When the user wants to write, generate, or create article body content—blog post body, long-form content, how-to guide, listicle. Also use when the user mentions "write article," "article content," "blog post content," "article body," "long-form content creation," "generate article," "article draft," "how-to guide content," "listicle content," "information gain," or "content density." For single post page structure, schema, and SEO metadata, use article-page-generator. For blog index/listing page, use blog-page-generator. For short ad, landing, or email copy, use copywriting.
When the user wants to write, generate, or create article body content—blog post body, long-form content, how-to guide, listicle. Also use when the user mentions "write article," "article content," "blog post content," "article body," "long-form content creation," "generate article," "article draft," "how-to guide content," "listicle content," "information gain," or "content density." For single post page structure, schema, and SEO metadata, use article-page-generator. For blog index/listing page, use blog-page-generator. For short ad, landing, or email copy, use copywriting.
metadata
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Content: Article Content
Guides creation of article body content—the actual text (intro, body, conclusion) for blog posts, guides, and long-form pieces. Focus on what to write. For where it goes (page structure, schema, metadata), see article-page-generator. For short conversion copy (ads, landing pages, CTAs), see copywriting.
When invoking: On first use, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On subsequent use or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.
Scope
Article body: Introduction, body sections, conclusion, CTA
Writing frameworks: AIDA, PAS, BAB applied to articles
GEO elements: TL;DR, Key Takeaways, answer-first
Article Types & Word Count (2025)
Quality over length: Google prioritizes comprehensive coverage of search intent, not word count. Match length to topic depth and intent.
Type
Word count
Use case
News / announcements
300–600
Product updates, breaking news, FAQs
Short-form
500–800
Landing pages, product pages (scannable)
Standard articles / how-tos
1,000–1,500
Single topic; actionable; listicles
Listicles
1,200–2,000
"Top 10," "Best X"; numbered lists boost CTR ~70%
Cluster articles
800–2,500
Subtopic; links to pillar
Pillar / cornerstone
2,000–3,500+
Comprehensive; cluster hub; 6–12 sections
Competitive keywords
1,800–2,500
Page-one SEO posts avg ~2,400 words
Intent-based (Google 2025): Validate 1,200–2,000; Explore 2,000–3,500; Compare 600–1,200; Do 900–1,500; Know 300–800. Informational ~40% longer than transactional.
Avoid: Under 300 words (thin); over 7,000 (often underperforms due to reduced focus).
Content Creation Workflow
Four Inputs
Article content rests on four inputs. See article-page-generator for full workflow.
Input
Purpose
Product
Connection, features, CTA placement
Keywords
Target keyword, primary/secondary
Article intent
Informational, commercial, transactional
Competitor articles
Structure to adopt, content gaps, length target
Information Gain (Content Density Over Word Count)
Information gain = net new information a page provides beyond what exists in top-ranking results. Google evaluates unique value, not comprehensiveness. Content density (unique entities, data points, insights per 100 words) matters more than word count. Skyscraper Technique (longer = better) no longer differentiates; AI made comprehensiveness cheap.
Four sources of information gain:
Counter-narratives: Why "best practice" fails in certain contexts; evidence-backed
Temporal freshness: Data or developments after competitors' content and LLM cutoff
SME perspectives: Direct quotes, practitioner experience; not repackaged advice
Proprietary data: Original surveys, internal benchmarks, user behavior patterns
Avoid consensus content: Restating common facts across top 10 results = zero information gain. Audit SERP before writing; list the "consensus layer"; identify gaps (unanswered questions, outdated data, underserved segments). Lead with what is new; structure answer-first.
Density check: Count unique data points, original insights, specific claims. If ratio of new information to word count is low, cut filler. High-density content (800-1,500 words with 3+ original points) often outperforms long rehashed guides.
TL;DR or Key Takeaways (GEO)
Choose one; place after intro. Content with these elements tends to be cited more frequently by AI engines.
