Content Research Writer

SKILL.md

Content Research Writer

Research topics and create compelling content for blogs, articles, and marketing materials.

Overview

This skill helps you:

Research topics thoroughly

Write engaging blog posts and articles

Create SEO-optimized content

Develop various content formats

Maintain brand voice consistency

How to Use
Research Request

"Research [topic] for a blog post"
"What are the key points to cover about [subject]?"
"Find statistics and examples about [topic]"

Writing Request

"Write a blog post about [topic]"
"Create a 1500-word article on [subject]"
"Draft social media posts about [topic]"

With Guidelines

"Write about [topic] for [audience]. Tone: [professional/casual]. Include [requirements]."

Content Types

Blog Post

# [Attention-Grabbing Title]

**Reading time**: [X] minutes
**Published**: [Date]

[Hook - opening that captures attention]

## Introduction
[Problem statement or context - why reader should care]

## [Main Section 1]
[Content with examples, data, insights]

### [Subsection if needed]
[Detailed information]

## [Main Section 2]
[Content continuing the narrative]

## [Main Section 3]
[Content building to conclusion]

## Key Takeaways
- [Takeaway 1]
- [Takeaway 2]
- [Takeaway 3]

## Conclusion
[Summary and call to action]

---
**Related Articles**:
- [Link 1]
- [Link 2]

Long-Form Article

# [Title]: [Subtitle]

**Author**: [Name] | **Updated**: [Date] | **[X] min read**

> [Executive summary or key insight quote]

## Table of Contents
1. [Section 1]
2. [Section 2]
3. [Section 3]
...

## Introduction
[Context, importance, what reader will learn]

## [Section 1: Foundation]
[Comprehensive coverage]

### [Subsection]
[Details]

> **Expert Quote**: "[Quote]" — [Source]

## [Section 2: Deep Dive]
[Analysis, examples, case studies]

| Comparison | Option A | Option B |
|------------|----------|----------|
| [Factor 1] | [Value] | [Value] |
| [Factor 2] | [Value] | [Value] |

## [Section 3: Application]
[How-to, practical steps, implementation]

**Step 1**: [Action]
[Details]

**Step 2**: [Action]
[Details]

## Conclusion
[Summary, future implications, CTA]

## References
1. [Source 1]
2. [Source 2]

How-To Guide

# How to [Achieve Outcome]: A Step-by-Step Guide

**Difficulty**: [Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced]
**Time Required**: [Estimate]
**What You'll Need**: [Prerequisites]

## Overview
[Brief description of what reader will accomplish]

## Before You Start
- [ ] [Prerequisite 1]
- [ ] [Prerequisite 2]

## Step 1: [Action Verb + Task]
[Detailed instructions]

![Step 1 Screenshot/Image placeholder]

**Tip**: [Helpful tip for this step]

## Step 2: [Action Verb + Task]
[Detailed instructions]

⚠️ **Warning**: [Common mistake to avoid]

## Step 3: [Action Verb + Task]
[Detailed instructions]

## Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---------|----------|
| [Issue 1] | [Fix] |
| [Issue 2] | [Fix] |

## Next Steps
Now that you've [accomplished X], you can:
- [Advanced topic 1]
- [Related skill 2]

## FAQ
**Q: [Common question]?**
A: [Answer]

Listicle

# [Number] [Topic] to [Benefit] in [Year]

[Brief intro explaining why this list matters]

## 1. [Item Name]
**Best for**: [Use case]

[Description - what it is and why it's included]

**Key Features**:
- [Feature 1]
- [Feature 2]

**Pros**: [Benefits]
**Cons**: [Drawbacks]

---

## 2. [Item Name]
[Same structure...]

---

## Comparison Table

| Tool | Price | Best For | Rating |
|------|-------|----------|--------|
| [1] | [Price] | [Use] | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| [2] | [Price] | [Use] | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |

## Conclusion
[Summary of recommendations by use case]

Research Output

Topic Research Brief

# Research Brief: [Topic]

## Overview
**Topic**: [Subject]
**Target Audience**: [Who]
**Content Goal**: [Inform/Persuade/Educate/Entertain]

## Key Points to Cover
1. [Main point 1]
   - Supporting info
   - Data/statistic
2. [Main point 2]
   - Supporting info
3. [Main point 3]

## Statistics & Data
| Stat | Source | Year |
|------|--------|------|
| [Statistic] | [Source] | [Year] |
| [Statistic] | [Source] | [Year] |

## Expert Quotes
> "[Quote]" — [Expert Name], [Title/Company]

## Common Questions (FAQ Potential)
1. [Question 1]?
2. [Question 2]?
3. [Question 3]?

## Competitor Content Analysis
| Article | Word Count | Strengths | Gaps |
|---------|------------|-----------|------|
| [URL 1] | [X] | [What's good] | [Missing] |

## Recommended Angle
[Unique perspective or approach to differentiate]

## Keywords
**Primary**: [main keyword]
**Secondary**: [keyword 2], [keyword 3]
**Long-tail**: [phrase 1], [phrase 2]

SEO Guidelines

Content Optimization

## SEO Checklist

### Title
- [ ] Primary keyword included
- [ ] Under 60 characters
- [ ] Compelling and click-worthy

### Meta Description
- [ ] Primary keyword included
- [ ] 150-160 characters
- [ ] Clear value proposition

### Headers (H1, H2, H3)
- [ ] H1 matches/closely relates to title
- [ ] Keywords in H2s naturally
- [ ] Logical hierarchy

### Content
- [ ] Primary keyword in first 100 words
- [ ] Keyword density 1-2%
- [ ] Related keywords/LSI terms included
- [ ] Internal links: [X] links
- [ ] External links: [X] authoritative sources

### Media
- [ ] Images with alt text
- [ ] Compressed file sizes
- [ ] Descriptive file names

### Readability
- [ ] Short paragraphs (2-4 sentences)
- [ ] Subheadings every 300 words
- [ ] Bullet points for lists
- [ ] Reading level: [Grade X]

Style Guidelines

Tone Options

Tone
Description
Example

Professional
Formal, authoritative
"Research indicates that..."

Conversational
Friendly, relatable
"You know that feeling when..."

Educational
Clear, instructive
"Let's break this down..."

Persuasive
Compelling, action-oriented
"Imagine achieving..."

Playful
Fun, engaging
"Here's the plot twist..."

Best Practices

Hook early: First sentence should grab attention

Be specific: Data > vague claims

Use examples: Make abstract concrete

Break it up: Headers, bullets, images

End strong: Clear takeaway or CTA

Limitations

Cannot guarantee SEO rankings

Statistics should be verified

Cannot access paywalled sources

Brand voice requires guidance

Visual content descriptions only