Blog Writer

This skill creates structured, publication-ready blog posts from scratch. It handles the full writing workflow: topic development, SEO headline generation, outline creation, meta description writing, section drafting, and final polish. Every output is optimized for readability, engagement, and search visibility.

When to Use This Skill

• Writing a complete blog post from a topic or brief
• Creating blog post outlines with logical structure
• Generating SEO-optimized headlines and title variants
• Writing meta descriptions for search and social sharing
• Drafting long-form content with proper section hierarchy
• Creating listicles, how-to guides, comparisons, and opinion pieces
• Repurposing existing content into blog format
• Adding internal linking suggestions and call-to-action placement

What This Skill Does

1. Outline Generation: Creates structured outlines with logical flow and section depth
2. Headline Crafting: Produces SEO-optimized, compelling headline variants
3. Meta Description Writing: Writes search-optimized summaries under 160 characters
4. Full Draft Production: Writes complete posts with proper formatting and structure
5. SEO Integration: Incorporates keyword targeting, header hierarchy, and readability optimization

Process

Step 1: Define the Blog Post

Gather requirements before writing:

## Blog Post Brief

- **Topic**: [Main subject]
- **Target audience**: [Who is this for?]
- **Primary keyword**: [Main SEO target]
- **Secondary keywords**: [Related terms to include]
- **Post type**: [How-to / Listicle / Opinion / Comparison / Case Study / News]
- **Target length**: [Word count goal]
- **Tone**: [Professional / Conversational / Technical / Friendly / Authoritative]
- **CTA**: [What should the reader do after?]
- **Competitor references**: [Similar posts to differentiate from]
- **Unique angle**: [What makes this post different?]

Step 2: Generate Headline Variants

Create SEO-optimized headlines with multiple approaches:

## Headline Options

### SEO-Focused (keyword-forward)
1. [Primary Keyword]: [Benefit/Promise]
2. How to [Achieve Outcome] with [Primary Keyword]
3. [Number] [Primary Keyword] Strategies for [Audience]

### Engagement-Focused (curiosity/emotion)
4. Why [Common Belief] About [Topic] Is Wrong
5. The [Topic] Mistake That's Costing You [Outcome]
6. What Nobody Tells You About [Primary Keyword]

### Listicle Format
7. [Number] [Primary Keyword] Tips That Actually Work ([Year])
8. [Number] Ways to [Achieve Outcome] with [Primary Keyword]

### Comparison/Contrast
9. [Option A] vs [Option B]: Which Is Better for [Use Case]?
10. [Topic]: [Conventional Approach] vs [Better Approach]

**Selection criteria**:
- Primary keyword within first 60 characters
- Clear value proposition for the reader
- Specific over vague ("7 Strategies" > "Some Strategies")
- Honest — don't overpromise

Step 3: Create the Outline

Structure with proper hierarchy and word count allocation:

# Outline: [Selected Headline]

**Target**: ~1,500 words | **Type**: How-to Guide

## Introduction (~150 words)
- Hook: [Surprising stat / relatable problem / bold claim]
- Problem statement
- What this post covers
- Who should read this

## Section 1: [First Major Point] (~300 words)
### What is [Concept]?
- Definition in plain language
- Why it matters for [audience]
- Common misconception

### How to [First Step]
- Step-by-step instructions
- Example or case study
- Common pitfall to avoid

## Section 2: [Second Major Point] (~300 words)
- Builds on Section 1
- Introduces [next concept]
- Practical application

## Section 3: [Third Major Point] (~300 words)
- Advanced or nuanced aspect
- Data/evidence supporting this point
- Actionable takeaway

## Pro Tips / Best Practices (~200 words)
- 3-5 quick actionable tips
- Bonus advice from experience

## Conclusion (~150 words)
- Summarize key takeaways (2-3 bullet points)
- Reiterate main benefit
- Call to action

## SEO Elements
- **Primary keyword**: [keyword] — used in H1, first paragraph, 2-3 more times
- **Secondary keywords**: [list] — naturally distributed
- **Internal link suggestions**: [related content to link to]
- **Image/visual suggestions**: [what diagrams or images would help]

Step 4: Write Meta Description

## Meta Description Options

**Option 1** (Benefit-focused):
Learn [what/why/how] with [approach]. Discover [outcomes] in this [post type] covering [key topics]. [CTA implication].

**Option 2** (Problem-focused):
Struggling with [common problem]? This guide covers [solutions] to help you [achieve outcome]. [CTA implication].

