Skip to main content

Content Strategy Workflow

Transform citation data into actionable content strategy that drives AEO/GEO success.

Overview​

Goal: Create citation-worthy content that gets referenced by AI assistants.

Time: Ongoing (2-4 hours per content piece)

Output:

  • Citation-optimized content
  • Measurable citation growth
  • Authority building over time

The Content Strategy Process​

Step 1: Data-Driven Topic Selection (30 minutes)​

Use Citation Data to Identify Topics:

Navigate to /dashboard/analytics after executing 50+ queries

Three Topic Selection Strategies:

Strategy A: Low-Competition Opportunities​

Find queries with less than 3 citations:

Query: "How to replace toilet flapper valve?"
Citations: 2
Top Domain: homedepot.com (1 citation)

INSIGHT: Low competition, easy to dominate
CONTENT PLAN: Comprehensive guide (2,000 words)
TIMELINE: Create this week
EXPECTED OUTCOME: High probability of citation

Strategy B: High-Value Competitive Topics​

Find queries with 8+ citations where competitors dominate:

Query: "How to fix a leaking faucet?"
Citations: 12
Top Domains: familyhandyman.com (3), thisoldhouse.com (2)

INSIGHT: High competition, high value
CONTENT PLAN: Ultimate resource (5,000+ words)
TIMELINE: Create over 2 weeks
EXPECTED OUTCOME: Long-term authority building

Strategy C: Citation Gap Topics​

Find topics where YOU are never cited but competitors are:

Topic: Faucet Repairs
Competitor Citations: 24
Your Citations: 0

INSIGHT: Major gap in coverage
CONTENT PLAN: Faucet repair hub (multiple articles)
TIMELINE: 30-day campaign
EXPECTED OUTCOME: Establish topical authority

Prioritization Framework:

Priority Score = (Opportunity × Traffic Potential × Business Value) / Competition

Example:
"Replace toilet flapper":
- Opportunity: 9/10 (only 2 citations)
- Traffic Potential: 6/10 (moderate search volume)
- Business Value: 7/10 (sells related products)
- Competition: 2/10 (low)
Priority Score: (9 × 6 × 7) / 2 = 189

"Fix leaking faucet":
- Opportunity: 4/10 (12 citations, crowded)
- Traffic Potential: 10/10 (high search volume)
- Business Value: 9/10 (high conversion)
- Competition: 9/10 (very competitive)
Priority Score: (4 × 10 × 9) / 9 = 40

Result: "Replace toilet flapper" is higher priority despite lower traffic

Step 2: Competitor Content Analysis (30 minutes)​

Analyze Current Citation Winners:

For your chosen topic, review the top 3 cited articles:

Article 1: familyhandyman.com/plumbing/faucet-repair/

Length: 2,400 words
Images: 18 photos
Video: 1 embedded YouTube video
Structure:
- Introduction (100 words)
- Tools and Materials (150 words, bullet list)
- Step-by-Step Instructions (1,500 words, 10 steps)
- Troubleshooting (400 words, 5 common problems)
- When to Call a Pro (150 words)
- Related Articles (links)

Strengths:
✅ Comprehensive step-by-step
✅ High-quality photos (every step)
✅ Clear, simple language
✅ Troubleshooting section
✅ Tools list upfront

Weaknesses:
❌ Last updated: 2022 (outdated)
❌ No cost estimates
❌ Generic tools (not product-specific)
❌ No video alternatives

Article 2: thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/how-to-repair-faucet

Length: 1,800 words
Images: 12 photos
Video: None
Structure:
- Types of Faucets (300 words)
- Tools Required (100 words)
- Step-by-Step (1,200 words)
- Expert Tips (200 words)

Strengths:
✅ Faucet type differentiation
✅ Expert credibility (licensed plumber)
✅ Professional photos

Weaknesses:
❌ Less detailed than Family Handyman
❌ No troubleshooting
❌ No cost information

Your Content Plan (beat both):

