/blog-article-writer

name: blog-article-writer
description: |
  Creates long-form content including blog posts, articles, guides, and thought leadership pieces.
  Uses SEO best practices, storytelling frameworks, and learns from reference materials.
  Use this skill for blog posts, articles, how-to guides, listicles, case studies, and
  any long-form written content.
allowed-tools:
  - Bash
  - Read
  - Write
  - Glob
  - Grep
  - AskUserQuestion
  - WebSearch

Blog & Article Writer Skill

> **QUICK REFERENCE** > - **Output folder**: `output/content/blogs/` > - **File naming**: `YYYY-MM-DD_topic_blog.md` > - **Sample script**: `scripts/samples/sample_blog_content.py` > - **Run with**: `.venv\Scripts\python.exe scripts/samples/sample_blog_content.py` > - **References**: Check `references/` folder for brand voice and examples before writing > - **Frameworks**: AIDA, PAS, Hook-Story-Offer (see `content-frameworks` skill) > - **Python**: ALWAYS use `.venv\Scripts\python.exe` (never bare `python`)

Creates compelling long-form content that ranks, engages, and converts.

Scope of This Skill

**This skill handles:**

• Blog posts
• How-to guides
• Listicles
• Thought leadership articles
• Case studies
• Ultimate guides
• Comparison posts
• News/trend articles
• Guest posts
• Pillar content

**NOT handled by this skill:**

• Short social posts → Use `social-media-writer`
• Email copy → Use `email-copywriter`
• Visual content → Creates written content only

Article Types & Structures

1. How-To Guide

# How to [Achieve Result] in [Timeframe]

**Hook**: [Why this matters now]

**Introduction**:
- Problem statement
- What you'll learn
- Why trust this guide

## What You'll Need / Prerequisites
- [Requirement 1]
- [Requirement 2]

## Step 1: [Action Verb + Outcome]
[Detailed instructions]
[Pro tip or warning]

## Step 2: [Action Verb + Outcome]
...

## Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. [Mistake + how to fix]
2. [Mistake + how to fix]

## Conclusion
- Summary of steps
- Next action to take
- CTA

## FAQ
[Address common questions]

2. Listicle

# [Number] [Adjective] [Things] for [Audience] in [Year]

**Hook**: [Pattern interrupt or stat]

**Introduction**:
- Why this list matters
- How it was curated
- Quick preview

## 1. [Item Name]
[Why it's on the list]
[Key benefit]
[How to use/apply]

## 2. [Item Name]
...

## Bonus: [Extra Item]

## How to Choose the Right One
[Comparison or decision framework]

## Conclusion + CTA

3. Thought Leadership

# [Bold Claim] : Why [Common Belief] Is Wrong

**Hook**: [Contrarian opening]

**Introduction**:
- The conventional wisdom
- Why it's outdated/wrong
- Your alternative view

## The Problem with [Conventional Approach]
[Evidence and examples]

## A Better Way: [Your Framework]
[Your methodology]

## Evidence This Works
[Case studies, data, testimonials]

## How to Implement
[Actionable steps]

## Conclusion
- Key shift in thinking
- Call to action

4. Case Study

# How [Client] [Achieved Result] in [Timeframe]

**Quick Stats**:
- [Key metric 1]: [Result]
- [Key metric 2]: [Result]
- [Key metric 3]: [Result]

## The Challenge
[Client's situation and problems]

## The Solution
[What was implemented]

## The Process
### Phase 1: [Name]
### Phase 2: [Name]
### Phase 3: [Name]

## The Results
[Detailed outcomes with data]

## Key Takeaways
[What readers can apply]

## Ready to [Achieve Similar Results]?
[CTA]

5. Ultimate Guide

# The Ultimate Guide to [Topic] in [Year]

**Table of Contents**
[Linked sections]

## Introduction: What is [Topic] and Why Does It Matter?

## Part 1: [Foundation/Basics]
### Chapter 1.1
### Chapter 1.2

## Part 2: [Intermediate/Strategy]
### Chapter 2.1
### Chapter 2.2

## Part 3: [Advanced/Tactics]
### Chapter 3.1
### Chapter 3.2

## Part 4: [Tools & Resources]

## Conclusion: Your [Topic] Action Plan

## FAQ

SEO Best Practices

On-Page Elements

| Element | Best Practice | |---------|--------------| | Title | 55-60 chars, keyword near front | | Meta Description | 150-160 chars, include CTA | | H1 | One per page, includes keyword | | H2/H3 | Include secondary keywords | | URL | Short, includes primary keyword | | First 100 Words | Include primary keyword naturally | | Images | Alt text with keywords | | Internal Links | 2-5 to relevant content | | External Links | 1-3 to authoritative sources |

Keyword Integration

• **Primary keyword**: In title, H1, first paragraph, conclusion
• **Secondary keywords**: In H2s, throughout body
• **LSI keywords**: Related terms, synonyms
• **Natural density**: Write for humans first

Content Length Guidelines

| Article Type | Optimal Length | |-------------|---------------| | News/Updates | 300-500 words | | Standard Blog | 1,000-1,500 words | | How-To Guide | 1,500-2,500 words | | Ultimate Guide | 3,000-7,000 words | | Pillar Content | 5,000-10,000 words |

3-Mode Workflow

MODE 1: PLAN

1. **Understand Content Goals**

   - Topic and angle
   - Target audience
   - SEO keywords (if any)
   - Content type/format
   - Desired length
   - Publication context

2. **Research & References**

   # Check existing content on topic
   ls references/examples/blogs/

   # Analyze successful articles
   python scripts/content/analyze_articles.py \
     --folder references/examples/blogs/ \
     --output output/analysis/article_patterns.json

   # Web research for current info
   # Use WebSearch tool for latest data

3. **Create Outline**

   python scripts/content/generate_blog_outline.py \
     --topic "Content Marketing" \
     --type how-to \
     --keywords "content marketing, strategy, ROI" \
     --output output/content/blogs/

4. **Document Plan**

   ## Article Plan

   ### Topic
   [Main subject]

   ### Angle
   [Unique perspective/hook]

   ### Type
   [How-to/Listicle/Thought Leadership/etc.]

   ### Target Keywords
   - Primary: [k