# Content Structure Templates

Markdown templates for common SEO content types. Customize section headings and content while maintaining the structural framework.

## Blog Post (Informational)

**Target word count**: 1,200-1,800 words
**Primary goal**: Educate and inform, build authority, rank for informational queries

```markdown
# [Primary Keyword in H1] - [Benefit or Hook]

[Opening hook - 1 compelling sentence that grabs attention]

[Problem statement - describe the pain point or challenge your reader faces]

[Promise - explain what readers will learn or gain from this post]

In this guide, you'll discover:
- [Key takeaway 1]
- [Key takeaway 2]
- [Key takeaway 3]

## What Is [Topic]?

[Clear definition in 40-60 words - GEO-optimized]

[Expanded explanation with context]

[Why this matters - relevance to reader]

## Why [Topic] Matters

[Benefit 1 with supporting evidence]

[Benefit 2 with supporting evidence]

[Benefit 3 with supporting evidence]

> **Key Insight**: [Highlighted important point or statistic]

## [Secondary Keyword or Main Section 1]

[Introduction to this section]

### [Sub-topic 1]

[Detailed explanation]

**Key points**:
- Point 1
- Point 2
- Point 3

### [Sub-topic 2]

[Detailed explanation]

[Example or case study]

## [Secondary Keyword or Main Section 2]

[Section introduction]

| Factor | Description | Impact |
|--------|-------------|--------|
| [Factor 1] | [Description] | High/Medium/Low |
| [Factor 2] | [Description] | High/Medium/Low |
| [Factor 3] | [Description] | High/Medium/Low |

[Additional explanation]

## [Secondary Keyword or Main Section 3]

[Content for this section]

**Best practices**:
1. [Practice 1 with explanation]
2. [Practice 2 with explanation]
3. [Practice 3 with explanation]

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

### [Mistake 1]

[Why this is a mistake]
[How to avoid it]

### [Mistake 2]

[Why this is a mistake]
[How to avoid it]

### [Mistake 3]

[Why this is a mistake]
[How to avoid it]

## Frequently Asked Questions

### [Question from PAA or common query]?

[Direct answer in 40-60 words]

[Optional: Additional context]

### [Question 2]?

[Direct answer]

### [Question 3]?

[Direct answer]

## Conclusion

[Recap key points - include primary keyword]

[Final insight or takeaway]

[Clear call-to-action: next step for reader]

---

**Related reading**: [Internal link 1] | [Internal link 2] | [Internal link 3]
```

**Internal links**: 3-5 contextual links to related content
**External links**: 2-3 links to authoritative sources
**Keywords**: Primary in H1, first 100 words, conclusion; secondary in H2s
**GEO-optimization**: Definition block, FAQ section, quotable statistics

---

## Comparison Article ("[A] vs [B]")

**Target word count**: 1,500-2,500 words
**Primary goal**: Help readers choose between options, rank for comparison queries

```markdown
# [Option A] vs [Option B]: Which Is Better for [Use Case]?

[Hook - present the comparison dilemma]

[Context - why this comparison matters]

[Promise - what readers will understand after reading]

**Quick answer**: [Brief verdict for those who want immediate answer]

## [Option A] vs [Option B]: Quick Comparison

| Feature | [Option A] | [Option B] |
|---------|-----------|-----------|
| [Feature 1] | [Details] | [Details] |
| [Feature 2] | [Details] | [Details] |
| [Feature 3] | [Details] | [Details] |
| [Feature 4] | [Details] | [Details] |
| **Best for** | [Use case] | [Use case] |
| **Starting price** | [Price] | [Price] |

## What Is [Option A]?

[Clear definition]

[Key features and capabilities]

**Pros**:
- [Advantage 1]
- [Advantage 2]
- [Advantage 3]

**Cons**:
- [Disadvantage 1]
- [Disadvantage 2]

## What Is [Option B]?

[Clear definition]

[Key features and capabilities]

**Pros**:
- [Advantage 1]
- [Advantage 2]
- [Advantage 3]

**Cons**:
- [Disadvantage 1]
- [Disadvantage 2]

## [Option A] vs [Option B]: Detailed Comparison

### [Feature Category 1]

**[Option A]**: [Detailed explanation with examples]

**[Option B]**: [Detailed explanation with examples]

**Winner**: [A/B/Tie] - [Brief reasoning]

### [Feature Category 2]

**[Option A]**: [Details]

**[Option B]**: [Details]

**Winner**: [A/B/Tie] - [Brief reasoning]

### [Feature Category 3]

[Continue pattern for key comparison points]

## Pricing: [Option A] vs [Option B]

### [Option A] Pricing

- [Tier 1]: $[X]/month - [What's included]
- [Tier 2]: $[X]/month - [What's included]
- [Tier 3]: $[X]/month - [What's included]

### [Option B] Pricing

- [Tier 1]: $[X]/month - [What's included]
- [Tier 2]: $[X]/month - [What's included]
- [Tier 3]: $[X]/month - [What's included]

**Value winner**: [Which offers better value and why]

## Which Should You Choose?

### Choose [Option A] if:
- [Criteria 1]
- [Criteria 2]
- [Criteria 3]

### Choose [Option B] if:
- [Criteria 1]
- [Criteria 2]
- [Criteria 3]

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is [Option A] better than [Option B]?

[Nuanced answer - depends on use case]

### Can you use [Option A] and [Option B] together?

[Answer with explanation]

### Which is easier for beginners: [Option A] or [Option B]?

[Answer with reasoning]

## Final Verdict: [Option A] vs [Option B]

[Balanced conclusion]

[Recommendation based on different use cases]

[Clear call-to-action]
```