Target: 3,000 words
Images: 25+ (step-by-step photos + diagrams)
Video: 2-3 minute embedded tutorial
Structure:
- Introduction + Problem Context (150 words)
- Faucet Type Identification (300 words, with photos)
- Tools and Materials (200 words, specific products linked)
- Cost Estimate (150 words, DIY vs Professional)
- Step-by-Step by Faucet Type (1,800 words)
  - Compression faucets (600 words)
  - Ball faucets (600 words)
  - Cartridge faucets (600 words)
- Troubleshooting (400 words, 10 common issues)
- When to Call a Professional (150 words)
- Maintenance Tips (200 words)
- Related Guides (links)

Unique Advantages:
✅ More comprehensive (3,000 vs 2,400 words)
✅ Faucet type-specific instructions
✅ Cost transparency (builds trust)
✅ Product-specific recommendations (leverage e-commerce)
✅ Video content (multimedia)
✅ Fresh content (2024 vs 2022)

Step 3: Content Creation Framework (2-4 hours)​

The Citation-Worthy Content Formula:

A. Structure for AI Comprehension​

AI assistants extract information more easily from:

✅ Clear headings (H2, H3 hierarchy) ✅ Numbered lists (steps, instructions) ✅ Bullet points (features, tools, tips) ✅ Tables (comparisons, specifications) ✅ Direct answers (start sections with answer)

Example Structure:

# How to Fix a Leaking Faucet

## Introduction
A leaking faucet wastes up to 3,000 gallons of water per year...

## Tools and Materials Needed
- Adjustable wrench
- Replacement washers (link to product)
- Plumber's grease
...

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply
Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn clockwise...

### Step 2: Remove Faucet Handle
...

## Troubleshooting Common Issues

### Problem: Faucet still leaks after replacing washer
**Solution**: Check the valve seat for damage...

B. Depth and Comprehensiveness​

Comprehensive = Citable

Minimum Standards:

  • Length: 2,000+ words
  • Sections: 8-12 major sections
  • Steps: 8-15 detailed steps
  • Images: 15+ (one per step minimum)
  • Troubleshooting: 5-10 common issues
  • Related topics: 3-5 internal links

Content Completeness Checklist:

□ Answers the primary question fully
□ Covers common variations
□ Includes troubleshooting
□ Provides alternative approaches
□ Explains the "why" not just "how"
□ Addresses safety concerns
□ Includes time/cost estimates
□ Links to related topics
□ Offers professional alternative
□ Stays current (update dates)

C. Actionability and Clarity​

AI assistants favor actionable content:

✅ Specific: "Use a 15mm wrench" not "Use a wrench" ✅ Sequential: Number steps 1, 2, 3... ✅ Clear: Short sentences, simple words ✅ Practical: Real-world context ✅ Complete: No missing steps

Before (Poor):

Fix the faucet by replacing the washer. Make sure to turn off
the water first and use the right tools.

After (Citation-Worthy):

Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply
Locate the shut-off valves under your sink. Turn both valves
clockwise until they stop. Test by turning on the faucet to
ensure water flow has stopped.

Step 2: Gather Required Tools
- 15mm adjustable wrench
- Replacement rubber washer (5/8-inch)
- Plumber's grease
- Small flashlight
- Bucket or towel

Step 3: Remove Faucet Handle
...

D. Authority and Credibility Signals​

Build Trust Through:

Author Credentials:

Written by: John Smith, Licensed Plumber
Reviewed by: Professional Plumbing Association
Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Data and Statistics:

"According to the EPA, a leaking faucet wastes an average of
3,000 gallons per year, costing homeowners $35+ annually."

Expert Quotes:

"In my 20 years as a plumber, 90% of faucet leaks are caused
by worn washers," says Mike Johnson, Master Plumber.

Original Research:

"We tested 15 different faucet types and found that compression
faucets are 3x more likely to develop leaks than cartridge models."

Product Testing:

"After testing 10 replacement washers, we found that rubber
washers last 2x longer than silicone alternatives."

