seo-content-writer

# SEO Content Writer

> **[SEO & GEO Skills Library](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills)** · 20 skills for SEO + GEO · [ClawHub](https://clawhub.ai/u/aaron-he-zhu) · [skills.sh](https://skills.sh/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills)
> **System Mode**: This build skill follows the shared [Skill Contract](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/references/skill-contract.md) and [State Model](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/references/state-model.md).


This skill creates search-engine-optimized content that ranks well while providing genuine value to readers. It applies proven SEO copywriting techniques, proper keyword integration, and optimal content structure.

**System role**: Build layer skill. It turns briefs and signals into assets that other skills can review, publish, and monitor.

## When This Must Trigger

Use this when the conversation involves a shippable asset or transformation that should feed directly into quality review, deployment, or monitoring — even if the user doesn't use SEO terminology:

- Writing blog posts targeting specific keywords
- Creating landing pages optimized for search
- Developing pillar content for topic clusters
- Writing product descriptions for e-commerce
- Creating service pages for local SEO
- Producing how-to guides and tutorials
- Writing comparison and review articles

## What This Skill Does

1. **Keyword Integration**: Naturally incorporates target and related keywords
2. **Structure Optimization**: Creates scannable, well-organized content
3. **Title & Meta Creation**: Writes compelling, click-worthy titles
4. **Header Optimization**: Uses strategic H1-H6 hierarchy
5. **Internal Linking**: Suggests relevant internal link opportunities
6. **Readability Enhancement**: Ensures content is accessible and engaging
7. **Featured Snippet Optimization**: Formats for SERP feature opportunities

## Quick Start

Start with one of these prompts. Finish with a short handoff summary using the repository format in [Skill Contract](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/references/skill-contract.md).

### Basic Content Creation

```
Write an SEO-optimized article about [topic] targeting the keyword [keyword]
```

```
Create a blog post for [topic] with these keywords: [keyword list]
```

### With Specific Requirements

```
Write a 2,000-word guide about [topic] targeting [keyword],
include FAQ section for featured snippets
```

### Content Briefs

```
Here's my content brief: [brief]. Write SEO-optimized content following this outline.
```

## Skill Contract

**Expected output**: a ready-to-use asset or implementation-ready transformation plus a short handoff summary ready for `memory/content/`.

- **Reads**: the brief, target keywords, entity inputs, quality constraints, and prior decisions from [CLAUDE.md](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/CLAUDE.md) and the shared [State Model](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/references/state-model.md) when available.
- **Writes**: a user-facing content, metadata, or schema deliverable plus a reusable summary that can be stored under `memory/content/`.
- **Promotes**: approved angles, messaging choices, missing evidence, and publish blockers to `memory/hot-cache.md`, `memory/decisions.md`, and `memory/open-loops.md`.
- **Next handoff**: use the `Next Best Skill` below when the asset is ready for review or deployment.

### Handoff Summary

Emit this shape when finishing the skill (see [skill-contract.md §Handoff Summary Format](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/references/skill-contract.md) for the authoritative format):

- **Status**: DONE / DONE_WITH_CONCERNS / BLOCKED / NEEDS_INPUT
- **Objective**: what was analyzed, created, or fixed
- **Key Findings / Output**: the highest-signal result
- **Evidence**: URLs, data points, or sections reviewed
- **Open Loops**: blockers, missing inputs, or unresolved risks
- **Recommended Next Skill**: one primary next move

## Data Sources

> See [CONNECTORS.md](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/CONNECTORS.md) for tool category placeholders.

**With ~~SEO tool + ~~search console connected:**
Automatically pull keyword metrics (search volume, difficulty, CPC), competitor content analysis (top-ranking pages, content length, common topics), SERP features (featured snippets, PAA questions), and keyword opportunities (related keywords, question-based queries).

**With manual data only:**
Ask the user to provide:
1. Target primary keyword and 3-5 secondary keywords
2. Target audience and search intent (informational/commercial/transactional)
3. Target word count and desired tone
4. Any competitor URLs or content examples to reference

Proceed with the full workflow using provided data. Note in the output which metrics are from automated collection vs. user-provided data.

## Instructions

When a user requests SEO content, run these nine steps in order:

1. **Gather Requirements** — primary/secondary keywords, word count, content type, audience, search intent, tone, CTA goal, competitor URLs
2. **Load CORE-EEAT Quality Constraints** — 16 high-weight items (C01, C02, C06, C10, O01, O02, O06, O09, R01, R02, R04, R07, C03, O08, O10, E07)
3. **Research and Plan** — SERP analysis, keyword map (primary/secondary/LSI/questions), content angle
4. **Create Optimized Title** — ≤60 chars, primary keyword front-loaded, power words
5. **Write Meta Description** — 150-160 chars, primary keyword, CTA
6. **Structure Content and Write** — H1 > intro (hook + promise + keyword in first 100 words) > H2 sections > H3 sub-topics > FAQ > conclusion
7. **Apply On-Page SEO Best Practices** — keyword placement, readability, internal/external links, FAQ section with 40-60 word answers, featured snippet formats
8. **Add Internal/External Links** — 2-5 internal, 2-3 authoritative external
9. **Final SEO Review and CORE-EEAT Self-Check** — Score against 10 SEO factors and verify 16 CORE-EEAT constraints; classify issues (auto-correct vs. needs-decision)

> **Reference**: See [references/instructions-detail.md](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/build/seo-content-writer/references/instructions-detail.md) for the full step-by-step templates, CORE-EEAT constraint table, issue classification rules, and Changes Made block format.