**Internal links**: Links to detailed reviews of each option, related comparisons
**External links**: Official websites of both options, third-party reviews
**Keywords**: Both options mentioned throughout, comparison keywords in H2s

---

## Listicle ("Top N [Items]")

**Target word count**: 1,500-2,500 words (depending on list length)
**Primary goal**: Provide curated recommendations, rank for "best [topic]" queries

```markdown
# [Number] Best [Items] for [Audience/Purpose] ([Year])

[Hook - establish why this list matters]

[Context - what makes these the "best"]

[Promise - what readers will gain]

After testing [X] different [items], we've identified the [number] that deliver the best results for [audience/purpose].

## Quick Summary: Top [Number] [Items]

| Rank | [Item] | Best For | Price |
|------|--------|----------|-------|
| 1 | [Item 1] | [Use case] | [Price] |
| 2 | [Item 2] | [Use case] | [Price] |
| 3 | [Item 3] | [Use case] | [Price] |

## How We Chose These [Items]

Our selection criteria:
- [Criterion 1] - [Why it matters]
- [Criterion 2] - [Why it matters]
- [Criterion 3] - [Why it matters]

## 1. [Item Name] - Best for [Specific Use Case]

![Alt text: [Item name] screenshot/image]

**What it is**: [Brief description]

**Why we love it**: [Key benefits and features]

**Key features**:
- [Feature 1]
- [Feature 2]
- [Feature 3]

**Pricing**: [Price details]

**Pros**:
- [Pro 1]
- [Pro 2]

**Cons**:
- [Con 1]
- [Con 2]

**Best for**: [Ideal user or use case]

[Link to item]

---

## 2. [Item Name] - Best for [Specific Use Case]

[Follow same structure as #1]

---

## 3. [Item Name] - Best for [Specific Use Case]

[Continue pattern for all items in list]

---

## Comparison: Which [Item] Is Right for You?

| Feature | [Item 1] | [Item 2] | [Item 3] |
|---------|----------|----------|----------|
| [Feature 1] | ✓/✗ | ✓/✗ | ✓/✗ |
| [Feature 2] | ✓/✗ | ✓/✗ | ✓/✗ |
| [Feature 3] | ✓/✗ | ✓/✗ | ✓/✗ |

## How to Choose the Best [Item] for Your Needs

### Consider [Factor 1]

[Explanation of how this factor affects choice]

### Consider [Factor 2]

[Explanation]

### Consider [Factor 3]

[Explanation]

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the best [item] for beginners?

[Answer with specific recommendation]

### Which [item] offers the best value?

[Answer with reasoning]

### Are paid [items] better than free ones?

[Balanced answer]

## Conclusion: Our Top Pick

[Restate #1 recommendation]

[Why it's the best overall choice]

[Call-to-action]
```

**Internal links**: Related guides, comparison articles, category pages
**External links**: Links to each recommended item, review sources
**Keywords**: "Best [topic]", individual item names, use case keywords