Step 4: SEO and AEO Optimization (30 minutes)​

Traditional SEO (still matters for real-time search providers):

On-Page SEO:

Title Tag: "How to Fix a Leaking Faucet: Step-by-Step Guide (2024)"
Meta Description: "Complete guide to fixing leaking faucets.
Learn to identify faucet types, replace washers, and troubleshoot
common issues. Includes photos, video, and cost estimates."
URL: /plumbing/fix-leaking-faucet

Header Structure:

H1: How to Fix a Leaking Faucet (primary keyword)
H2: Tools and Materials Needed
H2: Step-by-Step Instructions (secondary keyword)
H3: Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply
H3: Step 2: Remove Faucet Handle
H2: Troubleshooting Common Issues (related keyword)

Internal Linking:

Link to:
- Related guides (toilet repair, drain cleaning)
- Product pages (replacement washers, wrenches)
- Tool guides (how to use pipe wrench)
- Cost guides (plumber vs DIY cost comparison)

AEO-Specific Optimization:

Schema Markup (helps AI understand structure):

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "HowTo",
  "name": "How to Fix a Leaking Faucet",
  "step": [
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Turn Off Water Supply",
      "text": "Locate the shut-off valves..."
    }
  ]
}
</script>

FAQ Schema (for troubleshooting sections):

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Why does my faucet still leak after replacing the washer?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "If your faucet still leaks..."
      }
    }
  ]
}
</script>

Natural Language Optimization:

Instead of: "faucet leak repair"
Write: "How to fix a leaking faucet"

Instead of: "washer replacement procedure"
Write: "How to replace a faucet washer"

Match conversational query patterns

Step 5: Content Enhancement (1 hour)​

A. Visual Assets​

Photos (15-25 per article):

  • Hero image (problem visualization)
  • Tool setup (all tools in one photo)
  • Step-by-step photos (one per step)
  • Before/after (visual proof)
  • Troubleshooting images (problems and solutions)

Diagrams:

  • Faucet anatomy (labeled parts)
  • Faucet types comparison
  • Water flow diagram
  • Problem cause visualization

Video:

  • 2-3 minute overview
  • Embedded from YouTube
  • Transcript included below video
  • Accessible and indexable

Image Optimization:

- Alt text: "Turning off water supply valve under sink"
- File name: turn-off-water-supply-valve.jpg
- Compression: &lt;200KB per image
- Responsive: Multiple sizes

B. Multimedia Enhancements​

Embedded Tools:

- Cost calculator (DIY vs Pro)
- Faucet type identifier (quiz)
- Time estimator (based on experience level)
- Tools checklist (printable)

Interactive Elements:

- Expandable troubleshooting (click to reveal)
- Progress tracker (check off steps)
- Comments section (user questions)

C. Content Freshness​

Update Triggers:

Quarterly: Review and refresh content
When: New products released
When: Techniques change
When: Competitor updates
When: User feedback suggests gaps

Update Process:

1. Add "Last Updated: [Date]" at top
2. Review statistics for currency
3. Check product links (still available?)
4. Add new tips from comments
5. Expand based on user questions
6. Improve images if needed
7. Update meta description

Step 6: Publishing and Promotion (30 minutes)​

Pre-Launch Checklist:

□ Content complete (2,000+ words)
□ Images optimized (alt text, compression)
□ Video embedded
□ Schema markup added
□ Internal links added
□ Meta data set
□ Mobile preview checked
□ Accessibility tested
□ Legal review (if needed)
□ Final proofread

Launch:

1. Publish to production
2. Submit to Google Search Console
3. Share on social media
4. Email to subscribers
5. Add to sitemap
6. Monitor for errors

Promotion (optional but recommended):

Week 1: Social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook)
Week 2: Email newsletter
Week 3: Industry forums (Reddit, Quora)
Week 4: Outreach to relevant sites (backlinks)

Step 7: Measurement and Iteration (Ongoing)​

Immediate Metrics (Week 1-4):

- Page views
- Time on page
- Bounce rate
- Social shares
- Comments/engagement

SEO Metrics (Month 1-3):

