seo-content

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:

1. Target keyword: What primary search term are you targeting?
2. Search intent: What does the searcher actually want? (Information, comparison, solution, purchase)
3. Current top results: What are the top 5 articles ranking? What do they cover?
4. Audience knowledge level: Beginner, intermediate, or expert?
5. Unique angle: What can you add that doesn't exist in current results?
6. Internal links: What related content exists to link to?
7. 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:

1. Hook: Surprising stat, question, or pain point
2. Empathy: Show you understand their situation
3. Promise: What they'll learn/gain
4. Keyword: Include primary keyword naturally
5. 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:

1. Summary of key points
2. Reinforcement of main takeaway
3. Clear next step CTA
4. 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:

• Primary keyword in title tag
• Primary keyword in H1
• Primary keyword in first 100 words
• Primary keyword in at least one H2
• Primary keyword in meta description
• Related keywords in subheadings
• Internal links to relevant content (3-5)
• External links to authoritative sources (2-3)
• Images with descriptive alt text
• URL slug includes primary keyword
• Mobile-friendly formatting
• Readable font size and line spacing

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:

1. Depth: Cover aspects competitors missed
2. Freshness: Include latest information/trends
3. Originality: Add unique data, research, or perspectives
4. Format: Better visuals, structure, or interactivity
5. Authority: Stronger credentials or real experience
6. Actionability: More specific, implementable advice

Output Format

When creating SEO content, deliver:

1. SEO Brief: Keyword, intent, competitor analysis, angle
2. Title Tag & Meta Description: Optimized versions
3. Content Outline: H2/H3 structure with key points
4. Full Article: Complete content following guidelines
5. On-Page Checklist: Completed checklist for QA
6. 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