SEO Blog Planner

SKILL.md

---
name: seo-blog-planner
description: Plan ecommerce blog content strategy with keyword-targeted article outlines that drive organic traffic to product pages.
---

# SEO Blog Planner

Plan a keyword-driven blog content strategy specifically designed for ecommerce stores, producing detailed article outlines that attract organic search traffic and strategically funnel readers toward product pages. This skill bridges the gap between content marketing and direct product sales by ensuring every blog post serves a clear commercial purpose within your overall SEO strategy — whether that means capturing top-of-funnel informational searches, building topical authority around product categories, or creating internal linking pathways that boost product page rankings.

## Quick Reference

| Decision | Strong | Acceptable | Weak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keyword-to-product alignment | Keyword directly relates to a product you sell, clear purchase intent path | Keyword is adjacent to your niche, indirect product connection | Keyword has no logical path to any product page |
| Search intent match | Content format perfectly matches SERP results for the keyword | Content format partially matches, some SERP alignment | Content format mismatches what Google ranks for the keyword |
| Content depth vs. competition | More comprehensive, better structured, and more current than top 3 results | Comparable to existing top results in depth and quality | Thinner or less useful than what already ranks on page one |
| Internal linking strategy | 3-5 contextual product links woven naturally into the content | 1-2 product links placed in logical spots | No product links or forced/spammy product mentions |
| Publishing cadence | 2-4 articles per month on a consistent schedule | 1 article per month, mostly consistent | Sporadic publishing with no regular schedule |
| Topic cluster structure | Clear pillar-cluster hierarchy with intentional internal links | Loose thematic grouping with some cross-linking | Random standalone articles with no topical relationship |

## Solves

- **Blog content that never drives sales**: Your blog gets traffic but visitors never click through to product pages because articles lack strategic internal linking and commercial intent bridges
- **No keyword strategy behind content**: Articles are written based on gut feeling rather than search demand data, resulting in posts that nobody searches for
- **Cannibalization across blog posts**: Multiple articles target the same keywords, splitting authority and confusing Google about which page to rank
- **Content gaps competitors are exploiting**: Competitors rank for informational queries in your niche while you have no content addressing those topics
- **No topical authority structure**: Blog posts are disconnected islands instead of organized clusters that demonstrate deep expertise to search engines
- **Writers producing off-strategy content**: Without detailed briefs, writers create content that doesn't align with SEO goals or product catalog connections
- **Publishing without a calendar**: No systematic schedule means content production is reactive rather than strategic, missing seasonal opportunities

## Workflow

### Step 1 — Audit Existing Content and Keyword Landscape
Catalog all existing blog content with current performance metrics: organic traffic, ranking keywords, bounce rate, and conversion events. Map each post to its target keyword and assess whether it's actually ranking. Identify content gaps by comparing your keyword coverage against competitors. Flag cannibalization issues where multiple posts compete for the same terms.

**Key outputs**: Content inventory spreadsheet, keyword gap analysis, cannibalization report, competitor content map

### Step 2 — Build Seed Keyword Universe
Starting from product categories and seed topics, expand into a comprehensive keyword universe using modifier patterns: "best [product] for [use case]", "how to [action] with [product]", "[product] vs [product]", "[problem] solutions". Categorize each keyword by search intent (informational, commercial investigation, navigational, transactional) and estimate monthly search volume ranges. Filter out keywords with no realistic path to a product page.

**Key outputs**: Master keyword list with volume estimates, intent classification, and difficulty assessment for each term

### Step 3 — Design Topic Clusters
Group related keywords into topical clusters, each anchored by a pillar page targeting a high-volume head term. Map supporting articles that target long-tail variations and related subtopics. Define the internal linking architecture: every cluster article links to its pillar, the pillar links to all cluster articles, and relevant product/category pages are linked from both. Ensure no keyword overlap between clusters.

**Key outputs**: Cluster map with pillar and supporting article assignments, internal linking blueprint, keyword-to-cluster allocation table

### Step 4 — Create Article Briefs
For each planned article, produce a detailed content brief that includes: target keyword and secondary keywords, recommended title with primary keyword placement, H2/H3 heading structure covering all subtopics Google expects, word count target based on competitive analysis, specific product pages to link to with suggested anchor text, meta title and description drafts, and content format guidance (listicle, how-to, comparison, guide).

