content-research-writer

Content Research & Writing

Research-backed long-form content creation for blogs, articles, product descriptions, landing pages, and email newsletters.

Content Research Process

Step 1: Topic Intelligence

Before writing, gather:

• Primary keyword + 5–10 secondary/LSI keywords
• Top 3–5 ranking articles for the target keyword (analyze structure, not copy)
• Common questions (People Also Ask, Reddit, Quora, Answer The Public)
• Brand's unique angle or proprietary data point

Step 2: Content Brief Template

# Content Brief: [Article Title]

**Primary Keyword**: [keyword]
**Secondary Keywords**: [list]
**Target Audience**: [persona]
**Search Intent**: [Informational / Commercial / Transactional / Navigational]
**Content Goal**: [Drive bookings / Build authority / SEO traffic]
**Recommended Word Count**: [1,200–2,500 for guides; 500–800 for product pages]
**Key Points to Cover**: [list 5–8 points]
**Internal Links**: [2–4 pages to link to]
**CTA**: [What action should reader take?]

Blog Post Structure

SEO-Optimized Article Framework

H1: [Primary Keyword + Hook — under 60 chars]

Introduction (100–150 words):
- Hook with relatable problem or surprising stat
- Preview what the article covers
- Implicit promise of transformation/value

H2: [Topic Section 1] (200–300 words)
H3: [Subtopic]
[Content + internal link opportunity]

H2: [Topic Section 2]
H3: [Subtopic with secondary keyword]
[Content]

H2: [Practical Tips / How-To Section]
[Numbered list or step-by-step]

H2: Common Mistakes / What to Avoid
[This earns featured snippets]

H2: FAQ (targets People Also Ask)
Q: [Question]
A: [2–3 sentence answer — concise for snippet]

Conclusion (100–150 words):
- Summarize key points
- Restate transformation/outcome
- Strong CTA

Writing Principles

Readability Rules

• Sentences: Average 15–20 words (max 30)
• Paragraphs: 2–4 sentences (never more than 5)
• One idea per paragraph
• Flesch-Kincaid score target: 60–70 (Grade 7–8 reading level)
• Use subheadings every 200–300 words

Engagement Techniques

• Start with "You" — address the reader directly
• Use power words: transform, discover, proven, secret, instant, guaranteed
• Bullet points for lists of 3+ items
• Bold key phrases (not entire sentences)
• Include a quote or stat every 400–500 words

Product Description Template

Beauty/Hair Product Format

**[Product Name]** — [One-line value proposition]

[Opening: The problem this solves, 1–2 sentences]

**What it does:**
- [Benefit 1 — outcome-focused, not feature-focused]
- [Benefit 2]
- [Benefit 3]

**Key ingredients/features:**
- [Ingredient/Feature]: [Why it matters in plain language]

**How to use:**
[Step 1–3 of application]

**Best for:** [Specific hair/skin type]

[Social proof element: star rating, "bestseller", customer quote]

[CTA: "Add to cart" or "Book treatment"]

Email Newsletter Framework

The 4-Part Newsletter

1. SUBJECT LINE (A/B test 2–3 variants):
   - Curiosity: "The hair mistake you're probably making"
   - Benefit: "3 ways to double your hair growth this month"  
   - Urgency: "Last chance: 20% off ends Sunday"

2. PREVIEW TEXT: Extends the hook (40–90 chars)

3. BODY:
   - Opening hook (1–2 sentences)
   - Core value content (tips, story, update)
   - Transition to offer
   - CTA button (1 primary CTA only)

4. PS LINE: Best read section — put secondary CTA or key insight here

Content Types by Funnel Stage

Stage	Content Type	Goal
Awareness	How-to guides, trend articles, educational posts	Attract new audience
Consideration	Comparison articles, case studies, FAQs	Build trust
Decision	Product descriptions, testimonials, landing pages	Convert
Retention	Newsletters, loyalty content, tutorials	Keep customers

Pillar Content Strategy

Build topical authority with a hub-and-spoke model:

• Pillar page: Comprehensive guide on broad topic (3,000–5,000 words)
• Cluster posts: Specific subtopics linking back to pillar (1,000–1,500 words each)
• Internal linking: All cluster posts link to pillar; pillar links to clusters

Example for Hair Solutions Co.:

Pillar: "Complete Guide to Hair Restoration Treatments"
Clusters:
- "Keratin Treatment vs. Brazilian Blowout"
- "How Long Does Hair Restoration Take?"
- "Best Hair Treatments for Damaged Hair"
- "Hair Restoration Treatment Costs"

Quality Checklist

Before publishing:

• Primary keyword in H1, first 100 words, and meta description
• Meta description 150–160 characters with CTA
• All images have descriptive alt text
• At least 2 internal links + 1–2 authoritative external links
• Read aloud test — does it sound natural?
• Mobile preview — does formatting hold on small screen?
• CTA is clear and above the fold or in first scroll