- Organic traffic
- Keyword rankings
- Backlinks acquired
- Domain authority change

AEO Metrics (Month 3-6):

- Citation appearances (re-run queries)
- Citation frequency
- Provider breakdown
- Citation context quality

Measurement Workflow:

Week 4: Initial check

- Re-execute related queries (10-20)
- Check if Perplexity cites (real-time search)
- Monitor traditional traffic

Month 3: Provider check

- Execute 50 related queries
- Test with all providers
- Measure citation rate
- Note citation context

Month 6: Authority assessment

- Compare to baseline (Month 0)
- Calculate citation share growth
- Analyze competitive positioning
- Identify winning patterns

Iteration Based on Data:

If Citations Appear:

Action: Analyze what worked
- Which sections are cited most?
- What format do AIs prefer?
- Which providers cite you?
Iterate: Replicate winning elements in new content

If No Citations Yet:

Possible Reasons:
1. Content not yet in training data (wait 3-6 months)
2. Not authoritative enough (build backlinks)
3. Content quality insufficient (improve depth)
4. Wrong topic choice (try lower competition)

Action: Create more content, try different topics

Content Types and Formats​

How-To Guides (Highest Citation Rate)​

Format:

1. Introduction (problem + solution preview)
2. Tools/Materials
3. Time/Cost Estimate
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
5. Troubleshooting
6. Maintenance Tips
7. When to Call Professional

Best For:

  • Procedural topics
  • DIY repairs
  • Installation guides
  • Problem-solving

Citation Potential: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Comparison Articles​

Format:

1. Introduction (options overview)
2. Comparison Table (features side-by-side)
3. Option A Deep Dive (pros, cons, use cases)
4. Option B Deep Dive
5. Which to Choose (decision framework)
6. FAQs

Best For:

  • Product comparisons
  • Method comparisons (DIY vs Pro)
  • Technology choices

Citation Potential: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ultimate Guides (Authority Building)​

Format:

1. Table of Contents
2. Introduction (comprehensive overview)
3. Fundamentals (basics and terminology)
4. Advanced Topics (10-15 sections)
5. Troubleshooting Guide
6. Resource Links
7. Glossary

Best For:

  • Broad topics
  • Reference material
  • Long-term authority
  • Pillar content

Citation Potential: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (long-term)

Troubleshooting Guides​

Format:

1. Introduction
2. Common Problems (10-20)
   - Problem: [Description]
   - Cause: [Explanation]
   - Solution: [Step-by-step fix]
3. Diagnostic Flowchart
4. When to Call Professional

Best For:

  • Problem-solving queries
  • "Why" questions
  • Error messages

Citation Potential: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Definitive Lists​

Format:

1. Introduction
2. Methodology (how items selected)
3. Top 10 [Items]
   - #1: [Item] (detailed review)
   - #2: [Item]
   - ...
4. Comparison Table
5. Buying Guide
6. FAQs

Best For:

  • "Best" queries
  • Product recommendations
  • Tool recommendations

Citation Potential: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Content Calendar Planning​

Monthly Content Strategy​

Week 1: Low-Competition Opportunity

  • Topic: "How to clean faucet aerator"
  • Type: How-to guide
  • Length: 2,000 words
  • Goal: Quick citation win

Week 2: Medium-Competition Topic

  • Topic: "Toilet troubleshooting guide"
  • Type: Troubleshooting guide
  • Length: 2,500 words
  • Goal: Establish topical coverage

Week 3: Update Existing Content

  • Update: Last month's articles
  • Add: User questions from comments
  • Refresh: Statistics and dates
  • Goal: Maintain freshness

Week 4: Competitive Topic

  • Topic: "Complete faucet repair guide"
  • Type: Ultimate guide
  • Length: 5,000 words
  • Goal: Long-term authority

