1---2name: content-strategy3description: When the user wants to plan content for SEO, create content calendar, or build topic clusters. Also use when the user mentions "content strategy," "content plan," "topic clusters," "pillar content," "pillar page," "cluster articles," "editorial calendar," "content hub," "content planning," "content clusters," "topic cluster strategy," "content strategy for SEO," or "content calendar." For editorial mix, use content-marketing.4---5-----|-----------|6| **Length** | 2,000-5,000+ words; comprehensive guide |7| **Keyword** | Broad head term with search volume |8| **Role** | Hub; links to all cluster articles; targets primary topic |9| **Conversion** | Link to product/feature pages where relevant |1011### Cluster Articles1213| Attribute | Guideline |14|-----------|-----------|15| **Count** | 6-12 articles per pillar (minimum 6 for authority) |16| **Length** | 800-2,500 words each; focused on one subtopic |17| **Keyword** | Long-tail, specific intent per article |18| **Links** | Each cluster links to pillar; pillar links back; related clusters link to each other |1920### Internal Linking Model2122| Link type | Purpose |23|-----------|---------|24| **Pillar to Cluster** | Hub distributes authority; users discover subtopics |25| **Cluster to Pillar** | Signals relationship; passes equity to hub |26| **Cluster to Cluster** | Related subtopics; strengthens topical coverage |2728### Structure and Content Equally Important2930**Framework and body quality both matter**: TOC, chapter logic, and content depth are all essential for SEO and UX. Weak structure undermines strong writing; weak writing undermines strong structure. Plan both from the start.3132### Why Topic Clusters Work3334- **Topical authority**: Rank for multiple variations; comprehensive coverage signals expertise35- **Avoid cannibalization**: One page per topic/keyword; no competing pages36- **Better internal linking**: Clear logic; crawlers understand structure37- **AI citations**: Clustered content gets ~42% more AI citations than standalone38- **Traffic**: ~30% more organic traffic; rankings hold ~2.5x longer3940### Implementation Steps41421. **Choose 3-7 core topics** -> business relevance, search demand, competitive opportunity432. **Map subtopics** -> People Also Ask, competitor analysis, keyword tools443. **Content audit** -> Identify existing pages that can become pillar or cluster; find gaps454. **Build clusters first** (optional) -> Cluster pages often rank first; add pillar after465. **Create pillar** -> Comprehensive guide; link to all clusters476. **Establish links** -> Pillar <-> cluster; cluster <-> cluster487. **Update quarterly** -> Maintain freshness and authority4950### Example5152- **Pillar**: "SEO Guide" (targets "SEO")53- **Clusters**: "Technical SEO," "On-Page SEO," "Link Building," "Content SEO," "Local SEO," "E-E-A-T"5455## Content Types5657| Type | Use | SEO Fit |58|------|-----|---------|59| **How-to guides** | Informational intent; high share potential | High -> matches search intent |60| **Comparisons** | Commercial intent; "X vs Y" | High |61| **List posts** | "Top 10," "Best X" | High |62| **Glossaries** | Definition queries; internal link hub | High |63| **Tools/calculators** | Linkable assets; engagement | High |64| **Case studies** | Proof; conversion support | Medium -> supports conversion |65| **Funding / PR** | Funding rounds, acquisitions | Low -> brand/PR, not search-driven |66| **Product updates** | Feature launches, release notes | Low -> internal audience |67| **News / Trending** | Industry news, hot topics | Medium -> quick spikes, short shelf life |6869### Evergreen vs Timely Content Mix7071- **Evergreen** (70-75%): Pillar guides, how-tos, comparisons, glossaries. Drives long-term traffic, backlinks, authority. Refresh every 6-12 months.72- **Timely** (25-30%): Seasonal, trending, news. Generates quick traffic, shows topical relevance. Link timely pieces into evergreen pillars.73- **Balance**: Too much evergreen = blog feels stale; too much timely = irregular traffic, constant content churn.7475## Editorial Calendar7677- Map keywords to content pieces78- Prioritize by opportunity (volume -> intent -> feasibility)79- Schedule by capacity80- Include update schedule for existing content8182## Output Format8384- **Topic cluster** map (pillar + 6-12 clusters)85- **Content calendar** (topics, keywords, deadlines)86- **Internal linking** plan87- **Update plan** for existing content8889## Related Skills9091- **content-marketing**: Content types, formats, channels, repurposing; SEO content is one channel92- **translation**: Multilingual content; translation workflow, glossary; avoid thin translations93- **seo-strategy**: SEO workflow order, Product-Led SEO, audit approach; use when planning SEO from scratch94- **website-structure**: Plan which pages to build; structure informs content clusters and pillar placement95- **keyword-research**: Keywords drive content plan96- **programmatic-seo**: Programmatic SEO for scaling pages with template + data; complements topic clusters97- **content-optimization**: Word count, H2 keywords, keyword density, multimedia, lists -> on-page content optimization98- **internal-links**: Clusters need internal linking99- **link-building**: Content strategy creates linkable assets100- **heading-structure**: Content structure uses headings
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