# Blog Post Template

---

**Metadata**:
```yaml
id: CNT-001
template_name: Blog Post Template
version: 1.0.0
category: Content
subcategory: Editorial
framework: SEO-Optimized Content Creation
related_templates:
  - STR-007 (Content Calendar)
  - STR-002 (Messaging Matrix)
  - BRD-002 (Voice & Tone Guide)
  - CNT-007 (Newsletter Template)
primary_agents:
  - content-strategist
  - seo-specialist
  - copywriter
lifecycle_phase: Creation
status: active
```

---

## Purpose

This template provides a structured approach to creating SEO-optimized blog posts that align with brand voice, support content strategy goals, and drive measurable engagement. Suitable for thought leadership, educational content, product updates, and industry insights.

---

## Content Brief

### 1. Post Overview

**Working Title**: `[Descriptive title - will be refined for SEO]`

**Content Type**:
- [ ] Thought Leadership
- [ ] How-To Guide
- [ ] Industry Analysis
- [ ] Product/Feature Announcement
- [ ] Customer Story
- [ ] Listicle
- [ ] Trend Analysis
- [ ] Opinion/Commentary
- [ ] Other: `___________`

**Target Word Count**: `[Recommended: 800-2000 words depending on topic depth]`

**Publish Date**: `YYYY-MM-DD`

**Author/Byline**: `[Name, title]`

### 2. Strategic Context

**Business Objective**:
`[What business goal does this post support? (e.g., lead generation, brand awareness, SEO ranking)]`

**Target Audience**:
- **Primary**: `[Segment name - see STR-005 for detailed profile]`
- **Secondary**: `[Additional segments if applicable]`
- **Reader Intent**: `[Informational / Navigational / Transactional]`
- **Stage in Buyer Journey**: `[Awareness / Consideration / Decision]`

**Key Messages** (from STR-002 Messaging Matrix):
1. `[Primary message to reinforce]`
2. `[Secondary message if applicable]`
3. `[Tertiary message if applicable]`

### 3. SEO Strategy

**Primary Keyword**: `[Main target keyword - exact match]`
- Search Volume: `X,XXX/month`
- Keyword Difficulty: `XX/100`
- Current Ranking: `#XX or "Not ranking"`

**Secondary Keywords** (2-4):
1. `[Secondary keyword 1]`
2. `[Secondary keyword 2]`
3. `[Secondary keyword 3]`
4. `[Secondary keyword 4]`

**Long-Tail Keywords** (3-5):
1. `[Long-tail variation 1]`
2. `[Long-tail variation 2]`
3. `[Long-tail variation 3]`

**Search Intent**: `[What is the user trying to accomplish?]`

**SERP Analysis**:
- **Top Competitors**:
  1. `[Competitor 1 URL - what they do well]`
  2. `[Competitor 2 URL - what they do well]`
  3. `[Competitor 3 URL - what they do well]`
- **Content Gap Opportunity**: `[What's missing from current top-ranking content?]`
- **Differentiation Angle**: `[How will this post stand out?]`

### 4. Content Objectives

**Primary CTA**:
- Action: `[e.g., Download guide, Request demo, Subscribe to newsletter]`
- Link: `[URL with UTM parameters]`
- Placement: `[Mid-post and conclusion]`

**Secondary CTAs** (optional):
- `[Additional conversion opportunities]`

**Success Metrics**:
- **Organic Traffic**: `XXX visits within 90 days`
- **Engagement**: `XX% avg. time on page, XX% scroll depth`
- **Conversions**: `XX CTA clicks, XX downloads/signups`
- **Social Shares**: `XX shares across platforms`
- **Backlinks**: `X referring domains within 6 months`

---

## Draft Structure

### SEO Title (55-60 characters)

**Draft Title**: `[Include primary keyword, under 60 chars]`

**Title Options** (3-5 variations):
1. `[Title variation 1]`
2. `[Title variation 2]`
3. `[Title variation 3]`
4. `[Title variation 4]`
5. `[Title variation 5]`

