Creates long-form content including blog posts, articles, guides, and thought leadership pieces. Uses SEO best practices, storytelling frameworks, and learns from reference materials. Use this skill for blog posts, articles, how-to guides, listicles, case studies, and any long-form written content.
Install via CLI
openskills install OpenAnalystInc/10x-Content-Expert---
name: blog-article-writer
description: |
Creates long-form content including blog posts, articles, guides, and thought leadership pieces.
Uses SEO best practices, storytelling frameworks, and learns from reference materials.
Use this skill for blog posts, articles, how-to guides, listicles, case studies, and
any long-form written content.
allowed-tools:
- Bash
- Read
- Write
- Glob
- Grep
- AskUserQuestion
- WebSearch
---
# Blog & Article Writer Skill
> **QUICK REFERENCE**
> - **Output folder**: `output/content/blogs/`
> - **File naming**: `YYYY-MM-DD_topic_blog.md`
> - **Sample script**: `scripts/samples/sample_blog_content.py`
> - **Run with**: `.venv\Scripts\python.exe scripts/samples/sample_blog_content.py`
> - **References**: Check `references/` folder for brand voice and examples before writing
> - **Frameworks**: AIDA, PAS, Hook-Story-Offer (see `content-frameworks` skill)
> - **Python**: ALWAYS use `.venv\Scripts\python.exe` (never bare `python`)
Creates compelling long-form content that ranks, engages, and converts.
## Scope of This Skill
**This skill handles:**
- Blog posts
- How-to guides
- Listicles
- Thought leadership articles
- Case studies
- Ultimate guides
- Comparison posts
- News/trend articles
- Guest posts
- Pillar content
**NOT handled by this skill:**
- Short social posts → Use `social-media-writer`
- Email copy → Use `email-copywriter`
- Visual content → Creates written content only
## Article Types & Structures
### 1. How-To Guide
```markdown
# How to [Achieve Result] in [Timeframe]
**Hook**: [Why this matters now]
**Introduction**:
- Problem statement
- What you'll learn
- Why trust this guide
## What You'll Need / Prerequisites
- [Requirement 1]
- [Requirement 2]
## Step 1: [Action Verb + Outcome]
[Detailed instructions]
[Pro tip or warning]
## Step 2: [Action Verb + Outcome]
...
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. [Mistake + how to fix]
2. [Mistake + how to fix]
## Conclusion
- Summary of steps
- Next action to take
- CTA
## FAQ
[Address common questions]
```
### 2. Listicle
```markdown
# [Number] [Adjective] [Things] for [Audience] in [Year]
**Hook**: [Pattern interrupt or stat]
**Introduction**:
- Why this list matters
- How it was curated
- Quick preview
## 1. [Item Name]
[Why it's on the list]
[Key benefit]
[How to use/apply]
## 2. [Item Name]
...
## Bonus: [Extra Item]
## How to Choose the Right One
[Comparison or decision framework]
## Conclusion + CTA
```
### 3. Thought Leadership
```markdown
# [Bold Claim] : Why [Common Belief] Is Wrong
**Hook**: [Contrarian opening]
**Introduction**:
- The conventional wisdom
- Why it's outdated/wrong
- Your alternative view
## The Problem with [Conventional Approach]
[Evidence and examples]
## A Better Way: [Your Framework]
[Your methodology]
## Evidence This Works
[Case studies, data, testimonials]
## How to Implement
[Actionable steps]
## Conclusion
- Key shift in thinking
- Call to action
```
### 4. Case Study
```markdown
# How [Client] [Achieved Result] in [Timeframe]
**Quick Stats**:
- [Key metric 1]: [Result]
- [Key metric 2]: [Result]
- [Key metric 3]: [Result]
## The Challenge
[Client's situation and problems]
## The Solution
[What was implemented]
## The Process
### Phase 1: [Name]
### Phase 2: [Name]
### Phase 3: [Name]
## The Results
[Detailed outcomes with data]
## Key Takeaways
[What readers can apply]
## Ready to [Achieve Similar Results]?
[CTA]
```
### 5. Ultimate Guide
```markdown
# The Ultimate Guide to [Topic] in [Year]
**Table of Contents**
[Linked sections]
## Introduction: What is [Topic] and Why Does It Matter?
## Part 1: [Foundation/Basics]
### Chapter 1.1
### Chapter 1.2
## Part 2: [Intermediate/Strategy]
### Chapter 2.1
### Chapter 2.2
## Part 3: [Advanced/Tactics]
### Chapter 3.1
### Chapter 3.2
## Part 4: [Tools & Resources]
## Conclusion: Your [Topic] Action Plan
## FAQ
```
## SEO Best Practices
### On-Page Elements
| Element | Best Practice |
|---------|--------------|
| Title | 55-60 chars, keyword near front |
| Meta Description | 150-160 chars, include CTA |
| H1 | One per page, includes keyword |
| H2/H3 | Include secondary keywords |
| URL | Short, includes primary keyword |
| First 100 Words | Include primary keyword naturally |
| Images | Alt text with keywords |
| Internal Links | 2-5 to relevant content |
| External Links | 1-3 to authoritative sources |
### Keyword Integration
- **Primary keyword**: In title, H1, first paragraph, conclusion
- **Secondary keywords**: In H2s, throughout body
- **LSI keywords**: Related terms, synonyms
- **Natural density**: Write for humans first
### Content Length Guidelines
| Article Type | Optimal Length |
|-------------|---------------|
| News/Updates | 300-500 words |
| Standard Blog | 1,000-1,500 words |
| How-To Guide | 1,500-2,500 words |
| Ultimate Guide | 3,000-7,000 words |
| Pillar Content | 5,000-10,000 words |
## 3-Mode Workflow
### MODE 1: PLAN
1. **Understand Content Goals**
```
- Topic and angle
- Target audience
- SEO keywords (if any)
- Content type/format
- Desired length
- Publication context
```
2. **Research & References**
```bash
# Check existing content on topic
ls references/examples/blogs/
# Analyze successful articles
python scripts/content/analyze_articles.py \
--folder references/examples/blogs/ \
--output output/analysis/article_patterns.json
# Web research for current info
# Use WebSearch tool for latest data
```
3. **Create Outline**
```bash
python scripts/content/generate_blog_outline.py \
--topic "Content Marketing" \
--type how-to \
--keywords "content marketing, strategy, ROI" \
--output output/content/blogs/
```
4. **Document Plan**
```markdown
## Article Plan
### Topic
[Main subject]
### Angle
[Unique perspective/hook]
### Type
[How-to/Listicle/Thought Leadership/etc.]
