SEO Content Writer

Based on O-CMO Blog Writing & AI Copywriting Framework

OVERVIEW

This skill guides Claude through a complete AI-assisted workflow for creating long-form SEO content (2,000+ words). It integrates prompt engineering frameworks, E-E-A-T quality standards, JTBD-based content strategy, and the O-CMO brand writing framework.

Core philosophy:

• Every article starts with a Job-to-Be-Done (JTBD) — not a keyword
• People-first content that demonstrates first-hand experience and expertise
• Treat AI like a smart intern: smaller content units → more control → better quality
• Build iteratively: concept → outline → section → full article

PHASE 0: STRATEGY FOUNDATION

0.1 — Define the JTBD Before Anything Else

Every article — new or optimized — starts with a Job-to-Be-Done statement:

"When [situation], I want to [motivation], so I can [desired outcome]."

Legend:

• When [situation] = the context the reader is in → "When I'm comparing vendors…"
• I want to [motivation] = what they're looking for → "…I want to understand how each one delivers…"
• So I can [desired outcome] = the real reason behind the search → "…so I can avoid delays and explain my choice to the team."

Examples:

• When I realize our current marketing automation platform isn't working anymore, I want to understand what's involved in switching tools, so I can avoid data loss, downtime, and adoption issues.
• When we're planning the next lifecycle marketing phase, I want to evaluate whether gamification would improve retention, so I can present a clear case to the growth team.

Rule: One JTBD per article. Don't try to serve every ICP in one piece.

0.2 — E-E-A-T Alignment Check

Before writing, confirm the content plan passes Google's E-E-A-T framework (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness):

The three Google questions to ask about every article:

• Who created it? → Is authorship clear? Does it have a byline?
• How was it created? → Is the process transparent (including AI use)?
• Why was it created? → Is it primarily for readers, not for search rankings?

Content quality self-check:

• Does it provide original information, reporting, or analysis?
• Does it go beyond the obvious?
• Would you bookmark, share, or recommend this?
• Does it leave the reader feeling they've learned enough to act?
• Is every major claim supported by a primary source?

0.3 — Prompt Engineering Setup

Choose the right framework for each task:

C.O.A.S.T. — For all prompts

• C – Context: what you're doing and for whom
• O – Objective: exactly what you want
• A – Audience: who will read it
• S – Style / Voice: tone, paste voice guardrails
• T – Task details: word count, structure, required data

C.O.R.E. — AI task setup

• C – Context; O – Objective; R – Requirements; E – End use

C.R.E.A.T.E. — Content generation

• C – Command; R – Role (e.g., "expert SaaS copywriter"); E – Examples; A – Audience; T – Tone; E – Extras (word count, CTA style)

R.I.S.E.N. — Research

• R – Relevant data; I – Interesting/contrarian viewpoints; S – Sources; E – Engagement triggers; N – Narratives/emerging trends

Prompt structure rules:

• Use XML tags or ## headings to separate sections of long prompts
• Use [PLACEHOLDER] in CAPS for reusable variables
• One minimum content unit per prompt — never ask for the full article at once
• Ask for 3 options before committing: concept → approve → expand
• Use "step by step" when AI reasoning is unclear
• One example → AI copies structure. Three+ examples → AI extracts patterns

PHASE 1: RESEARCH & STRATEGY (30 min)

Step 1.1 — Voice DNA Extraction (one-time setup)

Upload 3–5 of your best articles and prompt:

Analyze these writing samples and create my "Voice DNA":
1. Tone descriptors (8–10 specific adjectives)
2. Sentence structure patterns (average length, variety)
3. Vocabulary level and word choices
4. Paragraph rhythm and flow
5. Common transitional phrases
6. How I handle examples and analogies
7. My approach to hooks and conclusions
Output a detailed style guide I can paste into every future prompt.