**Selected Title**: `___________`

### Meta Description (150-160 characters)

**Draft Meta**: `[Include primary keyword, compelling CTA, under 160 chars]`

**Meta Options**:
1. `[Meta variation 1]`
2. `[Meta variation 2]`
3. `[Meta variation 3]`

**Selected Meta**: `___________`

### Header Outline (H1-H4)

**H1: `[Post Title - should match SEO title or be close variation]`**

**Introduction (100-150 words)**:
- Hook: `[Compelling opening - question, stat, story, or bold claim]`
- Problem Statement: `[Why this topic matters to the reader]`
- Value Proposition: `[What the reader will learn/gain]`
- Transition: `[Bridge to main content]`

**H2: `[First Major Section - include keyword variation]`**
- H3: `[Subsection if needed]`
- H3: `[Subsection if needed]`

**H2: `[Second Major Section - include keyword variation]`**
- H3: `[Subsection if needed]`
- H3: `[Subsection if needed]`

**H2: `[Third Major Section - include keyword variation]`**
- H3: `[Subsection if needed]`
- H3: `[Subsection if needed]`

**H2: `[Optional Fourth Section]`**

**Conclusion (100-150 words)**:
- Summary: `[Recap key takeaways - 2-3 bullets]`
- CTA: `[Primary call-to-action with link]`
- Next Steps: `[What should the reader do next?]`

### Supporting Elements

**Featured Image**:
- Image Type: `[Original photo, stock, infographic, illustration]`
- Alt Text: `[Descriptive alt text with keyword]`
- Image Source: `___________`

**In-Post Visuals** (3-5 recommended):
1. `[Visual 1: Chart/graph/screenshot/photo - description]`
2. `[Visual 2: Chart/graph/screenshot/photo - description]`
3. `[Visual 3: Chart/graph/screenshot/photo - description]`
4. `[Visual 4: Chart/graph/screenshot/photo - description]`
5. `[Visual 5: Chart/graph/screenshot/photo - description]`

**Data & Statistics**:
- `[Stat 1 with source citation]`
- `[Stat 2 with source citation]`
- `[Stat 3 with source citation]`

**Expert Quotes** (if applicable):
- `[Quote from internal expert or customer]`
- `[Quote from industry authority with attribution]`

**Internal Links** (3-5 recommended):
1. `[Anchor text]` → `[Internal URL]` (Supports keyword: `___`)
2. `[Anchor text]` → `[Internal URL]` (Supports keyword: `___`)
3. `[Anchor text]` → `[Internal URL]` (Supports keyword: `___`)
4. `[Anchor text]` → `[Internal URL]` (Supports keyword: `___`)
5. `[Anchor text]` → `[Internal URL]` (Supports keyword: `___`)

**External Links** (2-3 authoritative sources):
1. `[Anchor text]` → `[External URL]` (Source: `[Publication name]`)
2. `[Anchor text]` → `[External URL]` (Source: `[Publication name]`)
3. `[Anchor text]` → `[External URL]` (Source: `[Publication name]`)

---

## Full Draft

### `[H1 Title]`

**Introduction**:

`[Write 100-150 word introduction following the structure above]`

---

**H2: `[First Major Section]`**

`[Section content with supporting data, examples, and visuals]`

**H3: `[Subsection]`**

`[Subsection content]`

**H3: `[Subsection]`**

`[Subsection content]`

---

**H2: `[Second Major Section]`**

`[Section content]`

**H3: `[Subsection]`**

`[Subsection content]`

---

**H2: `[Third Major Section]`**

`[Section content]`

---

**Conclusion**:

`[Write 100-150 word conclusion with key takeaways and CTA]`

---

## Review Checklist

### Content Quality

- [ ] **Accuracy**: All facts, stats, and claims verified with citations
- [ ] **Originality**: Content passes plagiarism check (>95% unique)
- [ ] **Depth**: Topic covered comprehensively (vs. competitor content)
- [ ] **Clarity**: Written at appropriate reading level for audience
- [ ] **Voice & Tone**: Aligns with BRD-002 (Voice & Tone Guide)
- [ ] **Messaging**: Reinforces key messages from STR-002 (Messaging Matrix)
- [ ] **Grammar**: Passes grammar/spelling check (Grammarly, Hemingway, etc.)
- [ ] **Readability**: Flesch Reading Ease score 60+ (or appropriate for audience)