Quarterly Content Themes​

Q1: Foundation

  • Create 12 how-to guides
  • Cover core topics
  • Establish presence

Q2: Expansion

  • Add 8 comparison articles
  • 4 troubleshooting guides
  • Broaden coverage

Q3: Authority

  • Create 4 ultimate guides
  • Update all Q1 content
  • Build depth

Q4: Optimization

  • Analyze citations
  • Double down on winners
  • Prune low performers

Content Team Workflow​

Roles and Responsibilities​

Content Strategist:

  • Analyze citation data
  • Identify topics
  • Prioritize content calendar
  • Measure results

Writer/Creator:

  • Research competitor content
  • Write comprehensive articles
  • Follow content formula
  • Optimize for AEO

Designer:

  • Create diagrams
  • Edit photos
  • Produce videos
  • Ensure visual quality

SEO Specialist:

  • Add schema markup
  • Optimize metadata
  • Build internal links
  • Monitor rankings

Product Manager:

  • Connect content to products
  • Ensure business alignment
  • Track ROI
  • Prioritize by value

Content Production SOP​

Day 1-2: Research

  • Execute queries
  • Analyze competitors
  • Gather data/stats
  • Create outline

Day 3-5: Creation

  • Write content
  • Create images
  • Record video
  • Add schema

Day 6: Review

  • Editor review
  • SEO check
  • Legal check (if needed)
  • Final polish

Day 7: Publish

  • Publish to production
  • Promote on channels
  • Monitor initial metrics

Week 2+: Optimize

  • Add user comments
  • Fix issues
  • Track citations
  • Iterate

Advanced Content Strategies​

Topical Authority Clustering​

Create Content Clusters:

Hub Page: "Ultimate Plumbing Guide"

  • 5,000+ words
  • Links to all spoke content
  • Comprehensive overview

Spoke Content: Specific topics

  • "How to fix leaking faucet" (links to hub)
  • "Toilet repair guide" (links to hub)
  • "Drain cleaning methods" (links to hub)
  • Each: 2,000-3,000 words

Benefits:

  • Establishes topical authority
  • Strong internal linking
  • Comprehensive coverage signal
  • Better for AI comprehension

Content Refresh Strategy​

Quarterly Content Audit:

For each article:
1. Check citation performance (re-run queries)
2. Review traffic metrics
3. Read user comments
4. Check competitor updates
5. Decide: Update, Expand, or Archive

Update if:
- High traffic, medium citations
- User questions in comments
- Stats/info outdated

Expand if:
- Medium traffic, high citations
- Topic opportunity growing
- Competitive landscape changing

Archive if:
- Low traffic, zero citations
- Topic no longer relevant
- Better content exists

Unique Angle Development​

Leverage Your Unique Strengths:

E-Commerce Advantage:

Standard: "How to replace toilet flapper"
Your Angle: "How to replace toilet flapper with [Your Product]"

Benefit: Product-specific instructions
Result: Unique, non-competitive content

Data Advantage:

Standard: "Best faucet for hard water"
Your Angle: "Best faucet for hard water (tested on 500 customer installs)"

Benefit: Original research
Result: Authoritative, citable

Customer Insights:

Standard: "Common faucet problems"
Your Angle: "10 most common faucet problems (from 10,000 support tickets)"

Benefit: Real-world data
Result: Practical, trustworthy

Next Steps​

Summary​

Content Strategy Workflow:

  1. Data-driven topic selection (30 min)
  2. Competitor content analysis (30 min)
  3. Content creation (2-4 hours)
  4. SEO/AEO optimization (30 min)
  5. Content enhancement (1 hour)
  6. Publishing and promotion (30 min)
  7. Measurement and iteration (ongoing)

Citation-Worthy Content Formula:

  • Length: 2,000+ words (comprehensive)
  • Structure: Clear headings, numbered steps
  • Visuals: 15+ images, diagrams, video
  • Depth: Troubleshooting, alternatives, context
  • Authority: Credentials, data, expert quotes
  • Freshness: Regular updates

Success Metrics:

  • Month 1: Content published
  • Month 3: Perplexity citations (real-time)
  • Month 6: Base model citations (Claude, GPT-4)
  • Month 12: Top 10 domain in your industry