### Target Keywords
- Primary: [keyword]
- Secondary: [keywords]
### Outline
[H2 structure]
### Target Length
[Word count]
### References
[Sources to cite]
```
### MODE 2: CLARIFY
**Essential Questions:**
- "What's the main topic and angle?"
- "Who is the target reader?"
- "Are there specific keywords to target?"
- "What's the desired word count?"
**Context Questions:**
- "Is this for SEO, thought leadership, or both?"
- "Any specific points you want to cover?"
- "Sources or references to include?"
**Style Questions:**
- "Formal or conversational tone?"
- "First person or third person?"
- "Technical or accessible language?"
### MODE 3: IMPLEMENT
1. **Write Article**
```bash
python scripts/content/write_article.py \
--outline output/content/blogs/outline.md \
--tone conversational \
--length 2000 \
--output output/content/blogs/
```
2. **Optimize for SEO**
- Check keyword placement
- Write meta description
- Add internal/external links
3. **Save Output**
```
output/content/blogs/
├── [date]_[topic]/
│ ├── outline.md
│ ├── draft.md
│ ├── meta.json
│ └── images_needed.txt
```
## Writing Guidelines
### Opening Hooks
| Type | Example |
|------|---------|
| Stat | "73% of B2B marketers say content marketing increases engagement." |
| Question | "What if everything you knew about [topic] was wrong?" |
| Story | "Last year, I made a $50,000 mistake with my content strategy." |
| Bold Claim | "Most content marketing advice is dead wrong. Here's why." |
| Problem | "You're creating content. You're posting consistently. But nothing's working." |
### Paragraph Guidelines
- **Short paragraphs**: 2-4 sentences max
- **One idea per paragraph**
- **Transition sentences** between sections
- **White space** for readability
- **Subheadings** every 200-300 words
### Bullet Point Guidelines
- Use for lists of 3+ items
- Start each with action verb or parallel structure
- Keep to one line when possible
- Don't overuse - save for scannable info
### Conclusion Best Practices
1. **Summarize** key points (not repeat verbatim)
2. **Reinforce** the main takeaway
3. **Call to action** - what should they do next?
4. **Optional**: Question to spark comments
## Example Interactions
### "Write a blog post about email marketing"
```
[PLAN]
- Topic: Email marketing
- Determine angle and type
- Research current best practices
[CLARIFY]
- "What specific aspect - strategy, copy, automation?"
- "Target audience - beginners or advanced?"
- "Any keywords to target?"
- "Desired word count?"
[IMPLEMENT]
- Create comprehensive outline
- Write full article
- Optimize for SEO
- Add meta description
```
### "Create a how-to guide for LinkedIn growth"
```
[PLAN]
- How-to format
- Step-by-step structure
- Practical, actionable content
[CLARIFY]
- "What audience - job seekers, founders, creators?"
- "Any specific strategies you want included?"
- "Case studies or examples to reference?"
[IMPLEMENT]
- Detailed step-by-step guide
- Include pro tips and common mistakes
- Add FAQ section
- Optimize for search
```
### "Write a thought leadership piece about AI in marketing"
```
[PLAN]
- Thought leadership format
- Need unique angle/perspective
- Research current discourse
[CLARIFY]
- "What's your unique take on AI in marketing?"
- "Contrarian view or forward-looking?"
- "Any original data or experience to share?"
[IMPLEMENT]
- Bold opening hook
- Build argument with evidence
- Practical implications
- Strong conclusion with POV
```
## Editing Checklist
### Structure
- [ ] Compelling headline with keyword
- [ ] Hook in first 100 words
- [ ] Clear H2 structure
- [ ] Logical flow between sections
- [ ] Strong conclusion with CTA
### Content
- [ ] Delivers on headline promise
- [ ] Provides unique value
- [ ] Supported by evidence/examples
- [ ] Actionable takeaways
### Style
- [ ] Appropriate tone for audience
- [ ] Short paragraphs (2-4 sentences)
- [ ] Active voice primarily
- [ ] Jargon-free (or explained)
- [ ] Scannable with subheads/bullets
### SEO
- [ ] Primary keyword in title, H1, first 100 words
- [ ] Secondary keywords in H2s
- [ ] Meta description (150-160 chars)
- [ ] Internal links added
- [ ] External links to authority sources
### Readability
- [ ] Grade level appropriate
- [ ] No walls of text
- [ ] Transition sentences
- [ ] Formatting aids scanning
## Output Files
Blog content saved to:
- `output/content/blogs/[topic]/draft.md` - Full article
- `output/content/blogs/[topic]/outline.md` - Structure
- `output/content/blogs/[topic]/meta.json` - SEO metadata
- `output/content/blogs/swipe_file.md` - Best examples
## Word Count Guidelines
When given a target, aim for:
- Within 10% of target for standard articles
- Can go over for comprehensive guides
- Better to be thorough than padded
- Every word should earn its place
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