keyword-research

On Activation

1. Check if brand/ directory exists in the project root.
2. If it does, read available files: voice-profile.md, positioning.md, audience.md, creative-kit.md, stack.md, learnings.md.
3. Apply any loaded brand context to enhance output quality.
4. If brand/ does not exist, proceed without it — this skill works standalone.

Note: Examples below use fictional brands (Acme, Lumi, Helm). Replace with your own brand context.

Backend Selection

Prefer measured KD/volume/CPC/intent/SERP/GSC via openseo-keyword-research when OpenSEO is configured; otherwise Exa-stack validation with metrics marked unknown. Full contract: skills/openseo/references/backend-contract.md.

/keyword-research -- Data-Backed Keyword Strategy

Most keyword research is backwards. People start with tools, get overwhelmed by data, and end up with a spreadsheet they never use.

This skill starts with strategy. What does your business need? Who are you trying to reach? What would make them find you? Then it validates with live search data and builds a content plan that actually makes sense.

No expensive tools required. Systematic thinking plus web search.

Reads: positioning.md, audience.md, competitors.md, learnings.md Writes: brand/keyword-plan.md, campaigns/content-plan/*.md

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Iteration Detection

Before starting, check whether ./brand/keyword-plan.md already exists.

If keyword-plan.md EXISTS --> Refresh Mode

Do not start from scratch. Instead:

1. Read the existing plan.
2. Present a summary of the current keyword strategy:

   EXISTING KEYWORD PLAN (last updated {date})
   Pillars: {Pillar 1} {N} clusters {priority} · {Pillar 2} {N} {priority} · {Pillar 3} {N} {priority}
   Top keywords: {kw1} {priority} · {kw2} {priority} · {kw3} {priority}
   Content briefs: {N} created, {N} published
   
   What would you like to do?
   ① Refresh with new SERP data  ② Add a new topic area  ③ Re-prioritize clusters
   ④ Full rebuild from scratch   ⑤ Generate briefs for top keywords