content-optimization

---

name: content-optimization description: When the user wants to optimize content for SEO—word count, H2 keywords, keyword density, multimedia, tables, lists. Also use when the user mentions "content length," "word count," "keyword stuffing," "H2 keywords," "keyword density," "tables," "bullet points," or "content structure." For keywords, use keyword-research. metadata: version: 1.2.1

---

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: , , , 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 (

) | Steps, rankings, sequences, "Top 10" | List snippets (~19% of Featured Snippets); how-to; see featured-snippet | | Unordered (
) | Non-sequential items, features, options | Bullet snippets; definitions, options |

Best practices:

• Use semantic
  and
  ; 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

  📋 Tips & 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 |

  ---

  💬