### SEO Optimization

- [ ] **Title Tag**: 55-60 characters, includes primary keyword
- [ ] **Meta Description**: 150-160 characters, includes keyword + CTA
- [ ] **URL Slug**: Short, descriptive, includes primary keyword
- [ ] **H1 Tag**: One H1 only, matches title or close variation
- [ ] **Header Hierarchy**: Logical H2/H3/H4 structure (no skipped levels)
- [ ] **Keyword Density**: Primary keyword 1-2%, natural placement
- [ ] **Keyword Variations**: Secondary and long-tail keywords included
- [ ] **Internal Links**: 3-5 relevant internal links with descriptive anchors
- [ ] **External Links**: 2-3 authoritative sources (open in new tab)
- [ ] **Image Alt Text**: All images have descriptive alt text with keywords
- [ ] **Image Optimization**: Images compressed (<200KB each)
- [ ] **Mobile-Friendly**: Formatted correctly for mobile devices
- [ ] **Page Speed**: Load time <3 seconds (test with PageSpeed Insights)

### Engagement Elements

- [ ] **Compelling Hook**: First 2-3 sentences grab attention
- [ ] **Scannable Format**: Short paragraphs (3-4 sentences), bullet points, subheads
- [ ] **Visual Variety**: 3-5 images, charts, or graphics
- [ ] **Data Visualization**: Stats presented visually where appropriate
- [ ] **Examples**: Real-world examples or case studies included
- [ ] **Quotes**: Expert or customer quotes add credibility
- [ ] **CTA Placement**: Primary CTA in mid-post and conclusion
- [ ] **CTA Clarity**: CTA is specific, actionable, and benefits-oriented
- [ ] **Social Sharing**: Social share buttons enabled
- [ ] **Related Content**: "Read Next" or related posts suggested

### Legal & Compliance

- [ ] **Attribution**: All sources, images, quotes properly attributed
- [ ] **Permissions**: Rights secured for all third-party content
- [ ] **Disclaimers**: Required disclaimers included (medical, financial, legal, etc.)
- [ ] **Privacy**: No PII exposed without consent
- [ ] **Accessibility**: WCAG 2.1 AA compliant (alt text, color contrast, etc.)
- [ ] **Copyright**: No copyrighted material used without permission
- [ ] **Claims Substantiation**: Product/service claims supported by evidence

### Technical Setup

- [ ] **UTM Parameters**: CTA links tagged for tracking
- [ ] **Schema Markup**: Article schema implemented (JSON-LD)
- [ ] **Open Graph Tags**: OG tags for social sharing (title, description, image)
- [ ] **Twitter Card**: Twitter card tags configured
- [ ] **Canonical Tag**: Canonical URL set to prevent duplicate content
- [ ] **Sitemap**: Added to XML sitemap
- [ ] **Indexing**: Set to "index, follow" (unless intentionally noindex)

---

## Distribution Guidance

### Pre-Launch (1 week before)

**Editorial Calendar**:
- [ ] Post scheduled in CMS (WordPress, HubSpot, etc.)
- [ ] Publish date confirmed: `YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM (timezone)`
- [ ] Author bio and headshot updated
- [ ] Related content links configured

**Social Media Prep**:
- [ ] Social copy drafted (see SOC-001 Social Media Post Template)
- [ ] Social graphics created (recommended: 3-5 variations)
- [ ] Posting schedule created (see STR-007 Content Calendar)

**Email Prep**:
- [ ] Email newsletter draft (see CNT-008 Newsletter Template)
- [ ] Email segment identified
- [ ] Send date scheduled

