Content: Article Content#

Guides creation of article body content—the actual text (intro, body, conclusion) for blog posts, guides, and long-form pieces. Focus on what to write. For where it goes (page structure, schema, metadata), see article-page-generator. For short conversion copy (ads, landing pages, CTAs), see copywriting.

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.

Scope#

• Article body: Introduction, body sections, conclusion, CTA
• Content structure: Hook, QAE pattern, paragraph length, scannability
• Word count: By article type and search intent
• Writing frameworks: AIDA, PAS, BAB applied to articles
• GEO elements: TL;DR, Key Takeaways, answer-first

Article Types & Word Count (2025)#

Quality over length: Google prioritizes comprehensive coverage of search intent, not word count. Match length to topic depth and intent.

TypeWord countUse caseNews / announcements300–600Product updates, breaking news, FAQsShort-form500–800Landing pages, product pages (scannable)Standard articles / how-tos1,000–1,500Single topic; actionable; listiclesListicles1,200–2,000"Top 10," "Best X"; numbered lists boost CTR ~70%Cluster articles800–2,500Subtopic; links to pillarPillar / cornerstone2,000–3,500+Comprehensive; cluster hub; 6–12 sectionsCompetitive keywords1,800–2,500Page-one SEO posts avg ~2,400 words

Intent-based (Google 2025): Validate 1,200–2,000; Explore 2,000–3,500; Compare 600–1,200; Do 900–1,500; Know 300–800. Informational ~40% longer than transactional.

Avoid: Under 300 words (thin); over 7,000 (often underperforms due to reduced focus).

Content Creation Workflow#

Four Inputs#

Article content rests on four inputs. See article-page-generator for full workflow.

InputPurposeProductConnection, features, CTA placementKeywordsTarget keyword, primary/secondaryArticle intentInformational, commercial, transactionalCompetitor articlesStructure to adopt, content gaps, length target

Information Gain (Content Density Over Word Count)#

Information gain = net new information a page provides beyond what exists in top-ranking results. Google evaluates unique value, not comprehensiveness. Content density (unique entities, data points, insights per 100 words) matters more than word count. Skyscraper Technique (longer = better) no longer differentiates; AI made comprehensiveness cheap.

Four sources of information gain:

• Counter-narratives: Why "best practice" fails in certain contexts; evidence-backed
• Temporal freshness: Data or developments after competitors' content and LLM cutoff
• SME perspectives: Direct quotes, practitioner experience; not repackaged advice
• Proprietary data: Original surveys, internal benchmarks, user behavior patterns

Avoid consensus content: Restating common facts across top 10 results = zero information gain. Audit SERP before writing; list the "consensus layer"; identify gaps (unanswered questions, outdated data, underserved segments). Lead with what is new; structure answer-first.

Density check: Count unique data points, original insights, specific claims. If ratio of new information to word count is low, cut filler. High-density content (800-1,500 words with 3+ original points) often outperforms long rehashed guides.

TL;DR or Key Takeaways (GEO)#

Choose one; place after intro. Content with these elements is cited ~35% more by AI.

FormatSpecTL;DR50–100 word bold summary paragraphKey Takeaways5–7 bullet points

See generative-engine-optimization for full GEO strategy.

Introduction#

Length: 40–120 words; 2–3 paragraphs. Readers decide in ~8 seconds; hook must work instantly.

ElementGuidelineHookFirst 1–2 sentences: pain point, stat, or question; curiosity gap; specific data or contrarian factPrimary keywordIn first 100 wordsExpectationsSet what reader will learn

Hook types: "You're doing X wrong"; "97% of Y…"; bold question; challenge assumption. Well-crafted hooks boost CTR 30–50%.

