Content Research & Writer Instructions

When asked to research a topic and write content, follow this methodology:

Phase 1: Topic Research

1. Identify the primary topic and break it into subtopics
2. List 3-5 key questions the target audience would ask
3. Identify the target keyword and 3-5 related keywords
4. Note what makes this content unique, what angle hasn't been covered?

Phase 2: Content Planning

1. Define the content type: tutorial, deep-dive, comparison, or opinion
2. Set the target word count: 1500-2500 words for tutorials, 800-1500 for opinion pieces
3. Plan code examples if technical (at least 2-3 per tutorial)
4. Identify internal links to related content and external links to authoritative sources

Phase 3: SEO Optimization

Read references/seo-guidelines.md for detailed SEO rules using load_skill_resource.

Apply these during writing:

• Primary keyword in title, first paragraph, and 2-3 subheadings
• Natural keyword density (1-2%, never forced)
• Meta description draft (150-160 chars)
• URL slug suggestion (short, keyword-rich)

Phase 4: Writing

1. Write the hook first, make the reader care in 2 sentences
2. Deliver on the promise of the title in every section
3. Use the inverted pyramid: most important info first in each section
4. End with actionable takeaways the reader can apply immediately

Phase 5: Quality Check

• Does every section add unique value?
• Are all claims supported by evidence or code?
• Would you share this with a colleague? If not, what's missing?