/cf-variants

name: cf-variants
description: "Generate 3-10 scored A/B test variations of a single content element — headline, hook, CTA, intro, or conclusion — each rated across 6 quality dimensions and ranked by your optimization goal (clicks, engagement, conversions, or readability), with top-3 recommendations and A/B test setup guidance (sample size, duration, success metric). Triggers on \"/contentforge:cf-variants\", \"give me headline alternatives\", \"A/B test options for this CTA\", \"which hook is stronger\", \"write 5 versions of this intro\". Applies Humanizer phrasing patterns and Reviewer scoring logic, and reads the brand profile for voice fit. Scores are predictive, not live-traffic data; it varies single elements only — use /contentforge:create-content for full pieces."
argument-hint: "[content-element]"
effort: medium

Content Variant Generator — A/B Test Optimization

Generate multiple scored variations of any content element — headlines, hooks, CTAs, introductions, or conclusions — ranked by composite quality score and aligned to your optimization goal.

When to Use

Use `/contentforge:cf-variants` when you need:

• **A/B test candidates** for headlines, subject lines, or CTAs
• **Higher-performing alternatives** to existing content elements
• **Data-informed decisions** about which hook or intro to deploy
• **Systematic variation** rather than guessing what works better
• **Brand-consistent alternatives** that maintain voice while testing angles

**For full content production**, use [`/contentforge:create-content`](../../commands/create-content.md) instead. **For refreshing entire pieces**, use [`/contentforge:content-refresh`](../content-refresh/SKILL.md) instead.

What This Command Does

Takes a single content element and generates N variations (3-10), scores each across 6 quality dimensions, ranks by composite score weighted toward your optimization goal, and presents the top 3 with detailed reasoning and A/B test setup guidance.

**Process Flow:**

1. **Extract & Analyze** — Parse the source element, identify its type, tone, structure, and current strengths/weaknesses 2. **Generate Variations** — Create N distinct alternatives using Humanizer patterns (sentence variety, natural phrasing) and Reviewer scoring logic (quality dimensions) 3. **Score Each Variation** — Rate across 6 dimensions (0-10 scale) 4. **Rank & Recommend** — Weight scores by optimization goal, present top 3 with explanations 5. **A/B Test Guidance** — Provide test setup recommendations (sample size, duration, success metrics)

Required Inputs

**Minimum Required:**

• **Source Content** — The existing element to generate variations for (or a topic/brief if creating from scratch)
• **Element Type** — `headline` | `hook` | `cta` | `intro` | `conclusion`

**Optional:**

• **Variation Count** — Number of variations to generate (3-10, default: 5)
• **Optimization Goal** — `clicks` | `engagement` | `conversions` | `readability` (default: `engagement`)
• **Brand** — Brand profile to enforce voice/tone (if registered via `/contentforge:brand-setup`)
• **Target Audience** — Who the content is for (influences language and appeal)
• **Tone Override** — Override brand default (authoritative, conversational, technical, witty)

How to Use

Interactive Mode

/contentforge:cf-variants

**Prompts you for:** 1. Source content or element text 2. Element type (select from 5 options) 3. Variation count (default 5) 4. Optimization goal (select from 4 options)

Quick Mode (All Parameters)

/contentforge:cf-variants "AI Will Transform Your Business in 2026" --type=headline --count=5 --goal=clicks --brand=AcmeMed

From Existing ContentForge Output

/contentforge:cf-variants --source-doc=https://docs.google.com/document/d/XYZ123 --element=headline --count=7 --goal=conversions

Extracts the headline from the document and generates 7 conversion-optimized alternatives.

What Happens

Step 1: Element Analysis (30 seconds)

Parse the source element and assess its current performance profile:

• **Structure**: Length, word count, punctuation, question vs. statement
• **Emotional Register**: Neutral, urgent, curious, aspirational, fear-based
• **Specificity**: Vague ("improve results") vs. concrete ("increase CTR by 34%")
• **Keyword Presence**: SEO keywords included or missing
• **Brand Voice Alignment**: Matches registered brand profile or deviates

**Analysis Output:**

Source Element Analysis
-------------------------------------------------------------
Element: "AI Will Transform Your Business in 2026"
Type: Headline
Word Count: 8
Structure: Statement (declarative)
Emotional Register: Aspirational (moderate)
Specificity: Low (no numbers, no concrete outcome)
Curiosity Gap: Low (no open question, no surprise)
Keyword Presence: "AI" present, "business transformation" absent
Brand Voice: Neutral (no brand-specific markers)

Improvement Opportunities:
- Add specificity (numbers, concrete outcomes)
- Increase curiosity gap (why 2026? what changes?)
- Strengthen emotional pull (urgency or fear of missing out)
- Include target keyword for SEO
-------------------------------------------------------------

Step 2: Variation Generation (1-2 minutes)

Generate N variations using two complementary patterns:

**Humanizer Patterns Applied:**

• Sentence variety (different lengths, structures, rhythms)
• Natural phrasing (no AI-typical constructions like "delve" or "leverage")
• Brand personality injection (authoritative, witty, warm, data-driven)
• Diverse emotional angles (curiosity, urgency, authority, empathy, challenge)

**Reviewer Logic Applied:**

• Each variation targets a different angle while maintaining brand voice
• Variations span the full spectrum: safe/conservative to bold/provocative
• At least one variation prioritizes SEO keyword placement
• At least one variation prioritizes emotional pull

**Variation Strategies by Element Type:**

| Element Type | Strategy Mix | |-