| name | blog-writer |
| description | Blog post creation covering outlines, SEO-optimized headlines, meta descriptions, content structures, and publication-ready drafting. This skill should be used when Cline needs to create blog posts from scratch — from outlining and headline generation through to full draft production with proper structure, SEO elements, and formatting. |
Blog Writer
This skill creates structured, publication-ready blog posts from scratch. It handles the full writing workflow: topic development, SEO headline generation, outline creation, meta description writing, section drafting, and final polish. Every output is optimized for readability, engagement, and search visibility.
When to Use This Skill
- Writing a complete blog post from a topic or brief
- Creating blog post outlines with logical structure
- Generating SEO-optimized headlines and title variants
- Writing meta descriptions for search and social sharing
- Drafting long-form content with proper section hierarchy
- Creating listicles, how-to guides, comparisons, and opinion pieces
- Repurposing existing content into blog format
- Adding internal linking suggestions and call-to-action placement
What This Skill Does
- Outline Generation: Creates structured outlines with logical flow and section depth
- Headline Crafting: Produces SEO-optimized, compelling headline variants
- Meta Description Writing: Writes search-optimized summaries under 160 characters
- Full Draft Production: Writes complete posts with proper formatting and structure
- SEO Integration: Incorporates keyword targeting, header hierarchy, and readability optimization
Process
Step 1: Define the Blog Post
Gather requirements before writing:
## Blog Post Brief
- **Topic**: [Main subject]
- **Target audience**: [Who is this for?]
- **Primary keyword**: [Main SEO target]
- **Secondary keywords**: [Related terms to include]
- **Post type**: [How-to / Listicle / Opinion / Comparison / Case Study / News]
- **Target length**: [Word count goal]
- **Tone**: [Professional / Conversational / Technical / Friendly / Authoritative]
- **CTA**: [What should the reader do after?]
- **Competitor references**: [Similar posts to differentiate from]
- **Unique angle**: [What makes this post different?]
Step 2: Generate Headline Variants
Create SEO-optimized headlines with multiple approaches:
## Headline Options
### SEO-Focused (keyword-forward)
1. [Primary Keyword]: [Benefit/Promise]
2. How to [Achieve Outcome] with [Primary Keyword]
3. [Number] [Primary Keyword] Strategies for [Audience]
### Engagement-Focused (curiosity/emotion)
4. Why [Common Belief] About [Topic] Is Wrong
5. The [Topic] Mistake That's Costing You [Outcome]
6. What Nobody Tells You About [Primary Keyword]
### Listicle Format
7. [Number] [Primary Keyword] Tips That Actually Work ([Year])
8. [Number] Ways to [Achieve Outcome] with [Primary Keyword]
### Comparison/Contrast
9. [Option A] vs [Option B]: Which Is Better for [Use Case]?
10. [Topic]: [Conventional Approach] vs [Better Approach]
**Selection criteria**:
- Primary keyword within first 60 characters
- Clear value proposition for the reader
- Specific over vague ("7 Strategies" > "Some Strategies")
- Honest — don't overpromise
Step 3: Create the Outline
Structure with proper hierarchy and word count allocation:
# Outline: [Selected Headline]
**Target**: ~1,500 words | **Type**: How-to Guide
## Introduction (~150 words)
- Hook: [Surprising stat / relatable problem / bold claim]
- Problem statement
- What this post covers
- Who should read this
## Section 1: [First Major Point] (~300 words)
### What is [Concept]?
- Definition in plain language
- Why it matters for [audience]
- Common misconception
### How to [First Step]
- Step-by-step instructions
- Example or case study
- Common pitfall to avoid
## Section 2: [Second Major Point] (~300 words)
- Builds on Section 1
- Introduces [next concept]
- Practical application
## Section 3: [Third Major Point] (~300 words)
- Advanced or nuanced aspect
- Data/evidence supporting this point
- Actionable takeaway
## Pro Tips / Best Practices (~200 words)
- 3-5 quick actionable tips
- Bonus advice from experience
## Conclusion (~150 words)
- Summarize key takeaways (2-3 bullet points)
- Reiterate main benefit
- Call to action
## SEO Elements
- **Primary keyword**: [keyword] — used in H1, first paragraph, 2-3 more times
- **Secondary keywords**: [list] — naturally distributed
- **Internal link suggestions**: [related content to link to]
- **Image/visual suggestions**: [what diagrams or images would help]
Step 4: Write Meta Description
## Meta Description Options
**Option 1** (Benefit-focused):
Learn [what/why/how] with [approach]. Discover [outcomes] in this [post type] covering [key topics]. [CTA implication].
**Option 2** (Problem-focused):
Struggling with [common problem]? This guide covers [solutions] to help you [achieve outcome]. [CTA implication].
