OpenWriterControle/.opencode/context/content-creation/formats/written-content.md

Written Content Guidelines

Best practices for creating effective written content across formats: articles, blog posts, social media, newsletters, and long-form content.

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Article Structure

Standard Article Flow

1. Hook (First 50 words)

• Grab attention immediately
• Promise clear value
• Create curiosity

2. Problem/Context (100-200 words)

• Establish the problem or topic
• Show why it matters
• Build relevance

3. Main Content (Body)

• Deliver on the promise
• Use clear structure (subheadings, lists)
• Include examples and data

4. Conclusion (50-100 words)

• Summarize key points
• Reinforce main takeaway
• Clear call-to-action

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Blog Post Best Practices

Formatting for Readability

Short paragraphs:

• 1-3 sentences max
• White space improves scanning
• Mobile-friendly

Subheadings every 200-300 words:

• Break up long sections
• Enable skimming
• Improve SEO

Bullet points and lists:

• Easy to scan
• Highlight key points
• Increase engagement

Bold key phrases:

• Draw attention to important points
• Help skimmers find value
• Don't overuse (2-3 per section max)

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Blog Post Length Guidelines

Short-form (300-600 words):

• Quick tips
• News and updates
• Opinion pieces
• Social media-friendly

Medium-form (800-1500 words):

• How-to guides
• List posts
• Case studies
• Most versatile length

Long-form (2000+ words):

• Comprehensive guides
• In-depth tutorials
• Research-backed content
• SEO pillar content

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Blog Post Templates

How-To Post:

1. Hook with the problem
2. Why this solution works
3. Step-by-step instructions
4. Common mistakes to avoid
5. Next steps

List Post:

1. Hook with promise (X ways to Y)
2. Brief intro
3. Each item with explanation
4. Summary of key points
5. Call-to-action

Case Study:

1. Hook with result
2. Starting situation
3. Challenge/problem
4. Solution/process
5. Results and lessons
6. How to apply it

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Social Media Posts

Platform-Specific Guidelines

Twitter/X:

• Hook in first line
• Use line breaks for readability
• Thread for longer content
• End with engagement question or CTA

LinkedIn:

• Professional but personal tone
• Story-driven content performs well
• Use "see more" strategically
• Include relevant hashtags (3-5)

Instagram:

• Visual-first, caption supports
• Hook before "more" cutoff
• Use emojis strategically
• Hashtags in comments or end of caption

Facebook:

• Conversational tone
• Questions drive engagement
• Native video outperforms links
• Community-focused content

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Social Post Structure

Pattern 1: Hook + Story + Lesson

[Attention-grabbing first line]

[Short story or example]

[Key lesson or takeaway]

[Call-to-action or question]

Pattern 2: Problem + Agitation + Solution

[Identify relatable problem]

[Make it worse / show impact]

[Offer solution or insight]

[Next step]

Pattern 3: List Format

[Hook: X things about Y]

1. [Point with brief explanation]
2. [Point with brief explanation]
3. [Point with brief explanation]

[Closing thought or CTA]

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Newsletter Structure

Email Newsletter Best Practices

Subject Line:

• 40-50 characters ideal
• Create curiosity or promise value
• Personalization when relevant
• A/B test regularly

Preview Text:

• First 50-100 characters matter
• Extend the subject line hook
• Don't waste with "View in browser"

Opening:

• Personal greeting
• Quick context or story
• Promise what's in this email

Body:

• One main idea per email (or clear sections)
• Scannable format
• Links to full content if needed
• Visual breaks (images, dividers)

Closing:

• Clear call-to-action
• Personal sign-off
• P.S. for secondary CTA or bonus

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Newsletter Types

Curated Newsletter:

• Intro with theme
• 3-7 curated items
• Brief commentary on each
• Why it matters

Story Newsletter:

• Personal story or case study
• Lesson or insight
• How to apply it
• Single clear CTA

Educational Newsletter:

• One main teaching point
• Step-by-step or framework
• Examples
• Action item

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Long-Form Content

Long-Form Structure

Comprehensive Guide Structure:

1. Table of contents
2. Introduction (why this matters)
3. Main sections (3-7 major topics)
4. Examples and case studies
5. Common mistakes/FAQs
6. Conclusion and next steps
7. Resources and further reading

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Long-Form Best Practices

Navigation:

• Table of contents with jump links
• Progress indicators
• "Back to top" links
• Clear section breaks

Engagement:

• Vary content types (text, images, examples)
• Include interactive elements
• Break up with quotes or callouts
• Summarize key points in boxes

Retention:

• Deliver value early and often
• Use open loops (promise info later)
• Include surprising insights
• Make it skimmable

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SEO Considerations

On-Page SEO Basics

Title Tag:

• Include target keyword
• 50-60 characters
• Compelling and clickable

Meta Description:

• 150-160 characters
• Include keyword naturally
• Promise clear value

Headings:

• H1 for main title (one per page)
• H2 for main sections
• H3 for subsections
• Include keywords naturally

Internal Links:

• Link to related content
• Use descriptive anchor text
• Help readers find more value

Images:

• Descriptive file names
• Alt text for accessibility and SEO
• Compressed for speed

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Keyword Integration

Natural placement:

• Title and first paragraph
• Subheadings where relevant
• Throughout body naturally
• Don't force or over-optimize

Semantic keywords:

• Related terms and phrases
• Answer related questions
• Cover topic comprehensively

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Readability Optimization

Readability Checklist

• Grade level: 8th grade or below for general audience
• Sentence length: Average 15-20 words
• Paragraph length: 3 sentences or less
• Active voice: 80%+ of sentences
• Transition words: Connect ideas smoothly
• Jargon: Explained or avoided
• Examples: Concrete and relatable

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Readability Tools

Hemingway Editor:

• Highlights complex sentences
• Identifies passive voice
• Suggests simpler alternatives

Grammarly:

• Grammar and spelling
• Tone detection
• Clarity suggestions

Yoast SEO (WordPress):

• Readability analysis
• SEO optimization
• Content structure

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Content Quality Checklist

Before publishing, verify:

• Hook grabs attention in first 50 words
• Clear value proposition
• Scannable format (headings, lists, bold)
• Short paragraphs (1-3 sentences)
• Examples and specifics (not just theory)
• Clear call-to-action
• Proofread for errors
• Links work and are relevant
• Images optimized and have alt text
• Mobile-friendly formatting

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Common Written Content Mistakes

❌ Burying the Lead

Starting with background instead of value.

✅ Lead with Value

Put the most important information first.

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❌ Walls of Text

Long paragraphs that are hard to read.

✅ White Space

Short paragraphs with visual breaks.

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❌ Vague Promises

"This will help you improve your content."

✅ Specific Value

"Learn the 3-second hook formula that increased my engagement 300%."

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❌ No Clear CTA

Ending without telling readers what to do next.

✅ Clear Next Step

"Try this framework on your next post and let me know how it works."

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Usage

Apply these guidelines when creating:

• Blog posts and articles
• Social media content
• Email newsletters
• Landing page copy
• Long-form guides
• Any written content

Remember: Write for humans first, optimize for algorithms second. Clarity and value always win.