**Key outputs**: Individual article briefs with heading outlines, keyword targets, internal link maps, and meta tag drafts

### Step 5 — Prioritize and Schedule Content
Score each article by a combined metric of search volume potential, keyword difficulty, commercial value (proximity to purchase), and production effort. Schedule highest-impact, lowest-difficulty articles first for quick wins. Align content with seasonal trends and product launch calendars. Set a sustainable publishing cadence based on available writing resources.

**Key outputs**: Prioritized content queue, 90-day editorial calendar, seasonal content opportunities flagged

### Step 6 — Define On-Page SEO Standards
Establish consistent on-page optimization guidelines for all articles: title tag format, meta description template, heading hierarchy rules, image alt text conventions, internal linking minimums, schema markup requirements (FAQ, HowTo, Article), and URL slug structure. Create a checklist writers follow before submitting drafts.

**Key outputs**: On-page SEO style guide, pre-publish checklist, schema markup templates

### Step 7 — Track Performance and Iterate
Set up tracking for each article: target keyword rankings, organic sessions, click-through rate from SERP, time on page, product page click-throughs, and conversion attribution. Monthly reviews identify top performers to expand and underperformers to update or consolidate. Refresh content quarterly with updated data, new internal links, and expanded sections.

**Key outputs**: Monthly content performance dashboard, article refresh schedule, content consolidation recommendations

## Example 1: Organic Baby Products Store

**Input**: A Shopify store selling organic baby skincare, clothing, and feeding products. Current blog has 12 posts published sporadically over 18 months with no keyword strategy. Primary product categories: organic baby lotion, bamboo baby clothes, silicone feeding sets. Monthly content budget supports 3-4 articles. Target market: eco-conscious new parents in the US.

**Content Audit Results**:
- 12 existing posts, 8 with zero organic traffic
- 3 posts accidentally targeting the same keyword ("organic baby skincare routine")
- No posts targeting commercial investigation keywords
- Competitors average 45-80 blog posts with clear cluster structures

**Recommended Topic Clusters**:

*Cluster 1: Baby Skincare (Pillar: "Complete Guide to Organic Baby Skincare")*
- "Best organic baby lotion for eczema" (590 vol, commercial)
- "Natural remedies for baby dry skin" (880 vol, informational)
- "Organic vs conventional baby skincare ingredients" (320 vol, commercial)
- "How to build a baby skincare routine" (480 vol, informational)
- "Baby skincare ingredients to avoid" (720 vol, informational)
→ Links to: organic baby lotion, baby body wash, diaper cream product pages

*Cluster 2: Sustainable Baby Clothing (Pillar: "Guide to Eco-Friendly Baby Clothes")*
- "Bamboo vs organic cotton baby clothes" (390 vol, commercial)
- "How to wash organic baby clothes" (260 vol, informational)
- "Best fabrics for sensitive baby skin" (440 vol, informational)
- "Sustainable baby clothing brands compared" (210 vol, commercial)
→ Links to: bamboo onesies, organic cotton sleepers, baby clothing bundles

*Cluster 3: Baby-Led Weaning and Feeding (Pillar: "Baby-Led Weaning Complete Starter Guide")*
- "Best silicone plates for baby-led weaning" (520 vol, commercial)
- "Baby-led weaning first foods by age" (1,200 vol, informational)
- "Silicone vs plastic baby feeding sets" (180 vol, commercial)
- "How to start baby-led weaning at 6 months" (890 vol, informational)
→ Links to: silicone feeding sets, suction plates, baby spoons

**Sample Article Brief**:

Title: "Best Organic Baby Lotion for Eczema: A Dermatologist-Informed Guide"
Target keyword: "best organic baby lotion for eczema" (590 vol/mo)
Secondary keywords: organic eczema cream baby, natural baby moisturizer sensitive skin
Word count: 2,200-2,800
Format: Product roundup with educational context

H2 outline:
- What Causes Baby Eczema (brief medical context)
- Why Organic Ingredients Matter for Eczema-Prone Skin
- What to Look for in an Organic Baby Lotion → link to baby lotion category
- 7 Best Organic Baby Lotions for Eczema (include your products naturally)
- How to Apply Baby Lotion for Maximum Eczema Relief
- When to See a Pediatric Dermatologist
- FAQ (schema markup)

Internal links: baby lotion PDP, body wash PDP, "baby skincare routine" pillar article
Meta title: Best Organic Baby Lotion for Eczema (2026) | [Store Name]
Meta description: Find the best organic baby lotion for eczema-prone skin. Dermatologist-informed guide to natural ingredients that soothe without irritation.

