Blog Post
Research, draft, and polish publication-ready blog posts.
Workflow
Blog post progress:
- [ ] Step 1: Clarify topic and format
- [ ] Step 2: Research and gather sources
- [ ] Step 3: Extract key insights and outline
- [ ] Step 4: Write the post
- [ ] Step 5: SEO and polish
- [ ] Step 6: Validate qualityStep 1: Clarify topic and format
Determine the post type before writing. Ask the user if unclear:
| Format | Best for | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Listicle | Surprising takeaways from sources | Numbered insights with analysis |
| Tutorial / how-to | Teaching a process step by step | Problem → steps → result |
| Narrative | Personal experience or journey | Story arc with tension and resolution |
| Thought leadership | Industry commentary or opinion | Thesis → evidence → implications |
Step 2: Research and gather sources
Read files, fetch URLs, or accept pasted text. If the user provides a topic without sources, research the topic before writing. Read every source completely before outlining.
Accept messy input — scattered thoughts, bullet points, brain dumps, random observations. The mess is the input; structure is the output.
Step 3: Extract key insights and outline
- Identify the most surprising, counter-intuitive, or impactful takeaways.
- Rank insights by reader value — lead with the strongest.
- Select 2-4 powerful quotes for blockquotes (only the best).
- Find a relatable problem or curiosity gap to anchor the introduction.
- Check for narrative potential: is there a journey from one understanding to another?
Create a section outline before drafting. Each section should have a clear purpose.
Step 4: Write the post
Load the matching template from references/format-templates.md and follow its structure. Only load the template for the chosen format — not all four.
Step 5: SEO and polish
- Title: under 60 characters, include the main keyword.
- Meta description: 150-160 characters summarizing the post's value.
- Keyword placement: naturally in the title, first paragraph, and 2-4 times throughout.
- Headers: descriptive H2/H3 tags that work as standalone scan points.
- Internal links: suggest 2-3 related links if the user has other content.
Step 6: Validate quality
Before finalizing, verify:
- [ ] Hook grabs attention in the first 1-2 sentences
- [ ] Headline is specific and delivers on its promise
- [ ] Every paragraph is 2-4 sentences maximum
- [ ] Each section has analysis or insight, not just summary
- [ ] Blockquotes are limited to 2-4 total
- [ ] Conclusion looks forward with a question, CTA, or provocative takeaway
- [ ] Tone is conversational throughout — no academic language
- [ ] Title is under 60 characters with the main keyword
- [ ] Post includes a meta description (150-160 chars)
- [ ] Markdown renders correctly (headings, blockquotes, bold, code)Blog-specific voice
- Write to a smart friend, not a committee. Authenticity beats authority.
- Bold key phrases for scannability — readers skim before they read.
- Show, don't tell: specific examples with real details beat vague claims.
- Admit uncertainty when genuine. Never bluff expertise.
Headline patterns
- Number + insight: "7 Things [Sources] Reveal About [Topic]"
- Surprising tension: "Why [Common Belief] Gets [Topic] Wrong"
- How-to framing: "How to [Achieve Outcome] with [Method]"
- Question format: "What If [Provocative Reframe]?"
Under 60 characters for SEO. Sentence case, no trailing period. Must deliver on its promise.
Anti-patterns
- Generic headlines ("Interesting Findings About X").
- Conclusions that just summarize what was already said.
- Clickbait headlines the content does not deliver on.
- Blockquoting every source instead of choosing the 2-4 most powerful.
- Skipping research and writing from assumptions.
Skill handoffs
| When | Run |
|---|---|
| After blog post is written, audit prose quality | docs-writing |
| If post needs to become a presentation | presentation-creator |
| Edit and polish the copy | copy-editing |
| Optimize SEO beyond basics | optimise-seo |