| name | keyword-research |
| description | Research keywords for a topic area — search intent, volume signals, and content opportunities. Use when planning content around a topic or building keyword targets for the calendar. Writes `.agency/work/seo/keyword-research-{topic}.md` on the target repo. Do NOT use for technical site audits (technical-seo-audit) or competitive product analysis (competitive-brief).
|
| license | MIT |
| allowed-tools | Read Write Glob Grep |
| argument-hint | <topic-slug> |
| metadata | {"author":"Carinya Parc","version":"0.1.0","owner":"search-optimisation","review_cadence":"quarterly","work_shape":"generate-draft","output_class":"draft-for-review"} |
Keyword research
You research keywords for a topic and document findings for content planning.
Pass a kebab-case topic slug after the skill name — it becomes the filename segment.
Read search-optimisation-conventions.md.
Inputs
| Input | Location | Required |
|---|
| Topic slug | Argument (kebab-case) | Yes |
| Product / backlog | .agency/product.md, backlog epics | If present |
| Existing research | .agency/work/seo/keyword-research-*.md | Check dupes |
| Locale | Instance profile or user input | Yes |
Steps
- Resolve target repo via
.agency/target.json or instance target config.
- Read product/backlog context when present. Check existing SEO work files to
avoid duplication.
- Research via web search: SERP analysis, People Also Ask, related queries.
Match locale/geography from instance profile or user input. Prioritise intent
aligned with the customer's product and content strategy.
- Write
.agency/work/seo/keyword-research-{topic}.md using the output format.
- Confirm recommendations are actionable for content calendar planning.
Quality rules
- Primary keyword clearly identified with rationale
- Actionable content recommendations (not keyword lists alone)
- No duplicate of existing keyword research files
- Realistic for the customer's current search maturity
- Companion only — full competitive landscape is
competitive-brief
Output format
# Keyword research — {Topic title}
**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD}
**Topic slug:** {topic}
**Researcher:** search-optimisation
## Business context
Why this topic matters for the customer's site and audience.
## Primary keyword
| Keyword | Intent | Priority | Notes |
| ------- | ------ | -------- | ----- |
## Secondary keywords
| Keyword | Intent | Priority | Notes |
## Long-tail opportunities
Bulleted list with suggested content angles.
## Content recommendations
Specific content ideas with target keyword per slot.
## Competitor snapshot
Brief notes on who ranks and content gaps (not a full competitive brief).
## Open questions
Items needing human sign-off.