**Selection rules**:
- Under 155 characters for full SERP display
- Include primary keyword near the start
- Include a reason to click (benefit, curiosity, urgency)
- Match the tone of the post
- No clickbait — deliver on the promise
Step 5: Draft the Post
Write following the outline with proper formatting:
# [Headline]
[Meta: meta-description-text]
[Target keyword: primary-keyword]
---
[Introduction — hook, problem, promise, roadmap]
## [Section 1 H2]
[Content with short paragraphs (2-3 sentences max for web readability)]
[Use **bold** for key terms, not excessive emphasis]
> Pull quote for key insight or statistic — breaks up text visually
### [Subsection H3]
[Bullet points for lists — scannable content:]
- Point one with brief explanation
- Point two with brief explanation
- Point three with brief explanation
[Code blocks for technical content:]
```python
# Example code if applicable
[Transition to next section — connect the dots]
[Section 2 H2]
[Continue pattern: short paragraphs, varied formatting, visual breaks]
| Column A | Column B | Column C |
|---|
| Data | Comparison | Table |
[Section N H2]
[Final substantive section before conclusion]
Key Takeaways
- [Takeaway 1]: [Brief explanation]
- [Takeaway 2]: [Brief explanation]
- [Takeaway 3]: [Brief explanation]
Ready to [Take Action]?
[Call to action — what should the reader do next?]
[Link to relevant resource, product, or next steps]
### Step 6: Polish and Optimize
Review checklist before publishing:
```markdown
## Pre-Publish Checklist
### SEO
- [ ] Primary keyword in H1, first paragraph, and 2-3 additional times
- [ ] Secondary keywords distributed naturally throughout
- [ ] Meta description under 155 characters with primary keyword
- [ ] Header hierarchy correct (H1 → H2 → H3, no skipped levels)
- [ ] Image alt text suggestions provided
- [ ] Internal linking opportunities identified
### Readability
- [ ] Paragraphs are 2-3 sentences for web scanning
- [ ] No walls of text — visual variety (lists, quotes, tables, code)
- [ ] Transitions between sections are smooth
- [ ] Jargon explained or linked
- [ ] Active voice preferred over passive
### Content Quality
- [ ] Opening hook creates curiosity or resonance
- [ ] Each section delivers on the headline's promise
- [ ] Examples and evidence support claims
- [ ] No filler — every paragraph earns its place
- [ ] CTA is clear and relevant
### Technical
- [ ] Word count within 10% of target
- [ ] No broken markdown formatting
- [ ] Links are described (not "click here")
- [ ] Consistent formatting throughout
Blog Post Types
How-To Guide
Structure: Problem → Prerequisites → Steps → Verification → Troubleshooting
Tone: Instructional, encouraging
Length: 1,500-2,500 words
Listicle
Structure: Intro → Numbered items with consistent depth → Summary
Tone: Scannable, varied (mix serious and fun items)
Length: 1,000-2,000 words (50-150 words per item)
Opinion / Thought Leadership
Structure: Bold thesis → Supporting arguments → Counter-argument → Conclusion
Tone: Confident, thoughtful, slightly provocative
Length: 800-1,500 words
Comparison
Structure: Context → Criteria → Side-by-side analysis → Verdict
Tone: Objective, fair, decisive
Length: 1,500-2,500 words
Case Study
Structure: Challenge → Approach → Results → Lessons learned
Tone: Factual, evidence-based, specific
Length: 1,000-2,000 words
Error Handling
- Topic too broad: Narrow scope to one specific angle; suggest breaking into series
- Insufficient word count: Add examples, expand explanations, include a practical exercise
- Keyword stuffing detected: Re-write with natural language; keywords should feel organic
- Weak conclusion: End with actionable takeaways, not a generic summary
- Missing voice: Ask for existing writing samples; match tone rather than defaulting to generic
Common Pitfalls
- ❌ Writing for search engines instead of humans — read it aloud; if it sounds robotic, rewrite
- ❌ Burying the lede — the key point must appear in the first 2 paragraphs
- ❌ Overusing subheadings — H2s every 200-300 words is plenty
- ❌ Forgetting the CTA — every blog post should lead somewhere
- ❌ Generic stock advice — be specific with examples, data, and real scenarios
Cline Workflow Notes
- Install location: Copy this skill directory to
.cline/skills/blog-writer/ (project-level) or ~/.cline/skills/blog-writer/ (global)
- Always start with a brief: Even a minimal brief produces better results than no brief
- Headlines first: Generate headline options before writing — the headline shapes everything
- Save versions: Keep outline, draft-v1, and final as separate files
- Match existing voice: If the user has a blog, read existing posts to match their style
- SEO awareness: Include keyword and meta elements, but never sacrifice readability for SEO
- Content over format: The writing quality matters more than template perfection
Dependencies
No external dependencies required. This skill uses Cline's native writing capabilities.