**90-Day Publishing Schedule**: 12 articles total — prioritize 4 commercial investigation articles in month 1, then alternate informational and commercial pieces.

## Example 2: B2B Industrial Parts Distributor

**Input**: A WooCommerce store selling industrial bearings, seals, and power transmission components. Blog has 5 manufacturer-copied product descriptions posing as articles. Primary categories: ball bearings, mechanical seals, timing belts. Team: 1 technical writer available 15 hours/week. Target audience: maintenance engineers and procurement managers.

**Content Audit Results**:
- 5 existing "articles" are duplicate manufacturer content (SEO liability)
- Zero informational content targeting engineering search queries
- Competitors have extensive technical resource libraries ranking for high-value terms
- Massive opportunity in technical "how to select" and "troubleshooting" content

**Recommended Topic Clusters**:

*Cluster 1: Bearing Selection and Maintenance (Pillar: "Complete Guide to Industrial Bearing Selection")*
- "Ball bearing vs roller bearing: when to use each" (1,400 vol, informational)
- "How to determine bearing load capacity" (680 vol, informational)
- "Bearing failure analysis: common causes and prevention" (520 vol, informational)
- "Bearing lubrication guide: types, intervals, and best practices" (340 vol, informational)
- "How to read bearing part numbers" (890 vol, informational)
→ Links to: ball bearing category, roller bearing category, bearing accessories

*Cluster 2: Mechanical Seal Troubleshooting (Pillar: "Mechanical Seal Selection Guide for Industrial Pumps")*
- "Mechanical seal leaking: diagnosis and repair" (760 vol, informational)
- "Mechanical seal vs packing: comparison guide" (430 vol, commercial)
- "How to install a mechanical seal correctly" (290 vol, informational)
- "Mechanical seal materials compatibility chart" (380 vol, informational)
→ Links to: mechanical seal category, seal repair kits, compatible pumps

**Expected 12-Month Results**: 60-80% increase in organic traffic, 15-25 articles establishing technical authority, measurable increase in product page sessions from internal blog links, improved keyword coverage from 12 terms to 80+ terms.

## Common Mistakes

1. **Writing for keywords without checking search intent**: A keyword with 1,000 monthly searches is worthless if Google ranks product pages and you're writing a blog post. Always analyze the actual SERP before committing to content format.

2. **Ignoring the product connection**: Every blog article should have a natural path to at least one product page. If you can't identify how an article connects to something you sell, it doesn't belong in your ecommerce content plan.

3. **Creating thin content to hit a publishing quota**: Publishing 8 mediocre 500-word posts is worse than publishing 2 comprehensive, well-researched articles. Google rewards depth and expertise, especially after helpful content updates.

4. **Skipping the content audit**: Building new content on top of a broken foundation wastes effort. Address cannibalization, remove or consolidate dead content, and redirect outdated URLs before creating new articles.

5. **Neglecting content freshness**: Blog posts about product comparisons, pricing, or trends become outdated quickly. Schedule quarterly reviews to update statistics, add new products, and refresh publish dates.

6. **Over-optimizing for a single keyword**: Modern SEO rewards topical coverage, not keyword stuffing. Write naturally for the topic and let secondary keywords appear organically within comprehensive coverage.

7. **No internal linking strategy**: Publishing articles without linking them to product pages, category pages, and related posts wastes their link equity potential. Build internal linking into every content brief.

8. **Publishing without proper on-page SEO**: Missing meta descriptions, unoptimized title tags, no schema markup, and generic URL slugs all reduce click-through rates and ranking potential.

9. **Failing to track content ROI**: Without measuring which articles drive product page visits and conversions, you can't optimize your content strategy or justify the investment.

## Resources

Refer to these supplementary files for detailed guidance:

- **references/output-template.md** — Structured template for delivering the complete blog content plan
- **references/content-brief-template.md** — Detailed article brief template with all SEO requirements
- **references/keyword-research-framework.md** — Systematic keyword research process for ecommerce blogs
- **assets/seo-blog-checklist.md** — Quality assurance checklist for content plan completeness