content-optimization

# SEO Content: Content Optimization Guides on-page content optimization: word count, heading keywords, keyword density vs stuffing, multimedia, tables, and lists. Complements **heading-structure** (structure) and **content-strategy** (planning). **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 - **Word count**: For articles, see **article-content** (word count by type). This skill covers generic content length strategy. - **H2 keywords**: Placement, quantity, variation - **Keyword density vs stuffing**: Natural use; avoid manipulation - **Multimedia**: Images, tables, lists, video for structure and Featured Snippets. See **featured-snippet** for snippet-specific optimization; **video-optimization** for video SEO. ## Initial Assessment **Check for project context first:** If `.claude/project-context.md` or `.cursor/project-context.md` exists, read it for target keywords and content type. Identify: 1. **Content type**: Article, guide, listicle, pillar, news 2. **Target keyword**: Primary and secondary 3. **Competitors**: Top 10 average length and structure — see **competitor-research** --- ## Word Count **Google does not rank by word count.** Length should match search intent and topic depth. A 1,000-word post that satisfies intent can outrank a 3,000-word thin piece. ### Reference Ranges by Content Type For **article** word count by type (news, how-to, listicle, pillar, etc.), see **article-content**. Generic ranges: | Content type | Word count | Notes | |--------------|-------------|-------| | **News / announcements** | 300–600 | Time-sensitive; concise | | **Standard articles / how-tos** | 1,000–1,500 | Single topic; actionable | | **Listicles / guides** | 1,200–2,000 | "Top 10," "Best X" | | **Pillar / cornerstone** | 2,000–3,500+ | Comprehensive; cluster hub | ### Strategy 1. **Analyze top 10** for target keyword — average length and depth 2. **Match intent** — informational often needs ~40% longer than transactional 3. **Value over padding** — each section must add genuine value; avoid fluff 4. **Comprehensive coverage** — answer the query and related questions --- ## H2 Heading Keywords ### Placement - **Primary keyword**: Include naturally in at least one H2 when relevant - **Related keywords**: Use LSI and long-tail in other H2s for topical coverage - **Avoid stuffing**: Headings must stay clear and readable; organic placement only ### Quantity - **No strict limit** — one H2 per major section; structure follows content - **Typical article**: 4–8 H2s; pillar: 8–15+ H2s - **Hierarchy**: H1 → H2 (major sections) → H3 (subsections); don't skip levels ### Best Practices | Practice | Purpose | |----------|---------| | **Descriptive H2s** | Search engines understand context; users scan | | **Answer-first** | Place direct answer in first 40–50 words after H2 for Featured Snippets; see **featured-snippet** | | **Keyword variation** | Use related terms; avoid repeating exact phrase in every H2 | | **Logical flow** | H2s outline the article; support topical authority | --- ## Keyword Density vs Keyword Stuffing ### Definitions | Term | Meaning | |------|---------| | **Keyword density** | (Keyword count / Total words) × 100; a metric, not a ranking factor | | **Keyword stuffing** | Excessive, unnatural repetition to manipulate rankings; black-hat | ### Current Guidance - **Keyword density is not a direct ranking factor** — Google has stated since 2011 that repetition alone doesn't improve rankings - **Reference range**: 0.5%–1.5% for most content; some sources cite up to 2.5% - **Use density mainly to avoid stuffing** — if density exceeds ~2–3% and reads unnaturally, reduce - **Prioritize natural placement**: title, H1, first 100 words, 1–2 H2s, body; avoid forced repetition ### How to Avoid Stuffing - Write for users first; keywords should fit naturally - Use synonyms, related terms, and question phrasing - If a sentence sounds awkward with the keyword, rewrite - Monitor: if every paragraph repeats the exact phrase, simplify --- ## Multimedia: Images, Tables, Lists ### Images | Practice | Purpose | |----------|---------| | **Alt, file names, captions** | See **image-optimization** for full image SEO (alt, format, responsive, lazy loading, image sitemap, LCP, captions for Featured Snippets) | | **Original over stock** | Unique images signal E-E-A-T — see **eeat-signals** | **Content placement**: Put images near relevant text; captions support snippet thumbnails. See **image-optimization** for captions; **featured-snippet** for snippet context. ### Video | Practice | Purpose | |----------|---------| | **Embed + metadata** | VideoObject schema, video sitemap, thumbnail; see **video-optimization** | | **YouTube** | Google prioritizes YouTube in search; GEO citation; see **youtube-seo**, **generative-engine-optimization** | | **Featured Snippet (video)** | Video schema; timestamps/chapters; see **featured-snippet** | ### Tables - **Use for**: Comparisons, stats, specs, "X vs Y" - **Semantic HTML**: `<table>`, `<thead>`, `<tbody>`, clear column headers - **Featured Snippets**: ~6% of snippets are tables; optimize headers with target keywords. See **featured-snippet** - **Mobile**: Responsive; avoid horizontal scroll when possible - **Data quality**: No empty cells; consistent units; accurate, current data ### Lists: Ordered vs Unordered | Type | Use case | SEO / Snippet | |------|----------|---------------| | **Ordered (`<ol>`)** | Steps, rankings, sequences, "Top 10" | List snippets (~19% of Featured Snippets); how-to; see **featured-snippet** | | **Unordered (`<ul>`)** | Non-sequential items, features, options | Bullet snippets; definitions, options | **Best practices**: - Use semantic `<ol>` and `<ul>`; avoid divs styled as lists - **Answer-first**: For snippet targets, put the direct answer in the first 40–50 words after the heading - **Concise items**: List items should be scannable; expand in body if needed - **Logical order**: Ordered lists = sequence matters; unordered = no sequence ### GEO / AI Citation **Answer-first** (direct answer in first 40–60 words after H2) supports both Featured Snippets and GEO. For article-level GEO (TL;DR, Key Takeaways, QAE pattern), see **article-content** and **generative-engine-optimization**. For Featured Snippet formats and optimization, see **featured-snippet**. --- ## Content Audit Checklist For **article** content audit (hook, QAE, product connection, CTA, references, gaps), see **article-content**. This skill covers generic content optimization (H2 keywords, multimedia, keyword density). --- ## Output Format - **Word count** recommendation by content type - **H2 outline** with keyword placement - **Keyword density** check (avoid stuffing) - **Structure** (tables, lists) for Featured Snippet opportunity; see **featured-snippet** - **Multimedia** checklist (images per **image-optimization**; tables, lists) ## Related Skills - **heading-structure**: H1–H6 hierarchy; H2 keyword placement - **content-strategy**: Topic clusters, pillar + cluster - **keyword-research**: Target keywords inform placement - **featured-snippet**: Snippet formats, structure; answer-first - **eeat-signals**: E-E-A-T; original images, trust - **image-optimization**: Alt, captions, format, LCP, responsive, image sitemap - **video-optimization**: Video SEO; VideoObject; video sitemap - **competitor-research**: Competitor length and structure as reference - **article-content**: Article word count by type; Content Audit Checklist; article body creation