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.

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.

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 Audit SERP before writing; list the "consensus layer"; identify gaps (unanswered questions, outdated data, underserved segments).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 tends to be cited more frequently by AI engines.

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.

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

Body

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.

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

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

Content Quality

Content Audit Checklist

When auditing or optimizing article content:

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
• howto-section-generator: Dedicated HowTo step blocks (ordered steps, HowTo JSON-LD; vs FAQ)
• 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