---

## How-To Guide (Step-by-Step)

**Target word count**: 1,200-2,000 words
**Primary goal**: Teach a specific process, rank for "how to [task]" queries

```markdown
# How to [Achieve Goal]: [Number]-Step Guide [for Audience]

[Hook - present the outcome readers want]

[Current problem - why this is challenging]

[Promise - what readers will accomplish]

By following this step-by-step guide, you'll be able to [specific outcome] in [timeframe].

## What You'll Need

**Tools**:
- [Tool 1]
- [Tool 2]
- [Tool 3]

**Time required**: [Estimated time]

**Skill level**: [Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced]

## Why [Task] Matters

[Explain the benefits of completing this task]

[Provide context and importance]

## Step 1: [Action Title]

![Alt text: Screenshot showing step 1]

[Clear instruction for this step]

[Why this step is important]

**How to do it**:
1. [Sub-step 1]
2. [Sub-step 2]
3. [Sub-step 3]

> **Pro Tip**: [Helpful tip to make this step easier]

**Common mistakes**:
- [Mistake to avoid]
- [Another mistake]

---

## Step 2: [Action Title]

![Alt text: Screenshot showing step 2]

[Instruction for this step]

[Additional context or explanation]

**Example**: [Concrete example showing this step]

---

## Step 3: [Action Title]

[Continue pattern for all steps]

---

## Step [Final Number]: [Action Title]

[Final step instruction]

[What success looks like]

**You'll know it's working when**: [Success indicators]

---

## What to Do If [Common Problem]

### Problem: [Issue 1]

**Solution**: [How to fix it]

### Problem: [Issue 2]

**Solution**: [How to fix it]

## Advanced Tips

Once you've mastered the basics:

1. **[Advanced tip 1]** - [Explanation]
2. **[Advanced tip 2]** - [Explanation]
3. **[Advanced tip 3]** - [Explanation]

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How long does it take to [complete task]?

[Realistic timeframe with variables]

### Do I need [specific tool/skill] to [complete task]?

[Answer with alternatives if applicable]

### What if [specific concern]?

[Address concern with solution]

## Conclusion

[Recap the process]

[Encourage reader to take action]

[Clear next step or CTA]

**Next steps**: [Link to related guide or advanced tutorial]
```

**Internal links**: Links to tool reviews, prerequisite guides, related tutorials
**External links**: Tool documentation, additional resources
**Keywords**: "How to [task]", action words in each step heading

---

## Product Review

**Target word count**: 1,500-2,000 words
**Primary goal**: Help buyers make informed decisions, rank for "[product] review" queries

```markdown
# [Product Name] Review: Is It Worth It in [Year]?

[Hook - establish the product's promise or popularity]

[Context - who this review is for]

After using [Product] for [timeframe], here's my honest assessment of whether it lives up to the hype.

## [Product Name] Overview

**What it is**: [Clear description]

**Price**: [Pricing details]

**Best for**: [Ideal user or use case]

**Rating**: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

## Pros and Cons at a Glance

### Pros
- [Major advantage 1]
- [Major advantage 2]
- [Major advantage 3]

### Cons
- [Main limitation 1]
- [Main limitation 2]

## What Is [Product Name]?

[Detailed product description]

[Who makes it and company background]

[Product positioning and target market]

## Key Features

### [Feature 1]

[Detailed explanation of feature]

[How it works in practice]

[Our experience with this feature]

### [Feature 2]

[Continue pattern for main features]

## Performance Testing

### [Test Category 1]

**What we tested**: [Testing methodology]

**Results**: [Specific results with data]

**Verdict**: [Assessment]

### [Test Category 2]

[Continue testing pattern]

## Pricing and Plans

| Plan | Price | What's Included |
|------|-------|-----------------|
| [Tier 1] | $[X]/month | [Features] |
| [Tier 2] | $[X]/month | [Features] |
| [Tier 3] | $[X]/month | [Features] |

**Value assessment**: [Whether pricing is justified]

## [Product] vs Competitors

| Feature | [Product] | [Competitor 1] | [Competitor 2] |
|---------|-----------|----------------|----------------|
| [Feature 1] | [Details] | [Details] | [Details] |
| [Feature 2] | [Details] | [Details] | [Details] |
| [Feature 3] | [Details] | [Details] | [Details] |

## Who Should Buy [Product]?

### Perfect for:
- [User type 1] because [reason]
- [User type 2] because [reason]

### Not ideal for:
- [User type] because [reason]
- [User type] because [reason]

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is [Product] worth the price?

[Honest assessment with context]

### How does [Product] compare to [main competitor]?

[Balanced comparison]

### What's the learning curve like?

[Assessment with timeframe]

## Final Verdict: Should You Buy [Product]?

[Balanced conclusion]

[Specific recommendation based on use case]

**Our rating**: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

[Link to product with disclosure if affiliate]
```

**Disclosure**: Include affiliate disclosure if applicable
**Internal links**: Related product reviews, comparison articles, category pages
**External links**: Product website, official documentation