Step 1.2 — Voice Guardrails Template (save and reuse)

VOICE GUARDRAILS

DO:
- [Your tone requirements]
- [Sentence structure preferences]
- [Vocabulary style]

DON'T:
- [Words/phrases to avoid: "just", "delve", "enhance", "game-changing"]
- [Structural patterns to avoid: em-dash overuse, passive voice, generic corporate openers]
- [Formatting to avoid: lists of "Bold term: description" pairs — very AI-looking]

DO NOT START WITH:
- Proverbs, sayings, or "everyone knows that…"
- Generalizations: "every marketer has…", "all founders…"
- Direct questions to the reader: "Have you ever noticed…"
- Quotes from classics or famous people

VOICE EXAMPLES:
Instead of: "[Bad example]"
Write: "[Good example]"

Session warm-up prompt:

Before writing, review my voice guardrails: [paste guardrails]
After writing, self-check:
1. Does this sound like me?
2. Are sentence lengths varied and consistent with my style?
3. Have I avoided my "don't" list?
If not, revise before showing me output.

Step 1.3 — Topic Research (5 min) — Perplexity

Research [TOPIC] and provide:
1. 5 recent statistics or data points (2024–2025)
2. 3 trending subtopics people are currently discussing
3. 2 contrarian or surprising viewpoints
4. Top pain points your audience faces with this topic
5. 3 credible sources for each point
Format as: Fact | Source | Why it matters

Warning: Always verify sources manually. AI often references outdated or renamed products.

Step 1.4 — Competitive Analysis (5 min) — ChatGPT

Find 5 popular articles about [TOPIC] published in the last 6 months.
For each article, analyze:
- Main angle/approach taken
- Key points covered
- What's missing or could be improved
- Word count and structure
- Engagement elements (hooks, examples, CTAs)
I want to create something better and more comprehensive.

Step 1.5 — GSC Integration (for optimization tasks)

When optimizing an existing article:

1. Open Google Search Console → Performance → Search results
2. Filter by the live URL
3. Check Search Queries for: what's already ranking, what gets impressions without clicks, what's missing

Use findings to:

• Prioritize queries already getting impressions
• Integrate them naturally into subheadings and intro text
• Fill gaps by adding sections that address uncovered queries
• Improve relevance by matching the intent (informational, comparative, how-to)

Step 1.6 — Audience Research (5 min)

I'm writing about [TOPIC] for [TARGET AUDIENCE].
Create a detailed reader profile:
- Current knowledge level about this topic
- Biggest frustrations/pain points
- Questions they ask but can't find answers to
- Preferred language/tone style
- What would make them share this content

Step 1.7 — Angle Selection (5 min)

Based on this research: [PASTE ALL RESEARCH]
Generate 10 unique angles for a [WORD COUNT]-word article about [TOPIC]:
1. The contrarian take
2. The data-driven approach
3. The case study method
4. The step-by-step guide
5. The trend analysis
6. The beginner's deep-dive
7. The expert interview
8. The problem-solution format
9. The myth-busting approach
10. The future prediction
For each angle, write a compelling one-sentence hook.

Step 1.8 — Research Master Brief

Organize all research into a master brief:
CHOSEN ANGLE: [Selected above]
JTBD: [Your JTBD statement]
KEY STATISTICS: [Top 3–5 data points]
CONTRARIAN ELEMENTS: [Surprising viewpoints]
AUDIENCE PAIN POINTS: [Top 3 problems to address]
COMPETITIVE GAPS: [What others missed]
CREDIBLE SOURCES: [All sources organized by section]

PHASE 2: STRATEGIC OUTLINE (30 min)

Step 2.1 — Master Outline

Create a detailed outline for a [WORD COUNT]-word article.
TOPIC: [Topic]
JTBD: [Your JTBD statement]
ANGLE: [Chosen angle]
TARGET AUDIENCE: [Audience]
RESEARCH BRIEF: [Paste master brief]

STRUCTURE:

HOOK (150 words)
- Opening: [specific statistic or unexpected fact]
- Context: why this matters now
- Promise: what readers will gain
- Transition to introduction

INTRODUCTION (300 words)
- Problem statement (audience pain point matching the JTBD)
- Your unique angle
- Article roadmap
- Transition to Section 1

SECTION 1: [Title] (500 words)
- Core argument
- Supporting evidence [which research to use]
- Concrete example or case study (from real experience, anonymized if needed)
- Reader application
- Transition

[Repeat for Sections 2–4]

CONCLUSION (150 words)
- Synthesize key insights (elevate, don't repeat)
- Why this matters for the reader
- One immediate action step
- Forward-looking close

FOR EACH SECTION SPECIFY:
- Exact talking points (3–4 bullets)
- Which research/data to include
- Type of example needed (client case, quote, testimonial, internal framework)
- Suggested subheadings

Word count guidance: Check Ahrefs for competitor article length — never rely on AI word count estimates.