Body#

ElementGuidelineQAE patternQuestion (H2) → Answer (2 sentences) → Evidence (data, examples, lists)Answer-firstDirect answer in first 40–60 words after each H2Answer blocks100–200 words per section; direct answer + context + evidenceParagraph length40–80 words; 2–4 sentences; avoid walls of textBreak long blocksLists, H3s, images, callout boxes every 2–3 paragraphsScannabilityFront-load key info (F-pattern); bold key phrases; one idea per paragraph

Long-form (1,000+ words): Place engagement hooks every 500–600 words; mix 40–50% explanatory text, 20–25% examples, 10–15% data, 5–10% visuals.

Conclusion#

Summary + CTA: newsletter signup, related content, product (link to product/feature when relevant). Product-linked content ties to product naturally.

Product Connection#

Articles should tie to the product (problem it solves, features, use cases). Avoid purely generic content. Link to product/feature pages naturally in conclusion or when context fits.

Writing Frameworks#

Apply copywriting frameworks to article structure. See copywriting for full PAS, AIDA, BAB.

FrameworkArticle useAIDAIntro (Attention); body (Interest, Desire); conclusion (Action/CTA)PASHow-to guides: Problem in intro; Agitation in body; Solution throughoutBABCase studies, transformation: Before → After → Bridge

Choose by audience: AIDA for ready-to-buy; PAS for pain-driven; BAB for transformation seekers.

Article Headlines#

See copywriting for headline formulas (How to, Number, Problem→Solution). For article titles specifically:

• Length: 50–60 chars; see title-tag
• Primary keyword near start
• Numbers and power words boost CTR ~36%

References & Citations#

ScenarioPracticeData or statisticsCite inline (e.g. "According to Source, 72% of…") or in References sectionExpert quotesAttribute; link to sourceReference sectionFor 5+ citations; list at end before Related postsFormatInline links preferred; numbered refs [1], [2] for academic-style

See eeat-signals for E-E-A-T, author bio, citations, YMYL.

Content Quality#

ElementGuidelineReadabilityGrade 8–10 (Flesch-Kincaid); short sentences, clear languageDepthMatch type; comprehensive coverage over paddingOriginalityUnique angle, data, examples; avoid thin or rehashed contentInformation gainWhat does this add that top 10 results don't? Counter-narrative, fresh data, SME quote, or proprietary insightE-E-A-TAuthor bio, citations, expert quotes — see eeat-signals

Content Audit Checklist#

When auditing or optimizing article content:

DimensionCheckHookIntro opens with pain point, stat, or question?Keyword in first 100 wordsPrimary keyword present?QAE patternH2s as questions? Answer-first (40–60 words) in each section?Word countMatches type? (300–600 news, 1,000–2,500 cluster, 2,500+ pillar)Paragraph length40–80 words per paragraph? No walls of text?Product connectionTies to product? Natural links to features/pricing?CTAPlacement (conclusion, mid-article); clarity; product linkReferencesData/stats cited? Reference section for 5+ citations?GapsWhat do top-ranking articles cover that this misses?Information gainAt least one of: counter-narrative, fresh data, SME perspective, proprietary data? Or consensus rehash?

See competitor-research for competitor analysis; article-page-generator for page structure and metadata.

AI-Assisted Content#

When content is AI-assisted: human review before publish; verify facts and add citations; original insights or data; avoid generic phrasing. See eeat-signals for E-E-A-T and AI content guidance.

Output Format#

• Outline (H2s with keyword placement)
• TL;DR or Key Takeaways (if SEO-driven)
• Introduction (hook + keyword)
• Body sections (QAE, answer-first)
• Conclusion (summary + CTA)
• CTA copy options

Related Skills#

• article-page-generator: Page structure, schema, metadata, layout; content goes here
• copywriting: Frameworks (PAS, AIDA, BAB); headline formulas; short conversion copy
• content-marketing: Article Orientations; content types
• eeat-signals: E-E-A-T; author bio; citations; citations format
• keyword-research: Keyword basis; search intent
• competitor-research: Content gaps; structure to adopt; SERP audit for information gain
• content-optimization: H2 keywords; Multimedia (tables, lists); keyword density
• generative-engine-optimization: GEO strategy; AI citation