Format
Spec
TL;DR
50–100 word bold summary paragraph
Key Takeaways
5–7 bullet points
See generative-engine-optimization for full GEO strategy.
Introduction
Length: 40–120 words; 2–3 paragraphs. Readers decide in ~8 seconds; hook must work instantly.
Element
Guideline
Hook
First 1–2 sentences: pain point, stat, or question; curiosity gap; specific data or contrarian fact
Primary keyword
In first 100 words
Expectations
Set what reader will learn
Hook types: "You're doing X wrong"; "97% of Y…"; bold question; challenge assumption. Well-crafted hooks boost CTR 30–50%.
100–200 words per section; direct answer + context + evidence
Paragraph length
40–80 words; 2–4 sentences; avoid walls of text
Break long blocks
Lists, H3s, images, callout boxes every 2–3 paragraphs
Scannability
Front-load key info (F-pattern); bold key phrases; one idea per paragraph
Long-form (1,000+ words): Place engagement hooks every 500–600 words; mix 40–50% explanatory text, 20–25% examples, 10–15% data, 5–10% visuals.
Conclusion
Summary + CTA: newsletter signup, related content, product (link to product/feature when relevant). Product-linked content ties to product naturally.
Product Connection
Articles should tie to the product (problem it solves, features, use cases). Avoid purely generic content. Link to product/feature pages naturally in conclusion or when context fits.
Writing Frameworks
Apply copywriting frameworks to article structure. See copywriting for full PAS, AIDA, BAB.
Framework
Article use
AIDA
Intro (Attention); body (Interest, Desire); conclusion (Action/CTA)
PAS
How-to guides: Problem in intro; Agitation in body; Solution throughout
BAB
Case studies, transformation: Before → After → Bridge
Choose by audience: AIDA for ready-to-buy; PAS for pain-driven; BAB for transformation seekers.
Article Headlines
See copywriting for headline formulas (How to, Number, Problem→Solution). For article titles specifically:
Length: 50–60 chars; see title-tag
Primary keyword near start
Numbers and power words boost CTR ~36%
References & Citations
Scenario
Practice
Data or statistics
Cite inline (e.g. "According to Source, 72% of…") or in References section
Expert quotes
Attribute; link to source
Reference section
For 5+ citations; list at end before Related posts
Format
Inline links preferred; numbered refs [1], [2] for academic-style
See eeat-signals for E-E-A-T, author bio, citations, YMYL.
Content Quality
Element
Guideline
Readability
Grade 8–10 (Flesch-Kincaid); short sentences, clear language
Depth
Match type; comprehensive coverage over padding
Originality
Unique angle, data, examples; avoid thin or rehashed content
Information gain
What does this add that top 10 results don't? Counter-narrative, fresh data, SME quote, or proprietary insight
E-E-A-T
Author bio, citations, expert quotes — see eeat-signals
Content Audit Checklist
When auditing or optimizing article content:
Dimension
Check
Hook
Intro opens with pain point, stat, or question?
Keyword in first 100 words
Primary keyword present?
QAE pattern
H2s as questions? Answer-first (40–60 words) in each section?
Ties to product? Natural links to features/pricing?
CTA
Placement (conclusion, mid-article); clarity; product link
References
Data/stats cited? Reference section for 5+ citations?
Gaps
What do top-ranking articles cover that this misses?
Information gain
At least one of: counter-narrative, fresh data, SME perspective, proprietary data? Or consensus rehash?
See competitor-research for competitor analysis; article-page-generator for page structure and metadata.
AI-Assisted Content
When content is AI-assisted: human review before publish; verify facts and add citations; original insights or data; avoid generic phrasing. See eeat-signals for E-E-A-T and AI content guidance.
Output Format
Outline (H2s with keyword placement)
TL;DR or Key Takeaways (if SEO-driven)
Introduction (hook + keyword)
Body sections (QAE, answer-first)
Conclusion (summary + CTA)
CTA copy options
Related Skills
article-page-generator: Page structure, schema, metadata, layout; content goes here