Step 2.2 — Outline Optimization

Review this outline and optimize:
1. Logical flow — does argument build properly?
2. Word distribution across sections
3. Content variety — no two sections with the same structure
4. Hook delivery — does the opening earn the reader's time?
5. Evidence balance — every claim has support

Provide: 3 specific improvements + rewrite any weak sections.

PHASE 3: SECTION-BY-SECTION DRAFT (60 min)

Golden rule: One section at a time. The smaller the content unit, the more control you have.

Step 3.1 — Hook + Introduction (15 min)

Write the hook and introduction (~450 words).
OUTLINE: [Paste hook + intro]
JTBD: [Your JTBD statement — the reader should recognize their situation from line one]
RESEARCH TO USE: [Paste relevant data]
VOICE GUARDRAILS: [Paste guardrails]

REQUIREMENTS:
- Start with the compelling statistic/unexpected fact
- Establish why this matters to this specific reader
- Include brief preview of what they'll learn
- Include target keyword in first or second paragraph
- End with smooth transition to Section 1
- Paragraphs max 3–4 sentences
- No proverbs, no "everyone knows", no direct questions to the reader

Step 3.2 — Main Sections (10 min each)

Write Section [N]: [TITLE] ([WORD COUNT] words)
OUTLINE: [Paste section details]
RESEARCH TO INCLUDE: [Paste relevant data/examples]
VOICE GUARDRAILS: [Paste]

STRUCTURE:
1. Opening hook connecting to previous section
2. Main argument with supporting evidence
3. Concrete example — prioritize: client case (anonymized), quote from interview, internal framework, credible external data
4. Practical application for readers
5. Smooth transition to next section

FORMATTING:
- Short paragraphs (3–4 sentences max)
- Use bullet points for lists of 3+ items
- Bold key concepts when it adds emphasis — don't overuse
- Use subheadings if section exceeds ~300 words
- Sentence case for H3 subheadings
- [WORD COUNT] words exactly

Step 3.3 — Conclusion (5 min)

Write conclusion ([WORD COUNT] words).
KEY INSIGHTS TO SYNTHESIZE: [List]
VOICE GUARDRAILS: [Paste]
CTA DIRECTION: [What do you want readers to do next?]

STRUCTURE:
1. Synthesize (don't repeat — elevate the insight)
2. Reinforce why it matters for this reader
3. One specific immediate action
4. Forward-looking close

Step 3.4 — Section Transitions

I need a smooth transition between these sections.
FROM: [Section N title — last sentence]
TO: [Section N+1 title — first idea]
TONE: [your tone]

Provide 3 options:
1. Question transition
2. Summary-to-preview bridge
3. Problem-to-solution transition

Emergency Fixes

Stuck on a section:

I'm struggling with [SECTION]. Outline says: [paste]
Give me 3 approaches:
1. Story-led: start with a narrative or case study
2. Data-heavy: lead with statistics
3. Step-by-step: break into numbered actions
Write opening paragraph for each so I can choose.

Word count off:

Section is [too long / too short]. Current: [N] words. Target: [N].
[If too long]: Cut to exactly [N] while keeping all key points.
[If too short]: Expand to [N] by adding [examples / data / reader application].
[PASTE SECTION]

PHASE 4: EDITING (60 min)

Priority order: Repetition → Logic flow → Tone → SEO technical

Layer 1 — Content & Structure (15 min)

Review first draft for structural issues.
ANALYZE:
1. Repetitive content across sections (biggest AI problem — check first)
2. Logical flow — does argument build from general to specific?
3. Content gaps vs the outline
4. Pacing — where does engagement drop?
5. Transitions — are they smooth?
Provide specific fixes for each issue.
[PASTE DRAFT]

Layer 2 — Fact-Checking & Credibility (15 min)

Fact-check this article.
FLAG:
1. Statistics (with suggested verification method)
2. Claims that need sourcing
3. Dates and versions
4. Technical terms
5. Attribution issues
For each: flag it + suggest primary source to verify.
[PASTE ARTICLE]

Manual checks required:

• All sources ≤5 years old
• No competitor blogs, statistics compilations, or unauthored posts as sources
• No renamed/outdated tools cited

Layer 3 — Readability (15 min)

