SEO Content Optimizer

Optimize articles and web pages for search engines with keyword strategy, title optimization, content structure, and on-page SEO best practices.

Description

This skill provides a systematic framework for creating and optimizing SEO-friendly content. It covers keyword research methodology, title/H1 optimization, content structure for featured snippets, internal linking strategy, and meta description crafting. Designed for content creators, marketers, and website owners who want organic search traffic.

When to Use

• Writing a new blog post or article targeting specific keywords
• Optimizing existing content that ranks on page 2-3 of Google
• Creating pillar pages or content clusters
• Writing product pages or landing pages
• Auditing content for SEO issues before publishing

Instructions

1. Keyword Strategy

Before writing, establish the keyword hierarchy:

Rules:

• Target ONE primary keyword per page (avoid keyword cannibalization)
• Include 3-5 secondary keywords
• Aim for 5-10 long-tail variations in FAQ or subsections
• Do NOT force keywords — unnatural density triggers penalties

2. Title & Meta Optimization

Title Tag (H1):

• Include primary keyword within first 60 characters
• Use power words at the start (How, Why, Best, Guide, Ultimate)
• Include a number when appropriate (7 Ways, 5 Tools)
• Match search intent: informational = "How/What/Why", transactional = "Best/Buy/Review"
• Example: "How to Write SEO Content That Ranks: A Complete Guide (2025)"

Meta Description:

• 150-160 characters
• Include primary keyword + one secondary keyword
• End with a CTA or value promise
• Example: "Learn how to write SEO content that actually ranks. Step-by-step keyword strategy, title optimization, and content structure guide for 2025."

URL Slug:

• Short, descriptive, hyphenated
• Include primary keyword
• Example: /seo-content-writing-guide

3. Content Structure

Follow this proven structure for informational content:

H1: Primary Keyword + Value Proposition
├── Introduction (100-150 words, include primary keyword in first sentence)
├── H2: Main Section 1 (secondary keyword)
│   ├── H3: Sub-point
│   └── H3: Sub-point
├── H2: Main Section 2
│   ├── H3: Sub-point
│   └── H3: Sub-point
├── H2: FAQ Section (target featured snippets)
│   ├── Question 1 (long-tail keyword)
│   ├── Question 2
│   └── Question 3
└── Conclusion + CTA

Featured Snippet Optimization:

• For "What is..." queries: Provide a clear 40-60 word definition immediately after the H2
• For "How to..." queries: Use numbered steps with action verbs
• For "Best..." queries: Use a comparison table
• Format the answer to be self-contained — Google extracts it without context

4. On-Page SEO Checklist

• Primary keyword in H1
• Primary keyword in first 100 words
• Primary keyword in 1-2 H2 headings (not all)
• Image alt text includes relevant keywords (descriptive, not stuffed)
• Internal links: 3-5 links to related pages on your site
• External links: 1-3 links to authoritative sources
• Content length: 1500-2500 words for competitive keywords; 800-1200 for long-tail
• Readability: short paragraphs, bullet points, bold key terms
• No broken links or missing images

5. Content Quality Signals

Google's helpful content guidelines emphasize:

• E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness
• Original insight: Don't just rephrase what's already ranking
• Comprehensive: Cover the topic thoroughly enough that the reader doesn't need to search again
• Updated: Refresh statistics, examples, and references annually
• Reader-first: Write for humans, optimize for engines

Examples

Keyword Target: "best project management tools 2025"

Title: "Best Project Management Tools in 2025 (Compared by Price & Features)" URL: /best-project-management-tools H2s:

• "Top 10 Project Management Tools Compared"
• "Best Free Project Management Tools"
• "Best for Enterprise: Tools That Scale"
• "How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Team" FAQ H2: "Frequently Asked Questions About Project Management Tools"

Tips

• Search your target keyword on Google first — analyze the top 5 results' structure, length, and angle
• Use Google's "People Also Ask" for long-tail keyword ideas
• Don't chase keyword volume — low-volume, high-intent keywords often convert better
• Update published content quarterly to maintain rankings
• Avoid keyword density above 2-3% — write naturally and Google will understand