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 :

, , , 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) ← 返回排行榜