Content Creation

Content Production Pipeline:
├── 1. Ideation (Day 1-2)
│   ├── Keyword research
│   ├── Audience questions
│   ├── Competitor analysis
│   └── Topic validation
│
├── 2. Planning (Day 2-3)
│   ├── Brief creation
│   ├── Outline development
│   ├── Resource gathering
│   └── Expert interviews
│
├── 3. Creation (Day 4-7)
│   ├── First draft
│   ├── Visual assets
│   ├── Code examples
│   └── SEO optimization
│
├── 4. Review (Day 8-10)
│   ├── Self-editing pass
│   ├── Editorial review
│   ├── SME validation
│   └── Final polish
│
└── 5. Publication (Day 11)
    ├── CMS upload
    ├── Meta optimization
    ├── QA testing
    └── Distribution trigger

interface ContentBrief {
  // Identification
  title: string;
  workingTitle: string;
  contentType: 'blog' | 'guide' | 'case_study' | 'landing_page';
  assignedWriter: string;
  dueDate: string;

  // SEO Targeting
  seo: {
    primaryKeyword: string;
    secondaryKeywords: string[];
    searchVolume: number;
    keywordDifficulty: number;
    searchIntent: 'informational' | 'commercial' | 'transactional';
  };

  // Audience
  audience: {
    primaryPersona: string;
    awarenessStage: 'problem_aware' | 'solution_aware' | 'product_aware';
    sophisticationLevel: 'beginner' | 'intermediate' | 'advanced';
    painPoints: string[];
  };

  // Content Requirements
  requirements: {
    wordCountRange: { min: number; max: number };
    tone: string;
    angle: string; // Unique perspective
    keyPoints: string[];
    questionsToAnswer: string[];
    ctaGoal: string;
  };

  // Resources
  resources: {
    competitorContent: string[];
    internalResources: string[];
    expertSources: string[];
    dataToInclude: string[];
  };

  // Technical
  technical: {
    internalLinksRequired: string[];
    externalLinksRequired: number;
    imagesRequired: number;
    codeExamples: boolean;
  };
}

// Example brief
const exampleBrief: ContentBrief = {
  title: 'Marketing Attribution Complete Guide',
  workingTitle: 'The Complete Guide to Marketing Attribution [2026]',
  contentType: 'guide',
  assignedWriter: 'Sarah Johnson',
  dueDate: '2026-02-01',

  seo: {
    primaryKeyword: 'marketing attribution',
    secondaryKeywords: [
      'attribution models',
      'multi-touch attribution',
      'marketing attribution tools'
    ],
    searchVolume: 8100,
    keywordDifficulty: 67,
    searchIntent: 'informational'
  },

  audience: {
    primaryPersona: 'Marketing Manager',
    awarenessStage: 'solution_aware',
    sophisticationLevel: 'intermediate',
    painPoints: [
      'Cannot prove marketing ROI',
      'Unclear which channels drive revenue',
      'Budget allocation guesswork'
    ]
  },

  requirements: {
    wordCountRange: { min: 4000, max: 6000 },
    tone: 'Expert but accessible',
    angle: 'Privacy-first attribution in cookieless era',
    keyPoints: [
      'What attribution is and why it matters',
      'Common attribution models explained',
      'How to choose the right model',
      'Implementation best practices',
      'Measuring attribution success'
    ],
    questionsToAnswer: [
      'What is marketing attribution?',
      'Which attribution model should I use?',
      'How do I set up attribution tracking?',
      'What metrics matter for attribution?'
    ],
    ctaGoal: 'Demo request or free trial'
  },

  resources: {
    competitorContent: [
      'https://competitor1.com/attribution-guide',
      'https://competitor2.com/marketing-attribution'
    ],
    internalResources: [
      '/docs/attribution/complete-guide',
      'Customer success stories'
    ],
    expertSources: ['Interview with VP Marketing'],
    dataToInclude: [
      '2026 attribution benchmark report',
      'Customer survey results'
    ]
  },

  technical: {
    internalLinksRequired: [
      '/docs/attribution/models',
      '/docs/attribution/implementation'
    ],
    externalLinksRequired: 3,
    imagesRequired: 5,
    codeExamples: true
  }
};

## Content Brief Checklist

### Before Writing
- [ ] Primary keyword researched and validated
- [ ] Search intent clearly understood
- [ ] Competitor content analyzed (top 5 results)
- [ ] Unique angle identified
- [ ] Key questions documented
- [ ] SME interviews scheduled (if needed)

