/tools

name: tools-page-generator
description: When the user wants to create, optimize, or audit free tools pages. Also use when the user mentions "free tools," "tools page," "toolkit," "free [X] tool," "free [X] calculator," "free [X] checker," "lead magnet tool," "programmatic tools," or "tools hub." For content strategy, use content-strategy.
metadata:
  version: 1.0.2

Pages: Tools (Free Tools)

Guides free tools pages that drive traffic and lead generation for the main product. **Tools are free, standalone utilities** — not the primary monetization. They serve the same ICP as the paid product, are often extracted mini-features from the full product (low dev effort), and typically scale via programmatic SEO. Distinct from features (paid capabilities) and resources (content hub).

**When invoking**: On **first use**, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

Initial Assessment

**Check for project context first:** If `.claude/project-context.md` or `.cursor/project-context.md` exists, read it for product, ICP, and conversion goals.

Identify: 1. **Tool types**: Calculators, checkers, converters, generators (see Tool Types below) 2. **ICP alignment**: Same audience as paid product; tools solve related problems 3. **Format**: Single tool page vs. toolkit hub + per-tool pages 4. **Gate strategy**: No signup (max traffic) vs. email gate (lead capture) vs. usage limits (taste → upgrade) 5. **Tech**: Often SPA (single-page application); lightweight, fast load

Tools vs Features

| Dimension | Tools | Features | |----------|-------|----------| | **Monetization** | Free; not primary revenue | Paid product capabilities | | **Purpose** | Lead gen, traffic, trust | Conversion, evaluation | | **Content** | Standalone utility; excerpt from product | Full product capability list | | **Scale** | Many tools; programmatic keywords | Fewer, curated | | **Format** | Often SPA; toolkit hub | Benefit-led grid/list | | **User intent** | "I need to do X now" (task) | "What can this product do?" (evaluation) |

Tool Page Structure

| Section | Purpose | |---------|---------| | **Headline** | Task-focused; "Free [X] Checker" or "Calculate [Y] in Seconds" | | **Tool UI** | Input → process → output; minimal friction | | **Instructions** | 1–3 steps; "Enter URL → Click Analyze → Get Results" | | **Tool description** | What it does, who it's for; SEO content | | **FAQ** | Tool-specific: "What is [X]?", "How is [Y] calculated?" | | **CTA** | "Get full access" / "Try [Product] free" — link to main product | | **Related tools** | Internal links to other tools in toolkit |

Toolkit Hub Page Structure

| Section | Purpose | |---------|---------| | **Headline** | "Free [Category] Tools" or "Free Tools to [Outcome]" | | **Category tabs/sections** | e.g., SEO Tools, AI Writing Tools, Local SEO (Semrush pattern) | | **Tool cards** | Name, one-line benefit, CTA to tool page | | **How to use** | Short ordered procedure (often 3 steps for hubs); e.g. Choose tool → Enter info → Get results. Section **H2** per **howto-section-generator**—prefer outcome/tool-led (“How to use these tools”) or “In *N* steps …” **only** when *N* matches the visible steps | | **CTA** | "Access 50+ tools with free account" | | **Social proof** | Logos, "Trusted by X brands" |

Tool Types (Common Patterns)

| Type | Examples | Programmatic potential | |------|----------|-------------------------| | **Calculators** | ROI, LTV, loan, salary, carbon footprint | "[X] calculator" keywords | | **Checkers** | SEO, backlink, plagiarism, grammar, keyword rank | "[X] checker" keywords | | **Converters** | Unit, currency, file format, encoding | "[X] to [Y] converter" | | **Generators** | Sitemap, meta tags, FAQ schema, titles | "[X] generator" keywords | | **Analyzers** | Content, readability, sentiment | "[X] analyzer" keywords |

Best Practices

Lead Gen Focus

• **Taste of product**: Tool delivers instant value; CTA offers "more" (full product, higher limits)
• **No signup preferred** for top-of-funnel; email gate or limits for bottom-of-funnel tools
• **Usage limits**: e.g., 3 checks/day free → upgrade for unlimited (Semrush, Ahrefs pattern)

Same ICP, Lower Friction

• **Extract from product**: One capability from full product; low dev cost
• **Same keywords**: Tools rank for "[X] tool" while product ranks for "[X] software"
• **Bridge**: Tool users → trial signup when they hit limits or need more

Programmatic SEO

• **Keyword patterns**: "[keyword] checker," "[city] [tool]," "[X] calculator" — template + data
• **Scale**: Many tools; each targets long-tail; see **programmatic-seo**
• **Template**: Same structure per tool; unique input/output, FAQ, meta

Technical

• **SPA-friendly**: Single page, client-side processing; fast load
• **Schema**: SoftwareApplication, HowTo for tool pages
• **Mobile-first**: Tools often used on-the-go

URL Structure

| Pattern | Example | |---------|---------| | **Hub** | /tools, /free-tools | | **Category** | /free-tools/seo, /tools/calculators | | **Per tool** | /free-tools/seo-checker, /tools/roi-calculator |

SEO

• **Intent**: Informational + Transactional (task completion)
• **Title**: "Free [X] Tool \| [Product]" or "[X] Checker — No Signup"
• **Programmatic**: Template + keyword/data; avoid thin content; each tool adds unique value

Output Format

• **Tool list** (types, names, keywords)
• **Toolkit hub structure** (if multiple tools)
• **Per-tool page structure** (sections, CTA placement)
• **Gate strategy** (no signup vs email vs limits)
• **Internal linking** (hub ↔ tools, tools ↔ product)
• **Programmatic template** (if scaling)
• **SEO** metadata

Related Skills

• **card**: Tool card structure; name, benefit, CTA; grid layout for toolkit hub
• **grid**: Toolkit hub grid layout; responsive columns
• **features