---
platform: blog
format: article
constraints:
  max_chars: null
  image_ratio: "16:9"
  max_hashtags: null
---

# Best Practices: Blog — Article

## Format Rules

- Ideal word count: 1500–3000 words for informational content; 800–1200 for opinion/news pieces
- Title (H1): once, at the top; 50–60 characters for SEO display
- H2 headers: 3–7 per article; include secondary keywords naturally
- H3 headers: used for sub-points under H2 sections
- Featured image: 1200x628px (16:9); include descriptive alt text with keyword
- Meta description: 150–160 characters summarizing the article with a CTA
- Reading time: aim for 5–8 minutes (800–1500 words at ~200 wpm average)
- Internal links: 2–5 per article pointing to related content on the same site
- External links: 1–3 authoritative sources (open in new tab)

## Structure

```
[H1 TITLE — primary keyword near the front]

[INTRODUCTION — 100–150 words]
- Hook: question, statistic, or bold claim
- State the problem clearly
- Promise: "In this article you'll learn..."

[H2 SECTION 1 — first major topic]
[H3 sub-section if needed]
[150–300 words per H2 section]
[Include: one image or visual, one example or data point]

[H2 SECTION 2]
...

[H2 SECTION N — practical steps or application]
[Use numbered lists or a step-by-step format here]

[H2 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (optional but SEO-valuable)]
[3–5 Q&A pairs targeting long-tail search queries]

[CONCLUSION — 100–150 words]
- Summarize key takeaways
- Reinforce main message
- CTA: newsletter, related article, product, or comment question
```

## Guidelines

- **Write for humans first, then optimize for search.** Content that solves a real problem ranks because it earns links and time-on-page.
- Put the most important information first (inverted pyramid). Readers scroll but rarely finish.
- Use short sentences (under 25 words), short paragraphs (3–4 lines max), and ample white space.
- Bold key phrases, not entire sentences. Bold is a scannable emphasis tool.
- Every H2 section should be comprehensible on its own — readers jump around.
- Use original visuals, charts, or screenshots rather than stock photos wherever possible.
- Update old articles to keep them current — freshness signals matter for rankings.
- Internal linking strategy: link new posts to cornerstone content, and update cornerstone content to link to new posts.

## Examples

**Introduction template:**
```
[Stat or provocative question].

If you've been [doing the common thing], you're not alone — but you might be leaving [result] on the table.

In this guide, I'll walk you through [topic], covering:
- [Point 1]
- [Point 2]
- [Point 3]

Let's dive in.
```

**FAQ entry:**
```
### How long does [process] take?

Most people see [result] within [timeframe]. The key variable is [factor]. If you follow the steps in Section 2, you can cut that time significantly.
```