---

## Pillar Page (Comprehensive Guide)

**Target word count**: 3,000-5,000+ words
**Primary goal**: Become definitive resource, rank for head terms, support topic cluster

```markdown
# [Topic]: The Complete Guide [for Audience] ([Year])

[Compelling hook - establish the importance of this topic]

[Problem - what challenges exist in this space]

[Promise - what this comprehensive guide delivers]

This is the most comprehensive guide to [topic] on the web. You'll learn everything from fundamentals to advanced strategies.

## Table of Contents

- [Chapter 1]
- [Chapter 2]
- [Chapter 3]
- [Chapter 4]
- [Chapter 5]

## Chapter 1: [Topic] Fundamentals

### What Is [Topic]?

[Comprehensive definition - GEO-optimized]

[History and evolution]

[Current state and importance]

### Why [Topic] Matters

[Multiple benefits with evidence]

[Industry statistics and trends]

### Key Concepts and Terminology

| Term | Definition |
|------|------------|
| [Term 1] | [Definition] |
| [Term 2] | [Definition] |
| [Term 3] | [Definition] |

## Chapter 2: [Major Sub-Topic]

[Comprehensive section on major aspect]

[Multiple sub-sections with H3 headings]

[Examples, case studies, data]

[Internal links to detailed cluster content]

> **Deep dive**: For more on [sub-topic], see our complete guide: [link]

## Chapter 3: [Major Sub-Topic]

[Continue pattern with substantial content sections]

## Chapter 4: [Advanced/Tactical Section]

[Strategic or tactical content]

[Actionable frameworks and processes]

## Chapter 5: [Implementation/Case Studies]

[Real-world applications]

[Success stories]

[Implementation roadmap]

## Frequently Asked Questions

[Comprehensive FAQ section with 8-10 questions]

## Key Takeaways

[Summarize main points from each chapter]

## What's Next?

[Recommend next steps]

[Links to related cluster content]

## Resources

**Recommended tools**:
- [Tool 1] - [Use case]
- [Tool 2] - [Use case]

**Further reading**:
- [Internal link to cluster content]
- [Internal link to cluster content]
- [External resource]
```

**Internal links**: 8-15 links to related cluster content
**External links**: 5-10 authoritative sources
**Update frequency**: Quarterly for pillar pages

---

## FAQ Page

**Target word count**: 1,000-1,500 words
**Primary goal**: Answer common questions, rank for question queries, enable FAQ rich results

```markdown
# [Topic]: Frequently Asked Questions

[Introduction explaining what questions this page answers]

[Who this FAQ is for]

## General Questions

### What is [topic]?

[Comprehensive answer with definition]

### How does [topic] work?

[Clear explanation with steps if applicable]

### Why is [topic] important?

[Benefits and context]

## Getting Started

### How do I get started with [topic]?

[Step-by-step guidance]

### What do I need to [accomplish goal]?

[Requirements and prerequisites]

### How long does it take to [achieve result]?

[Realistic timeframe]

## Common Problems

### Why isn't [expected result] happening?

[Troubleshooting guidance]

### What should I do if [problem occurs]?

[Solution with steps]

### How do I fix [specific error]?

[Fix instructions]

## Comparison Questions

### [Option A] vs [Option B]: which is better?

[Balanced comparison answer]

### Should I [action 1] or [action 2]?

[Guidance based on scenarios]

## Pricing and Plans

### How much does [topic] cost?

[Pricing information with context]

### Is there a free version?

[Information about free options]

## Advanced Questions

### Can I [advanced action]?

[Answer with technical details]

### How do I [complex task]?

[Guidance with link to detailed guide]

## Still Have Questions?

[Call-to-action for additional support]

[Contact information or link to contact page]
```

**Schema markup**: Add FAQPage schema to enable rich results
**Internal links**: Link to detailed guides for complex answers
**Keywords**: Include question keywords naturally

---

## Implementation Checklist

For any template:

- [ ] Customize all [bracketed placeholders]
- [ ] Include primary keyword in H1 and first 100 words
- [ ] Place secondary keywords in H2/H3 headings
- [ ] Add 3-5 internal links to related content
- [ ] Include 2-3 external links to authoritative sources
- [ ] Create GEO-optimized definition blocks
- [ ] Add FAQ section for featured snippet opportunities
- [ ] Include relevant images with descriptive alt text
- [ ] Write compelling meta description (150-160 chars)
- [ ] Optimize title tag (50-60 chars with primary keyword)