**Selection rules**:
- Under 155 characters for full SERP display
- Include primary keyword near the start
- Include a reason to click (benefit, curiosity, urgency)
- Match the tone of the post
- No clickbait — deliver on the promise

Step 5: Draft the Post

Write following the outline with proper formatting:

# [Headline]

[Meta: meta-description-text]
[Target keyword: primary-keyword]

---

[Introduction — hook, problem, promise, roadmap]

## [Section 1 H2]

[Content with short paragraphs (2-3 sentences max for web readability)]

[Use **bold** for key terms, not excessive emphasis]

> Pull quote for key insight or statistic — breaks up text visually

### [Subsection H3]

[Bullet points for lists — scannable content:]
- Point one with brief explanation
- Point two with brief explanation
- Point three with brief explanation

[Code blocks for technical content:]
```python
# Example code if applicable

[Transition to next section — connect the dots]

[Section 2 H2]

[Continue pattern: short paragraphs, varied formatting, visual breaks]

[Section N H2]

[Final substantive section before conclusion]

Key Takeaways

• [Takeaway 1]: [Brief explanation]
• [Takeaway 2]: [Brief explanation]
• [Takeaway 3]: [Brief explanation]

Ready to [Take Action]?

[Call to action — what should the reader do next?]

[Link to relevant resource, product, or next steps]

### Step 6: Polish and Optimize

Review checklist before publishing:

```markdown
## Pre-Publish Checklist

### SEO
- [ ] Primary keyword in H1, first paragraph, and 2-3 additional times
- [ ] Secondary keywords distributed naturally throughout
- [ ] Meta description under 155 characters with primary keyword
- [ ] Header hierarchy correct (H1 → H2 → H3, no skipped levels)
- [ ] Image alt text suggestions provided
- [ ] Internal linking opportunities identified

### Readability
- [ ] Paragraphs are 2-3 sentences for web scanning
- [ ] No walls of text — visual variety (lists, quotes, tables, code)
- [ ] Transitions between sections are smooth
- [ ] Jargon explained or linked
- [ ] Active voice preferred over passive

### Content Quality
- [ ] Opening hook creates curiosity or resonance
- [ ] Each section delivers on the headline's promise
- [ ] Examples and evidence support claims
- [ ] No filler — every paragraph earns its place
- [ ] CTA is clear and relevant

### Technical
- [ ] Word count within 10% of target
- [ ] No broken markdown formatting
- [ ] Links are described (not "click here")
- [ ] Consistent formatting throughout

Blog Post Types

How-To Guide

Structure: Problem → Prerequisites → Steps → Verification → Troubleshooting Tone: Instructional, encouraging Length: 1,500-2,500 words

Listicle

Structure: Intro → Numbered items with consistent depth → Summary Tone: Scannable, varied (mix serious and fun items) Length: 1,000-2,000 words (50-150 words per item)

Opinion / Thought Leadership

Structure: Bold thesis → Supporting arguments → Counter-argument → Conclusion Tone: Confident, thoughtful, slightly provocative Length: 800-1,500 words

Comparison

Structure: Context → Criteria → Side-by-side analysis → Verdict Tone: Objective, fair, decisive Length: 1,500-2,500 words

Case Study

Structure: Challenge → Approach → Results → Lessons learned Tone: Factual, evidence-based, specific Length: 1,000-2,000 words

Error Handling

• Topic too broad: Narrow scope to one specific angle; suggest breaking into series
• Insufficient word count: Add examples, expand explanations, include a practical exercise
• Keyword stuffing detected: Re-write with natural language; keywords should feel organic
• Weak conclusion: End with actionable takeaways, not a generic summary
• Missing voice: Ask for existing writing samples; match tone rather than defaulting to generic

Common Pitfalls

• ❌ Writing for search engines instead of humans — read it aloud; if it sounds robotic, rewrite
• ❌ Burying the lede — the key point must appear in the first 2 paragraphs
• ❌ Overusing subheadings — H2s every 200-300 words is plenty
• ❌ Forgetting the CTA — every blog post should lead somewhere
• ❌ Generic stock advice — be specific with examples, data, and real scenarios

Cline Workflow Notes

1. Install location: Copy this skill directory to .cline/skills/blog-writer/ (project-level) or ~/.cline/skills/blog-writer/ (global)
2. Always start with a brief: Even a minimal brief produces better results than no brief
3. Headlines first: Generate headline options before writing — the headline shapes everything
4. Save versions: Keep outline, draft-v1, and final as separate files
5. Match existing voice: If the user has a blog, read existing posts to match their style
6. SEO awareness: Include keyword and meta elements, but never sacrifice readability for SEO
7. Content over format: The writing quality matters more than template perfection

Dependencies

No external dependencies required. This skill uses Cline's native writing capabilities.