editing Checklist

Structure

• Compelling headline with keyword
• Hook in first 100 words
• Clear H2 structure
• Logical flow between sections
• Strong conclusion with CTA

Content

• Delivers on headline promise
• Provides unique value
• Supported by evidence/examples
• Actionable takeaways

Style

• Appropriate tone for audience
• Short paragraphs (2-4 sentences)
• Active voice primarily
• Jargon-free (or explained)
• Scannable with subheads/bullets

SEO

• Primary keyword in title, H1, first 100 words
• Secondary keywords in H2s
• Meta description (150-160 chars)
• Internal links added
• External links to authority sources

Readability

• Grade level appropriate
• No walls of text
• Transition sentences
• Formatting aids scanning

Output Files

Blog content saved to:

• output/content/blogs/[topic]/draft.md - Full article
• output/content/blogs/[topic]/outline.md - Structure
• output/content/blogs/[topic]/meta.json - SEO metadata
• output/content/blogs/swipe_file.md - Best examples

Word Count Guidelines

When given a target, aim for:

• Within 10% of target for standard articles
• Can go over for comprehensive guides
• Better to be thorough than padded
• Every word should earn its place