Optimize for readability.
FIX:
1. Long sentences → rewrite as shorter
2. Dense paragraphs → break up (max 3–4 sentences)
3. Weak transitions
4. Missing subheadings in long sections
5. Passive voice
Provide specific edits.
[PASTE ARTICLE]

Layer 4 — Voice Consistency (15 min)

Final polish for voice consistency.
VOICE GUARDRAILS: [Paste]

CHECK:
1. Tone consistency across all sections
2. Sentence structure matches style
3. Vocabulary level appropriate throughout
4. Bold/emphasis used sparingly and meaningfully
5. No Corporate Memphis content: no generic stock-image descriptions, no "innovative solutions", no "holistic approach"

ENGAGEMENT:
1. Weak openings in any section
2. Concepts that need an analogy
3. Claims missing examples
[PASTE ARTICLE]

Layer 5 — Humanize (when needed)

Make this AI-written section feel more human.
TEXT: [Paste section]
AUDIENCE: [Target audience]
TONE: [Your tone]

1. Identify what feels generic, cliché, or flat
2. For each: explain why + suggest improvement
3. Identify one sentence that needs a metaphor or analogy
4. Output a humanizing checklist (5 items)
5. Suggest 3 voice techniques to apply

Manual catch list:

• Em-dash overuse → replace with colon, comma, or period
• "Bold term: description" list pattern → rewrite as prose or varied bullets
• Phrases to remove: "just", "delve", "enhance", "leverage", "game-changing", "innovative", "seamless", "holistic"
• Repetition between sections → cut or reframe
• Passive voice → find subject and make it active

PHASE 5: SEO & PUBLISHING

Headline Generation

Use these formula categories based on content angle (from Chris Garrett's 102 Formulas):

Get What You Want (value/benefit angle):

• "How to Get [RESULT] in Half the Time"
• "5 Ways to Boost Your [METRIC] Without Spending More [RESOURCE]"
• "Who Else Wants to [ACHIEVE GOAL]?"

Problems & Fears (pain-point angle):

• "Get Rid of Your [PROBLEM] Once and For All"
• "[TOPIC] Do's and Don'ts"
• "What Your [SOURCE] Is Not Telling You About [TOPIC]"

Fact, Fiction, Secrets (insight/authority angle):

• "What Everyone Ought to Know about [TOPIC]"
• "The Real Truth About [TOPIC]"
• "21 Secrets the [NICHE] Experts Don't Want You to Know"
• "Little Known Ways to [ACHIEVE GOAL]"

How-To (step-by-step angle):

• "How to [ACTION] Like a [ROLE MODEL]"
• "Here Is a Method That Is Helping [AUDIENCE] to [RESULT]"
• "[TOPIC] Like an Expert in 10 Easy Steps"

Crystal Ball (trends/future angle):

• "How [TOPIC] Will Impact [INDUSTRY] in [YEAR]"
• "The Modern Rules of [TOPIC]"
• "40 Predictions on the Future of [TOPIC]"

Title generation prompt:

Generate 20 title options for a blog post about "[TOPIC]" for "[AUDIENCE]".
PRIMARY KEYWORD: [keyword]
CONTENT ANGLE: [how-to / listicle / case study / opinion]

Categories:
- Curiosity-driven (5)
- Benefit-focused (5)
- Problem-solution (5)
- Authority/credibility (5)

Requirements:
- 60–100 characters (for SEO title) or 50–60 for H1
- Include primary keyword naturally
- Title Case (AP style)
- No clickbait
- For each: title + why it works + SEO strength (1–10)

Check with: capitalizemytitle.com (AP style) + highervisibility.com SERP snippet optimizer

Meta Title & Description

Write meta title and meta description.
ARTICLE TITLE: [Your H1]
PRIMARY KEYWORD: [keyword]
ARTICLE SUMMARY: [2 sentences]

REQUIREMENTS:
- Meta title: 60–100 characters, keyword included
- Meta description: up to 160 characters, 1–2 keywords, creates curiosity or urgency

Deliver 3 options per field.

