content-optimization▌
kostja94/marketing-skills · updated Apr 8, 2026
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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).
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:
- Content type: Article, guide, listicle, pillar, news
- Target keyword: Primary and secondary
- 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
- Analyze top 10 for target keyword — average length and depth
- Match intent — informational often needs ~40% longer than transactional
- Value over padding — each section must add genuine value; avoid fluff
- 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:
<table>,<thead>,<tbody>, 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 (<ol>) |
Steps, rankings, sequences, "Top 10" | List snippets (~19% of Featured Snippets); how-to; see featured-snippet |
Unordered (<ul>) |
Non-sequential items, features, options | Bullet snippets; definitions, options |
Best practices:
- Use semantic
<ol>and<ul>; 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
How to use content-optimization on Cursor
AI-first code editor with Composer
Prerequisites
Before installing skills in Cursor, ensure your development environment meets these requirements:
- ›Cursor installed and configured on your development machine
- ›Node.js version 16.0+ with npm package manager (verify with
node --version) - ›Active project directory or workspace where you want to add content-optimization
Execute installation command
Execute the skills CLI command in your project's root directory to begin installation:
The skills CLI fetches content-optimization from GitHub repository kostja94/marketing-skills and configures it for Cursor.
Select Cursor when prompted
The CLI will show a list of available agents. Use arrow keys to navigate and space to select Cursor:
Verify installation
Confirm successful installation by checking the skill directory location:
Reload or restart Cursor to activate content-optimization. Access the skill through slash commands (e.g., /content-optimization) or your agent's skill management interface.
Security & Verification Notice
We perform automated surface-level scans (Gen AI Scanner, Socket, Snyk) during installation. These checks detect common vulnerabilities but do not guarantee complete security. Always review skill source code and verify the publisher's reputation before production use.
Skills execute code in your development environment. Always verify the publisher's identity, review recent commits, and test in isolated environments before production deployment.
List & Monetize Your Skill
Submit your Claude Code skill and start earning
Use Cases▌
Task Automation & Efficiency
Automate repetitive workflows and reduce manual effort
Example
Generate reports, summarize documents, draft communications
Save 3-5 hours per week on routine tasks
Knowledge Enhancement
Learn new skills, understand complex topics, get expert guidance
Example
Explain concepts, provide examples, suggest learning resources
Accelerate learning and skill development by 2x
Quality Improvement
Enhance output quality through reviews, suggestions, and refinements
Example
Review drafts, suggest improvements, catch errors
Improve work quality by 30-40% with less effort
Implementation Guide▌
Prerequisites
- ›Claude Desktop or compatible AI client with skill support
- ›Clear understanding of task or problem to solve
- ›Willingness to iterate and refine outputs
Time Estimate
15-45 minutes depending on use case complexity
Installation Steps
- 1.Install skill using provided installation command
- 2.Test with simple use case relevant to your work
- 3.Evaluate output quality and relevance
- 4.Iterate on prompts to improve results
- 5.Integrate into regular workflow if valuable
Common Pitfalls
- ⚠Expecting perfect results without iteration
- ⚠Not providing enough context in prompts
- ⚠Using skill for tasks outside its intended scope
- ⚠Accepting outputs without review and validation
Best Practices▌
✓ Do
- +Start with clear, specific prompts
- +Provide relevant context and constraints
- +Review and refine all outputs before using
- +Iterate to improve output quality
- +Document successful prompt patterns
✗ Don't
- −Don't use without understanding skill limitations
- −Don't skip validation of outputs
- −Don't share sensitive information in prompts
- −Don't expect skill to replace human judgment
💡 Pro Tips
- ★Be specific about desired format and style
- ★Ask for multiple options to choose from
- ★Request explanations to understand reasoning
- ★Combine AI efficiency with human expertise
When to Use This▌
✓ Use When
Use when skill capabilities match your task, clear ROI on time saved, and you can validate outputs. Best for repetitive tasks, learning, and quality improvement.
✗ Avoid When
Avoid when task requires deep expertise you can't validate, involves sensitive decisions, or when learning process is more valuable than speed of completion.
Learning Path▌
- 1Familiarize yourself with skill capabilities and limitations
- 2Start with low-risk, non-critical tasks
- 3Progress to more complex and valuable use cases
- 4Build expertise through regular use and experimentation
Discussion
Product Hunt–style comments (not star reviews)- No comments yet — start the thread.
Ratings
4.8★★★★★70 reviews- ★★★★★Omar Dixit· Dec 28, 2024
content-optimization is among the better-maintained entries we tried; worth keeping pinned for repeat workflows.
- ★★★★★Kaira Jackson· Dec 28, 2024
content-optimization fits our agent workflows well — practical, well scoped, and easy to wire into existing repos.
- ★★★★★Ishan Ghosh· Dec 16, 2024
I recommend content-optimization for anyone iterating fast on agent tooling; clear intent and a small, reviewable surface area.
- ★★★★★Dhruvi Jain· Dec 4, 2024
content-optimization has been reliable in day-to-day use. Documentation quality is above average for community skills.
- ★★★★★Oshnikdeep· Nov 23, 2024
Keeps context tight: content-optimization is the kind of skill you can hand to a new teammate without a long onboarding doc.
- ★★★★★Kaira Thompson· Nov 19, 2024
We added content-optimization from the explainx registry; install was straightforward and the SKILL.md answered most questions upfront.
- ★★★★★Ira Gonzalez· Nov 7, 2024
Useful defaults in content-optimization — fewer surprises than typical one-off scripts, and it plays nicely with `npx skills` flows.
- ★★★★★Ishan Anderson· Oct 26, 2024
Registry listing for content-optimization matched our evaluation — installs cleanly and behaves as described in the markdown.
- ★★★★★Ganesh Mohane· Oct 14, 2024
We added content-optimization from the explainx registry; install was straightforward and the SKILL.md answered most questions upfront.
- ★★★★★Carlos Thomas· Sep 25, 2024
Useful defaults in content-optimization — fewer surprises than typical one-off scripts, and it plays nicely with `npx skills` flows.
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