# SEO Content Writer — Detailed Instructions

Compact workflow, pre-write checklist, issue handling, and content-type quick starts for the SEO Content Writer skill.

## 1. Gather Requirements

```markdown
### Content Requirements

**Primary Keyword**: [main keyword]
**Secondary Keywords**: [2-5 related keywords]
**Target Word Count**: [length]
**Content Type**: [blog/guide/landing page/etc.]
**Target Audience**: [who this is for]
**Search Intent**: [informational/commercial/transactional]
**Tone**: [professional/casual/technical/friendly]
**CTA Goal**: [desired action]
**Competitor URLs**: [top ranking pages to beat]
```

## 2. Load CORE-EEAT Constraints

Apply these 16 high-weight items while writing:

| ID | Standard | How to Apply |
|----|----------|--------------|
| C01 | Intent Alignment | Title promise matches delivery |
| C02 | Direct Answer | Core answer appears in the first 150 words |
| C06 | Audience Targeting | State who the content is for in the intro or opening section |
| C10 | Semantic Closure | Conclusion resolves the opening question and gives a next step |
| O01 | Heading Hierarchy | Clean H1 → H2 → H3 structure |
| O02 | Summary Box | Include a TL;DR or key takeaways block near the top |
| O06 | Section Chunking | Keep paragraphs to 3-5 sentences and one topic per section |
| O09 | Information Density | Remove filler |
| R01 | Data Precision | Include at least 5 precise numbers with units when the topic supports them |
| R02 | Citation Density | Include at least 1 external citation per 500 words |
| R04 | Evidence-Claim Mapping | Every material claim has evidence, an example, or a citation |
| R07 | Entity Precision | Use full names for people and organizations |
| C03 | Query Coverage | Cover at least 3 query variants or follow-up questions |
| O08 | Anchor Navigation | Add a TOC when the draft has 3+ H2 sections |
| O10 | Multimedia Structure | Use captions and meaningful media |
| E07 | Practical Tools | Add at least 1 template, checklist, calculator, or worksheet when relevant |

## 3. Research and Plan

Map:
- SERP format and average depth
- Primary, secondary, related, and question keywords
- Unique angle or differentiator

## 4. Create Optimized Title

Provide 2-3 title options, each with length, keyword position, and why it works.

## 5. Write Meta Description

Deliver one recommended description with keyword, value proposition, and CTA.

## 6. Structure Content and Write

Use:
- H1
- Introduction with hook, promise, and keyword early
- H2 sections matching search intent
- H3 sub-topics where needed
- FAQ section for snippet opportunities
- Conclusion with recap + CTA

## 7. Apply On-Page SEO Best Practices

Key checks:
- Primary keyword in title, H1, intro, at least one H2, and conclusion
- 3-5 sentence paragraphs
- Bullet points, tables, and bolding where they improve scan-ability
- 2-5 internal links and 2-3 authoritative external links
- FAQ answers in 40-60 words when snippet-friendly

## 8. Add Internal and External Links

```markdown
### Link Recommendations

**Internal Links**
1. "[anchor text]" → [/your-page-url] — [reason]

**External Links**
1. "[anchor text]" → [authoritative-source.com] — supports [claim]
```

## 9. Final SEO Review and CORE-EEAT Self-Check

Score the draft across 10 SEO factors:
- Title
- Meta description
- H1
- Keyword placement
- H2 coverage
- Internal links
- External links
- FAQ
- Readability
- Word-count fit

Then verify the 16 CORE-EEAT items above with Pass / Warn / Fail.

## Issue Classification

**Auto-correct** and document in `### Changes Made`:
- Overlong title or meta description
- Missing alt text
- Duplicate H2s
- Excessive keyword repetition
- Missing TOC on long pages
- Paragraphs that need splitting

```markdown
### Changes Made During Self-Check

| Item | Original | Fixed |
|------|----------|-------|
| Meta description | 185 chars | 158 chars — removed extra qualifier |
```

**Ask the user before changing**:
- H1 wording
- Tone
- Major length changes
- Strong claims that need moderation
- External links or stats that cannot be verified

## Content Type Templates

- **How-To Guide**: `Write a how-to guide for [task] targeting [keyword]`
- **Comparison Article**: `Write [Option A] vs [Option B] for [keyword]`
- **Listicle**: `Write "X Best [Items] for [Audience]" targeting [keyword]`
- **Ultimate Guide**: `Write an ultimate guide about [topic] targeting [keyword]`

## Tips for Success

Match intent, front-load value, use evidence, write for humans first, and refresh high-value content regularly.