## Validation Checkpoints

### Input Validation
- [ ] Primary keyword confirmed and matches search intent
- [ ] Target word count specified (minimum 800 words for substantive content)
- [ ] Content type and audience clearly defined
- [ ] Competitor URLs reviewed or target SERP features identified

### Output Validation
- [ ] **Banned-vocab self-check** — before finalizing, scan the draft for: `crucial, robust, leverage, delve, nuanced, multifaceted, furthermore, moreover, pivotal, tapestry, foster, showcase, intricate, vibrant, cutting-edge, harness, elevate, empower, streamline, synergy, holistic, seamless, seamlessly, realm, paramount, myriad`. Also banned phrases: `In today's digital landscape`, `It is important to note`, `It's worth noting that`, `Let's dive in`, `Without further ado`, `At the end of the day`. Replace any hit with a concrete alternative per [skill-contract.md §Output Voice](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/references/skill-contract.md).
- [ ] Keyword density within 1-2% for primary keyword (Note: Keyword density is a guideline, not a hard rule. Modern search engines prioritize semantic relevance and natural language over exact density targets. Focus on covering the topic comprehensively with semantic variants rather than hitting a specific percentage.)
- [ ] All sections from outline covered completely
- [ ] Internal links included (2-5 relevant links)
- [ ] FAQ section present with at least 3 questions
- [ ] Readability score appropriate for target audience
- [ ] Source of each data point clearly stated (~~SEO tool data, user-provided, or estimated)

## Example

**User**: "Write an SEO-optimized article about 'email marketing best practices' targeting small businesses"

**Output** (abbreviated):
- H1: `Email Marketing Best Practices: A 2026 Guide for Small Businesses` (keyword front-loaded; audience + year qualifier)
- Meta description: `Get 12 proven email marketing tactics that lift open rates 34% for small businesses. DMA-backed data, real subject-line examples, and a 30-day playbook.` (~156 chars, CTA implied, stat hook)
- Structure: H2 for each of 12 tactics, bullet lists, comparison table (Mailchimp vs Brevo vs ConvertKit), 6-question FAQ (40-60 word answers for featured snippets), CTA conclusion.

> **Reference**: See [references/seo-writing-checklist.md](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/build/seo-content-writer/references/seo-writing-checklist.md) for the full article with statistics citations, H1/H2/H3 hierarchy, and FAQ section.

## Content Type Templates

Quick-start prompts: How-to guide, Comparison article, Listicle, Ultimate guide. See [references/instructions-detail.md](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/build/seo-content-writer/references/instructions-detail.md#content-type-templates) for all 4 templates.

## Tips for Success

Match intent, front-load value, use data, write for humans first, include visuals, update regularly. Full list in [references/instructions-detail.md](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/build/seo-content-writer/references/instructions-detail.md#tips-for-success).


### Save Results

After delivering content or optimization output to the user, ask:

> "Save these results for future sessions?"

If yes, write a dated summary to `memory/content/YYYY-MM-DD-<topic>.md` containing:
- One-line description of what was created
- Target keyword and content type
- Open loops or items needing review
- Source data references

**Gate check recommended**: Run content-quality-auditor before publishing (PostToolUse hook will remind automatically).

If any findings should influence ongoing strategy, recommend promoting key conclusions to `memory/hot-cache.md`.

## Reference Materials

- [Instructions Detail](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/build/seo-content-writer/references/instructions-detail.md) - Full step-by-step workflow, CORE-EEAT constraints, issue classification, content type templates, tips
- [SEO Writing Checklist](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/build/seo-content-writer/references/seo-writing-checklist.md) - On-page SEO checklist, writing template, featured snippet patterns, full example
- [Title Formulas](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/build/seo-content-writer/references/title-formulas.md) - Proven headline formulas, power words, CTR patterns
- [Content Structure Templates](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/build/seo-content-writer/references/content-structure-templates.md) - Templates for blog posts, comparisons, listicles, how-tos, pillar pages

## Next Best Skill

- **Primary**: [content-quality-auditor](https://github.com/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills/blob/main/cross-cutting/content-quality-auditor/SKILL.md) — gate the draft before publishing or handing it off.