astro-blog-research
Phase 1 - SEO & Intent Research for blog articles
When & Why to Use This Skill
This Claude skill automates the critical first phase of blog development by performing deep SEO and user intent research. It ensures content quality through 'Information Gain' analysis, optimizes for SERP dominance (including Featured Snippets and PAA), and aligns every article with a strategic pillar-cluster framework to maximize organic visibility and conversion rates.
Use Cases
- Information Gain Analysis: Ensuring new articles provide unique value and original data that competitors lack to improve search rankings.
- Intent-Based CTA Mapping: Automatically matching content intent (informational, commercial, or transactional) with the most effective Call-to-Action to drive user conversions.
- SERP Feature Targeting: Auditing search results to optimize content for Featured Snippets, 'People Also Ask' boxes, and image packs.
- Content Strategy Planning: Deciding between high-word-count pillar pages or specific cluster topics based on keyword competitiveness and backlink potential.
- Headline & Title Optimization: Generating high-CTR headlines using proven formulas, power words, and keyword-first structures optimized for 2026 search trends.
| name | astro-blog-research |
|---|---|
| description | Phase 1 - SEO & Intent Research for blog articles |
Astro Blog - Phase 1: Research
Priority Legend:
- ⭐ ALWAYS - Every article, non-negotiable
- 🎯 HIGH-VALUE - Competitive keywords, commercial/pillar content
SEO & Intent Research
⭐ Core SEO (Every Article)
- Information Gain analysis - Article must add unique value beyond existing content. Ask: What do we know that competitors don't? (original data, case studies, insider tips, unique framework)
- Intent declared - Classify as: informational (learning), commercial (comparing options), comparison (this vs that), or transactional (ready to buy)
- Headline formula - Use odd numbers (7, 11, 13) OR power words (proven, secret, complete, ultimate, essential)
- Title optimization - 50-60 chars, keyword-first, include year (2026). Example: "Solar Panel Cost UK 2026: 11 Ways to Save £3,000+"
- Entity salience - Main entity (product/service) in subject position: first 100 words + first sentence after each H2
- CTA matches intent - informational→Newsletter/Guide, commercial→Calculator/Quote, comparison→Consultation, transactional→Contact/Book
🎯 SERP Dominance (High-Value Articles)
- SERP feature audit - Google your keyword, note what appears: Featured snippets? PAA boxes? Video carousel? Image pack? Target these formats
- Featured snippet targeting - Identify format: Paragraph (40-60 words), List (5-8 items), or Table (3-4 columns, 5-7 rows)
- PAA question identification - List all "People Also Ask" questions. Use as H2s in your article
🎯 Pillar Strategy Decision
- Pillar vs cluster - Pillar = 3000-5000 words, broad topic, 8-12 internal links. Cluster = 1000-1500 words, specific subtopic, 2-4 internal links
- Skyscraper candidate? - If competitive topic with existing content that has 50+ backlinks, plan to create 10x better version + outreach campaign
CTA Mapping Table
| Intent | Primary CTA | Secondary CTA |
|---|---|---|
| Informational | Newsletter signup | Download guide |
| Commercial | Get quote | Use calculator |
| Comparison | Book consultation | Download comparison |
| Transactional | Contact us | Book service |
Output Required
Provide:
- Intent type: informational/commercial/comparison/transactional
- Primary keyword: Main target keyword
- Unique angle: What makes this article different from competitors
- CTA type: From mapping table above
- Pillar/Cluster: Is this pillar (3000-5000w) or cluster (1000-1500w)?
Next Step
After completing research, use astro-blog-structure skill for Phase 2.