**Promotion Channels**:
- [ ] Organic social: `[Platforms]`
- [ ] Email newsletter: `[Yes/No, segment]`
- [ ] Paid social: `[Yes/No, budget $XXX]`
- [ ] Employee advocacy: `[Yes/No]`
- [ ] Partner/influencer outreach: `[Yes/No, list names]`

### Launch Day

**Publishing**:
- [ ] Post published at scheduled time
- [ ] Live URL confirmed: `___________`
- [ ] Social posts go live
- [ ] Email newsletter sent (if applicable)

**Monitoring**:
- [ ] Google Search Console: Monitor impressions/clicks
- [ ] Google Analytics: Track traffic, engagement, conversions
- [ ] Social media: Monitor shares, comments, engagement
- [ ] Backlink monitoring: Set up alerts for new backlinks

### Post-Launch (First 30 days)

**Optimization**:
- [ ] Week 1: Monitor performance, make quick edits if needed
- [ ] Week 2: Update based on early engagement data (add CTAs, improve sections)
- [ ] Week 4: Full performance review, plan content refresh if needed

**Promotion Tactics**:
- [ ] Share on social 2-3 times over first month (different angles/quotes)
- [ ] Pitch to industry publications for syndication
- [ ] Reach out to quoted sources/mentioned brands for shares
- [ ] Repurpose into other formats (infographic, video, slides, podcast)
- [ ] Add to email signature, sales collateral, customer newsletters

**Performance Tracking**:
- [ ] Rank tracking: Monitor keyword rankings weekly
- [ ] Traffic: Track organic traffic growth
- [ ] Engagement: Monitor time on page, scroll depth, bounce rate
- [ ] Conversions: Track CTA clicks and downstream conversions
- [ ] Backlinks: Monitor referring domains and link growth

### Ongoing Maintenance

**Content Refresh Schedule**:
- [ ] 3 months: Minor updates (stats, links, examples)
- [ ] 6 months: Medium refresh (new sections, updated data)
- [ ] 12 months: Major refresh or rewrite (if traffic declining or data stale)

**Performance Benchmarks** (review quarterly):
- Organic traffic: `XXX visits/month target`
- Keyword ranking: `Top 10 for primary keyword`
- Engagement rate: `XX% time on page, XX% scroll depth`
- Conversion rate: `XX% CTA click-through rate`

---

## Agent Notes

### For Content Strategist
- Align post topic with content calendar (STR-007) and campaign strategy
- Ensure post supports broader content pillar and topic cluster strategy
- Coordinate with other content formats (e.g., repurpose into video, infographic)
- Track content performance against strategic goals

### For SEO Specialist
- Conduct thorough keyword research before drafting outline
- Analyze top-ranking content to identify gaps and differentiation opportunities
- Ensure technical SEO elements (schema, canonical, internal linking) are correct
- Monitor ranking progress and recommend optimizations

### For Copywriter
- Follow voice & tone guidelines from BRD-002
- Write compelling, scannable content (short paragraphs, subheads, bullets)
- Use storytelling techniques (anecdotes, examples, scenarios)
- Include data and expert quotes for credibility
- Write benefit-focused CTAs, not feature-focused

---

## Approval & Version History

**Version**: 1.0.0
**Prepared By**: `[Content Author, role]`
**Date**: `YYYY-MM-DD`

**Approvals**:
- [ ] Content Strategist: `[Name, date]`
- [ ] SEO Specialist: `[Name, date]`
- [ ] Subject Matter Expert: `[Name, date]` (if applicable)
- [ ] Legal/Compliance: `[Name, date]` (if required)
- [ ] Editor/Managing Editor: `[Name, date]`

**Revision History**:

| Version | Date | Author | Changes |
|---------|------|--------|---------|
| 1.0.0 | YYYY-MM-DD | `[Name]` | Initial draft |
| | | | |

---

**Related Templates**:
- STR-002: Messaging Matrix Template
- STR-007: Content Calendar Template
- BRD-002: Voice & Tone Guide Template
- CNT-007: Newsletter Template
- SOC-001: Social Media Post Template
- CNT-003: Whitepaper Template (for longer-form content)