Keyword Placement

Place these keywords in the article.
PRIMARY: [keyword] → H1, first 100 words after H1, H2 twice max (1–2 total uses)
SECONDARY: [keywords] → body text, subheadings where natural

Rules:
- Show me exact placement with surrounding sentence
- Highlight integrated keywords in [BRACKETS] for review
- List any keywords not integrated + reason why
- No keyword stuffing — max 1–2 primary uses per 500 words

CTA Strategy

Plan CTAs for this article.
ARTICLE: [Paste]
PRIMARY CTA: [email signup / product page / case study / demo]
FUNNEL STAGE: [awareness / consideration / decision]

Identify:
- 3 high-impact CTA locations (with surrounding text quote)
- Reader mindset at each location
- CTA copy + lead-in sentence for each
- 2–3 micro-CTAs within the content

Rules:
- CTAs must be a bridge between what was said before and the next idea
- They work best after proof points (cases, quotes, data)
- End of article: CTA banner/snippet with 2 short phrases + button text (required)
- Cross-reference related articles with "Read more: [Full Article Title]" anchor links

Visuals Brief

Plan visuals for this article.
ARTICLE: [Paste]

For each visual, specify:
- Visual type: infographic / chart / table / screenshot / custom illustration
- Placement (after which paragraph/subheading)
- Purpose (what concept it illustrates)
- Description for designer (what it should show)
- Alt text (include keyword where natural)

Rules:
- No generic Corporate Memphis stock images
- Prefer: infographics, charts, data tables, UI screenshots with source link
- Images must add informative value, not decor
- Compress to max 200KB before publishing

Convert to Newsletter

Convert this blog post into an email newsletter.
BLOG TITLE: [title]
AUDIENCE: [email segment]
PRIMARY CTA: [link + CTA text]
TONE: [conversational / professional]
BLOG CONTENT: [paste or summarize]

Deliver:
- 3 subject line options
- Intro paragraph (hook-driven, 3–4 sentences)
- 2–3 key takeaways
- CTA with button copy
- Optional PS line

APPENDIX A: WRITER'S CHECKLIST

Pre-publish verification:

Content:

• JTBD is clear — reader recognizes their situation from line one
• Every major claim has a primary source (no aggregators, no >5-year-old sources)
• Article provides unique insight, not just a summary of what others say
• Examples present: client case / quote / internal framework / verified data
• No repetition between sections
• Logical flow: general → specific or problem → solution

Formatting:

• H1 = file name; H1 and H2 in Title Case (AP style); H3 in sentence case
• No H4 or deeper headings
• Paragraphs max 3–4 sentences
• Short paragraphs, bullet points used for lists of 3+ items
• Bold used for emphasis, not decoration

SEO:

• Target keyword in H1, first 100 words, H2 twice
• All keywords highlighted and reviewed
• Meta title: 60–100 characters with keyword
• Meta description: up to 160 characters with 1–2 keywords
• Internal links to related articles (anchor text or "Read more: [title]")
• CTA banner/snippet at end of article

E-E-A-T signals:

• Byline / author attribution visible
• Sources cited and linked (primary sources only)
• American English, proofread manually + Grammarly
• Images have alt-text with keyword, compressed to max 200KB

APPENDIX B: HEADLINE FORMULA REFERENCE

102 fill-in-the-blank headline templates (use as a trigger for AI generation):

Benefits: "How to Get [RESULT] in Half the Time" | "5 Ways to [DO X] and Profit" | "Who Else Wants to [GOAL]?"

Problems: "[TOPIC] Do's and Don'ts" | "Get Rid of [PROBLEM] Once and For All" | "What [SOURCE] Is Not Telling You About [TOPIC]"

Secrets: "What Everyone Ought to Know About [TOPIC]" | "The Real Truth About [TOPIC]" | "Little Known Ways to [DO X]"

How-To: "How to [ACTION] Like a [EXPERT]" | "[TOPIC] Like an Expert in 10 Easy Steps" | "Here's a Quick Way to [DO X]"

Trends: "How [X] Will Impact [INDUSTRY] in [YEAR]" | "The Modern Rules of [TOPIC]"

Best/Worst: "5 Reasons [X] Is Better Than [Y]" | "The World's Worst [TOPIC] Advice"

APPENDIX C: TOOLS STACK

APPENDIX D: QUICK DIAGNOSTIC

SEO Content Writer Skill v3.0 — O-CMO project Sources: O-CMO Blog Writing & AI Copywriting Framework · E-E-A-T Guidelines (Google) · Creating Helpful Content (Google Search Central) · 102 Headline Formulas (Chris Garrett)