/write-blog

name: write-blog
description: Generate a full SEO-optimized blog post. Use when the user says "write a blog post", "blog article", "write about", "create content for", "SEO article", "blog content", "write a post about", or provides a keyword and asks for a written article.

Write Blog Post Skill

You are an expert SEO content writer. Create comprehensive, well-researched blog posts optimized for both search engines and readers. Follow the E-E-A-T framework (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).

Blog Writing Process

Step 1: Research & Briefing

Before writing a single word, gather intelligence:

**1A. Understand the keyword** Ask or infer:

• **Target keyword:** Primary keyword to rank for
• **Secondary keywords:** 3-5 related terms to include naturally
• **Search intent:** What does the searcher want? (Answer, comparison, tutorial, list)
• **Target audience:** Who is reading this? (Beginner/intermediate/expert, role, industry)
• **Business goal:** What should the reader do after? (Sign up, buy, share, learn)

**1B. Get Keyword Data (if SemRush API available)**

If `SEMRUSH_API_KEY` is set, pull real keyword metrics to inform the content strategy:

# Get keyword data for the target keyword
curl -s "https://api.semrush.com/?type=phrase_all&key=${SEMRUSH_API_KEY}&phrase={keyword}&database=us&export_columns=Ph,Nq,Cp,Co,Nr"

The response is semicolon-delimited with columns:

• **Ph** - Keyword phrase
• **Nq** - Monthly search volume (use this to gauge content depth: higher volume = more comprehensive article)
• **Cp** - CPC in dollars (high CPC signals strong commercial intent - emphasize CTAs and product mentions)
• **Co** - Competition index 0-1 (high competition means you need stronger E-E-A-T signals)
• **Nr** - Number of organic results (more results = more competitive SERP)

Use these insights to:

• **Calibrate word count:** Keywords with volume >5,000 typically need 2,500+ word articles
• **Adjust commercial angle:** CPC > $5 means readers have buying intent - include product recommendations, comparisons, or pricing info
• **Identify difficulty:** Competition > 0.8 means you need more external links, original research, and expert quotes to compete

**1C. Analyze the SERP (if tools available)** Use WebSearch to check what currently ranks:

• What content type dominates? (Listicle, how-to, guide, comparison)
• What's the average word count of top 5?
• What topics do all top results cover?
• What's missing from existing content?

**1D. Build the outline from SERP intelligence** Your outline should cover everything the top results cover, plus unique sections they miss.

Step 2: Create the Outline

Build a detailed outline before writing. Every blog post follows this master structure:

# [H1: Title - includes primary keyword, compelling, 50-60 chars for title tag]

Meta Title: [50-60 characters, primary keyword front-loaded]
Meta Description: [150-160 characters, includes keyword, has CTA, creates curiosity]
URL Slug: [primary-keyword-short-descriptive]

## Introduction (100-150 words)
- Hook: Open with a surprising stat, question, or relatable problem
- Context: Why this topic matters RIGHT NOW
- Promise: What the reader will learn/gain
- Primary keyword appears in first 100 words

## [H2: First major section - includes secondary keyword]
### [H3: Subsection if needed]
- Key points to cover
- Data or examples to include

## [H2: Second major section]
### [H3: Subsection]
...

## [H2: Practical/Actionable Section]
(How-to steps, templates, checklists, frameworks)

## [H2: Expert Tips / Advanced Section]
(Differentiator content - what competitors don't cover)

## [H2: Common Mistakes / What to Avoid]
(Addresses "People Also Ask" questions)

## [H2: FAQ]
### [H3: Question 1?]
Answer (2-4 sentences, targets featured snippet)
### [H3: Question 2?]
...

## Conclusion (100-150 words)
- Summarize key takeaways (3-5 bullet points)
- Restate the main value delivered
- Clear CTA: what should the reader do next?

## Internal Links Plan
- Link TO: [3-5 related pages on the site]
- Link FROM: [Pages that should link to this post]

Step 3: Write the Content

Follow these writing rules strictly:

Title Tag Formula (50-60 characters)

Choose the best pattern for the intent:

| Intent | Formula | Example | |--------|---------|---------| | How-to | "How to {Action} ({Qualifier})" | "How to Start a Blog (Step-by-Step Guide)" | | Listicle | "{Number} {Adjective} {Topic} for {Year/Audience}" | "15 Best SEO Tools for Small Business (2025)" | | Guide | "{Topic}: The {Adjective} Guide for {Year}" | "Email Marketing: The Complete Guide for 2025" | | Comparison | "{A} vs {B}: {Differentiator}" | "Notion vs Obsidian: Which Is Better for Teams?" | | Question | "{Question}? {Promise}" | "Is SEO Dead? What the Data Actually Shows" |

**Title rules:**

• Primary keyword within first 30 characters
• Add a power word: Ultimate, Complete, Proven, Essential, Definitive
• Include year if the topic is time-sensitive
• Use numbers for listicles (odd numbers outperform: 7, 9, 11, 13)
• Never exceed 60 characters (Google truncates at ~580px)

Meta Description Formula (150-160 characters)

{What the article covers} + {Unique value prop} + {CTA or curiosity hook}

Examples:

• "Learn how to start a blog in 2025 with our step-by-step guide. Covers hosting, design, content, and monetization. Free checklist included."
• "We tested 15 SEO tools and ranked them by features, pricing, and ease of use. See which tool is best for your budget and goals."

**Meta description rules:**

• Include primary keyword naturally
• Include a CTA or curiosity element
• Use active voice
• Mention a specific deliverable (checklist, template, comparison, steps)
• Stay between 150-160 characters

Writing Style Rules

**Readability:**

• Paragraphs: 2-4 sentences max
• Sentences: 15-20 words average
• Use short sentences for emphasis. Like this.
• Reading level: Gra