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Understand the Query
Clarify if needed:
- Target keyword(s) to analyze
- Search location/language
- Device type (mobile/desktop)
- Specific questions about the SERP
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Map SERP Composition
Document all elements appearing on the results page: AI Overview, ads, featured snippet, organic results, PAA, knowledge panel, image pack, video results, local pack, shopping results, news results, sitelinks, and related searches.
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Analyze Top Ranking Pages
For each of the top 10 results, document: URL, domain, domain authority, content type, word count, publish/update dates, on-page factors (title, meta description, H1, URL structure), content structure (headings, media, tables, FAQ), estimated metrics (backlinks, referring domains), and why it ranks.
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Identify Ranking Patterns
Analyze common characteristics across top 5 results: word count, domain authority, backlinks, content freshness, HTTPS, mobile optimization. Document content format distribution, domain type distribution, and key success factors.
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Analyze SERP Features
For each present SERP feature: analyze the current holder, content format, and strategy to win. Cover Featured Snippet (type, content, winning strategy), PAA (questions, current answers, optimization approach), and AI Overview (sources cited, content patterns, citation strategy).
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Determine Search Intent
Confirm primary intent from SERP composition. Document evidence, intent breakdown percentages, and content format implications (format, tone, CTA).
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Calculate True Difficulty
Score overall difficulty (1-100) based on: top 10 domain authority, page authority, backlinks required, content quality bar, and SERP stability. Provide realistic assessments for new, growing, and established sites, plus easier alternatives.
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Generate Recommendations
Produce a summary with: Key Findings, Content Requirements to Rank (minimum requirements + differentiators), SERP Feature Strategy, Recommended Content Outline, and Next Steps.
Reference: See references/analysis-templates.md for detailed templates for each step.