keyword-research

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

1. Resolve target repo via .agency/target.json or instance target config.
2. Read product/backlog context when present. Check existing SEO work files to avoid duplication.
3. 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.
4. Write .agency/work/seo/keyword-research-{topic}.md using the output format.
5. 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.