SEO Content Optimizer

# SEO Content Optimizer

Optimize articles and web pages for search engines with keyword strategy, title optimization, content structure, and on-page SEO best practices.

## Description

This skill provides a systematic framework for creating and optimizing SEO-friendly content. It covers keyword research methodology, title/H1 optimization, content structure for featured snippets, internal linking strategy, and meta description crafting. Designed for content creators, marketers, and website owners who want organic search traffic.

## When to Use

- Writing a new blog post or article targeting specific keywords
- Optimizing existing content that ranks on page 2-3 of Google
- Creating pillar pages or content clusters
- Writing product pages or landing pages
- Auditing content for SEO issues before publishing

## Instructions

### 1. Keyword Strategy

Before writing, establish the keyword hierarchy:

| Type | Definition | Usage |
|------|-----------|-------|
| **Primary keyword** | Main target term, 1-3 words | Title, H1, first 100 words, URL |
| **Secondary keywords** | Related terms, 2-4 words | H2 headings, body content naturally |
| **Long-tail keywords** | Specific phrases, 4+ words | Subsections, FAQ sections |
| **LSI keywords** | Semantically related terms | Throughout body naturally |

**Rules:**
- Target ONE primary keyword per page (avoid keyword cannibalization)
- Include 3-5 secondary keywords
- Aim for 5-10 long-tail variations in FAQ or subsections
- Do NOT force keywords — unnatural density triggers penalties

### 2. Title & Meta Optimization

**Title Tag (H1):**
- Include primary keyword within first 60 characters
- Use power words at the start (How, Why, Best, Guide, Ultimate)
- Include a number when appropriate (7 Ways, 5 Tools)
- Match search intent: informational = "How/What/Why", transactional = "Best/Buy/Review"
- Example: "How to Write SEO Content That Ranks: A Complete Guide (2025)"

**Meta Description:**
- 150-160 characters
- Include primary keyword + one secondary keyword
- End with a CTA or value promise
- Example: "Learn how to write SEO content that actually ranks. Step-by-step keyword strategy, title optimization, and content structure guide for 2025."

**URL Slug:**
- Short, descriptive, hyphenated
- Include primary keyword
- Example: `/seo-content-writing-guide`

### 3. Content Structure

Follow this proven structure for informational content:

```
H1: Primary Keyword + Value Proposition
├── Introduction (100-150 words, include primary keyword in first sentence)
├── H2: Main Section 1 (secondary keyword)
│   ├── H3: Sub-point
│   └── H3: Sub-point
├── H2: Main Section 2
│   ├── H3: Sub-point
│   └── H3: Sub-point
├── H2: FAQ Section (target featured snippets)
│   ├── Question 1 (long-tail keyword)
│   ├── Question 2
│   └── Question 3
└── Conclusion + CTA
```

**Featured Snippet Optimization:**
- For "What is..." queries: Provide a clear 40-60 word definition immediately after the H2
- For "How to..." queries: Use numbered steps with action verbs
- For "Best..." queries: Use a comparison table
- Format the answer to be self-contained — Google extracts it without context

### 4. On-Page SEO Checklist

- [ ] Primary keyword in H1
- [ ] Primary keyword in first 100 words
- [ ] Primary keyword in 1-2 H2 headings (not all)
- [ ] Image alt text includes relevant keywords (descriptive, not stuffed)
- [ ] Internal links: 3-5 links to related pages on your site
- [ ] External links: 1-3 links to authoritative sources
- [ ] Content length: 1500-2500 words for competitive keywords; 800-1200 for long-tail
- [ ] Readability: short paragraphs, bullet points, bold key terms
- [ ] No broken links or missing images

### 5. Content Quality Signals

Google's helpful content guidelines emphasize:
- **E-E-A-T**: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness
- **Original insight**: Don't just rephrase what's already ranking
- **Comprehensive**: Cover the topic thoroughly enough that the reader doesn't need to search again
- **Updated**: Refresh statistics, examples, and references annually
- **Reader-first**: Write for humans, optimize for engines

## Examples

**Keyword Target**: "best project management tools 2025"

**Title**: "Best Project Management Tools in 2025 (Compared by Price & Features)"
**URL**: `/best-project-management-tools`
**H2s**: 
- "Top 10 Project Management Tools Compared"
- "Best Free Project Management Tools"
- "Best for Enterprise: Tools That Scale"
- "How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Team"
**FAQ H2**: "Frequently Asked Questions About Project Management Tools"

## Tips

- Search your target keyword on Google first — analyze the top 5 results' structure, length, and angle
- Use Google's "People Also Ask" for long-tail keyword ideas
- Don't chase keyword volume — low-volume, high-intent keywords often convert better
- Update published content quarterly to maintain rankings
- Avoid keyword density above 2-3% — write naturally and Google will understand