keyword-research

Files (3)

• SKILL.md
• dr-cap-and-confidence.md · references/
• keyword-examples.md · references/

SKILL.md (first lines)

## On Activation

1. Check if `brand/` directory exists in the project root.
2. If it does, read available files: `voice-profile.md`, `positioning.md`, `audience.md`, `creative-kit.md`, `stack.md`, `learnings.md`.
3. Apply any loaded brand context to enhance output quality.
4. If `brand/` does not exist, proceed without it — this skill works standalone.

> **Note:** Examples below use fictional brands (Acme, Lumi, Helm). Replace with your own brand context.

## Backend Selection

Prefer measured KD/volume/CPC/intent/SERP/GSC via `openseo-keyword-research` when OpenSEO is configured; otherwise Exa-stack validation with metrics marked `unknown`. Full contract: `skills/openseo/references/backend-contract.md`.

# /keyword-research -- Data-Backed Keyword Strategy

Most keyword research is backwards. People start with tools, get overwhelmed by
data, and end up with a spreadsheet they never use.

This skill starts with strategy. What does your business need? Who are you trying
to reach? What would make them find you? Then it validates with live search data
and builds a content plan that actually makes sense.

No expensive tools required. Systematic thinking plus web search.

**Reads:** `positioning.md`, `audience.md`, `competitors.md`, `learnings.md`
**Writes:** `brand/keyword-plan.md`, `campaigns/content-plan/*.md`

---

## Iteration Detection

Before starting, check whether `./brand/keyword-plan.md` already exists.

### If keyword-plan.md EXISTS --> Refresh Mode

Do not start from scratch. Instead:

1. Read the existing plan.
2. Present a summary of the current keyword strategy:
   ```
   EXISTING KEYWORD PLAN (last updated {date})
   Pillars: {Pillar 1} {N} clusters {priority} · {Pillar 2} {N} {priority} · {Pillar 3} {N} {priority}
   Top keywords: {kw1} {priority} · {kw2} {priority} · {kw3} {priority}
   Content briefs: {N} created, {N} published

   What would you like to do?
   ① Refresh with new SERP data  ② Add a new topic area  ③ Re-prioritize clusters
   ④ Full rebuild from scratch   ⑤ Generate briefs for top keywords
   ```

3. Process the user's choice:
   - Option ① --> Re-run web search for existing keywords, update priorities based on fresh data
   - Option ② --> Gather new seed keywords, run full expansion, merge into existing plan
   - Option ③ --> Re-score all clusters with updated business context
   - Option ④ --> Full process from scratch
   - Option ⑤ --> Skip to content brief generation for highest-priority unfilled clusters

4. Before overwriting, show a compact diff of what changed (new clusters, priority changes, removals) and ask: "Save these changes? (y/n)"

5. Only overwrite after explicit confirmation.

### If keyword-plan.md DOES NOT EXIST --> Full Research Mode

Proceed to the full process below.

---

## The Core Job

Transform a business context into a **prioritized content plan** with:
- Keyword clusters organized by topic
- Priority ranking based on opportunity and live SERP data
- Content type recommendations
- Individual content briefs for top keywords
- A clear "start here" action

**Output format:** Clustered keywords mapped to content pieces, prioritized by
business value, competitive opportunity, and search demand. Saved to disk as
a keyword plan and individual content briefs.

---

## The Process

```
SEED --> EXPAND --> SEARCH --> CLUSTER --> VALIDATE --> PRIORITIZE --> MAP --> BRIEF
```

1. **Seed** -- Generate initial keywords from business context and brand memory
2. **Expand** -- Use the 6 Circles Method to build the full list
3. **Search** -- Pull live SERP data: autocomplete, People Also Ask, competitor rankings
4. **Cluster** -- Group related keywords into content pillars
5. **Validate** -- Run 4-check pillar validation with live competitive data
6. **Prioritize** -- Score by opportunity, business value, and search evidence
7. **Map** -- Assign clusters to specific content pieces
8. **Brief** -- Generate individual content briefs for top priorities

---

## Before Starting: Gather Context

Get these inputs before generating anything. If brand memory files exist, pre-fill
what you can and confirm with the user.

1. **What do you sell/offer?** (1-2 sentences)
   - Pre-fill from: ./brand/positioning.md
2. **Who are you trying to reach?** (Be specific)
   - Pre-fill from: ./brand/audience.md
3. **What is your website?** (To understand current content)
4. **Who are 2-3 competitors?** (Or help identify them)
   - Pre-fill from: ./brand/competitors.md
5. **What is the goal?** (Traffic? Leads? Sales? Authority?)
6. **Timeline?** (Quick wins or long-term plays?)

If brand memory supplies 3+ of these, present what you found and ask for
confirmation rather than re-asking:

```

From MoizIbnYousaf/marketing-cli, MIT.

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