SEO Content

SEO Content

This skill creates content that ranks on Google while actually being worth reading - not keyword-stuffed garbage that tricks algorithms but bores humans.

Objective

Write content that satisfies search intent, demonstrates expertise, and earns rankings through genuine value - not manipulation.

Intake Questions

Before writing SEO content, gather context:

1. Target keyword: What primary search term are you targeting?
2. Search intent: What does the searcher actually want? (Information, comparison, solution, purchase)
3. Current top results: What are the top 5 articles ranking? What do they cover?
4. Audience knowledge level: Beginner, intermediate, or expert?
5. Unique angle: What can you add that doesn't exist in current results?
6. Internal links: What related content exists to link to?
7. CTA goal: What should readers do after reading? (Subscribe, buy, read more)

Search Intent Matching

Match content format to what searchers actually want:

Informational Intent

Signals: "how to," "what is," "why does," "guide" Content type: Tutorials, explanations, comprehensive guides Example: "how to start a podcast" → Step-by-step guide

Navigational Intent

Signals: Brand names, specific product searches Content type: Product pages, brand pages, comparisons Example: "Mailchimp pricing" → Pricing page or pricing comparison

Commercial Investigation

Signals: "best," "vs," "review," "top," comparisons Content type: Comparison posts, reviews, roundups Example: "best email marketing software" → Comparison article

Transactional Intent

Signals: "buy," "discount," "deal," specific product + purchase words Content type: Product pages, sales pages Example: "buy MacBook Pro" → Product/sales page

Content Structure

Title Tag Optimization

• Include primary keyword near the beginning
• Keep under 60 characters
• Add a hook or benefit
• Make it click-worthy (but not clickbait)

Formula: [Primary Keyword]: [Hook/Benefit] ([Year] if relevant) Example: "Content Marketing Strategy: The Complete Guide for 2024"

Meta Description

• 150-160 characters
• Include primary keyword naturally
• Summarize value proposition
• Include a subtle CTA

Example: "Learn how to build a content marketing strategy that drives traffic and leads. Step-by-step process with templates and real examples."

H1-H6 Hierarchy

Structure content with semantic headings:

H1: Main Title (only one, contains primary keyword)
  H2: Major Section 1
    H3: Subsection
    H3: Subsection
  H2: Major Section 2
    H3: Subsection
      H4: Sub-subsection
  H2: Major Section 3

Rules:

• Only one H1 per page
• H2s are major sections (use keywords naturally)
• H3s break down H2 topics
• Don't skip levels (H2 → H4 is wrong)

Introduction Formula

Hook readers and search engines in the first 100 words:

1. Hook: Surprising stat, question, or pain point
2. Empathy: Show you understand their situation
3. Promise: What they'll learn/gain
4. Keyword: Include primary keyword naturally
5. Roadmap: Brief preview of what's covered

Body Content Guidelines

Paragraph structure:

• Lead with the point (inverted pyramid)
• One idea per paragraph
• 2-4 sentences max
• Use transition words between sections

Readability targets:

• 8th grade reading level (Hemingway app)
• Short sentences (under 20 words average)
• Active voice preferred
• Avoid jargon unless audience expects it
• No Em-Dashes: Never use em-dashes (-) or en-dashes (-). Use hyphens (-) or other punctuation.

Semantic coverage:

• Cover related topics/entities Google expects
• Answer "People Also Ask" questions
• Include synonyms and related terms naturally
• Don't keyword stuff - write for humans

Conclusion Structure

End strong with:

1. Summary of key points
2. Reinforcement of main takeaway
3. Clear next step CTA
4. Internal link to related content

E-E-A-T Signals

Demonstrate Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness:

Experience

• Share personal experiences and case studies
• Include "I tested this" or "In my experience"
• Add original screenshots, data, or examples

Expertise

• Author bio with credentials
• Cite sources and link to authoritative references
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of nuances

Authoritativeness

• Link to authoritative external sources
• Get quoted/linked by other authorities
• Display credentials and certifications

Trustworthiness

• Clear author attribution
• Updated dates on content
• Factual accuracy (cite sources)
• Transparent about limitations/bias

On-Page SEO Checklist

Technical elements to include:

• Primary keyword in title tag
• Primary keyword in H1
• Primary keyword in first 100 words
• Primary keyword in at least one H2
• Primary keyword in meta description
• Related keywords in subheadings
• Internal links to relevant content (3-5)
• External links to authoritative sources (2-3)
• Images with descriptive alt text
• URL slug includes primary keyword
• Mobile-friendly formatting
• Readable font size and line spacing

Natural Writing Principles

Avoid these SEO writing mistakes by applying human content standards:

• Say something disagreeable: Don't just parrot consensus. Take a stand that a reasonable person could disagree with.
• Human-Led Outlines: Always start with a human-designed outline that prioritizes the narrative arc over keyword placement.
• Inject "Un-AI" Statements: Use humor, opinion, or unique perspectives that AI is unlikely to generate spontaneously.
• Radical Specificity: Back up every point with specific, real-world examples or data points.
• Avoid Clichés: If you find yourself using the same phrasing as every other article on the SERP, start over and find a different angle.

Content Differentiation

Stand out from existing results by:

1. Depth: Cover aspects competitors missed
2. Freshness: Include latest information/trends
3. Originality: Add unique data, research, or perspectives
4. Format: Better visuals, structure, or interactivity
5. Authority: Stronger credentials or real experience
6. Actionability: More specific, implementable advice

Output Format

When creating SEO content, deliver:

1. SEO Brief: Keyword, intent, competitor analysis, angle
2. Title Tag & Meta Description: Optimized versions
3. Content Outline: H2/H3 structure with key points
4. Full Article: Complete content following guidelines
5. On-Page Checklist: Completed checklist for QA
6. Internal Link Suggestions: Related content to link

Cross-References

• Apply brand-voice to maintain brand consistency
• Use topics from keyword-research for content planning
• SEO articles can become sources for content-atomizer
• Include lead-magnet CTAs where relevant
• newsletter can repurpose SEO content for subscribers