### Requirements Clear
- [ ] Word count range specified
- [ ] Tone and voice defined
- [ ] Target persona identified
- [ ] CTA and conversion goal set
- [ ] Internal linking targets specified
- [ ] Visual requirements noted

### Resources Provided
- [ ] Links to relevant internal content
- [ ] Data sources identified
- [ ] Expert quotes available
- [ ] Brand guidelines accessible
- [ ] Examples of preferred style

interface ContentStructure {
  introduction: {
    hook: 'Attention-grabbing opening (stat, question, scenario)';
    context: 'Why this matters to the reader';
    promise: 'What they will learn/achieve';
    wordCount: '100-150 words';
    keywordPlacement: 'Primary keyword in first 100 words';
  };

  body: {
    sectionLength: '300-500 words per H2';
    paragraphLength: '2-4 sentences';
    headingHierarchy: 'H2 > H3 > H4 (never skip levels)';
    visualBreaks: 'Every 300 words minimum';
    transitions: 'Clear connections between sections';
  };

  conclusion: {
    summary: 'Recap key takeaways';
    actionItems: 'Specific next steps';
    cta: 'Clear conversion action';
    wordCount: '100-200 words';
  };

  elements: {
    bulletPoints: 'For lists of 3+ items';
    numberedLists: 'For sequential steps';
    tables: 'For comparisons and data';
    codeBlocks: 'For technical examples';
    callouts: 'For tips, warnings, key points';
    quotes: 'For expert insights and social proof';
  };
}

## Writing Quality Checklist

### Clarity
- [ ] Active voice used 80%+ of the time
- [ ] Sentences average 15-20 words
- [ ] Reading level: Grade 8-10 (Hemingway Editor)
- [ ] Jargon explained or avoided
- [ ] One idea per paragraph

### Engagement
- [ ] Hook in first sentence
- [ ] Questions to engage reader
- [ ] Specific examples, not vague claims
- [ ] Data and statistics included
- [ ] Stories and anecdotes where relevant

### Value
- [ ] Answers the reader's question completely
- [ ] Provides actionable insights
- [ ] Original perspective or data
- [ ] Better than competing content
- [ ] Worth the reader's time investment

### Brand Voice
- [ ] Matches style guide tone
- [ ] Consistent terminology
- [ ] Appropriate for audience
- [ ] No forbidden phrases

const headlineFormulas = {
  howTo: {
    formula: 'How to [Achieve Outcome] (Without [Common Obstacle])',
    example: 'How to Increase Conversion Rates (Without Increasing Ad Spend)'
  },

  list: {
    formula: '[Number] [Adjective] [Things] That [Benefit]',
    example: '15 Proven Tactics That Double Email Open Rates'
  },

  guide: {
    formula: 'The Complete Guide to [Topic] [Year/Context]',
    example: 'The Complete Guide to Marketing Attribution [2026]'
  },

  caseStudy: {
    formula: 'How [Company] [Achieved Result] in [Timeframe]',
    example: 'How Acme Corp Increased ROAS by 340% in 90 Days'
  },

  question: {
    formula: '[Intriguing Question]? (+ [Promise])',
    example: 'Is Your Marketing Attribution Costing You Money? Here\'s How to Know'
  },

  mistake: {
    formula: '[Number] [Topic] Mistakes That [Negative Outcome]',
    example: '7 Attribution Mistakes That Kill Your Marketing ROI'
  },

  comparison: {
    formula: '[Option A] vs [Option B]: [Key Differentiator]',
    example: 'First-Touch vs Last-Touch: Which Attribution Model is Right for You?'
  },

  secret: {
    formula: 'The [Adjective] [Topic] [Tactic] That [Benefit]',
    example: 'The Simple Attribution Fix That Saved $50K in Wasted Ad Spend'
  }
};

// A/B test headlines
const headlineVariants = [
  { headline: 'How to Set Up Marketing Attribution', type: 'instructional' },
  { headline: 'Marketing Attribution: The Complete Setup Guide', type: 'comprehensive' },
  { headline: 'Stop Guessing: Set Up Attribution in 30 Minutes', type: 'outcome' }
];

# [Working Title]

## Target Keyword: [primary keyword]
## Word Count Target: [X,XXX - X,XXX]
## Search Intent: [informational/commercial/transactional]

---

## H1: [Title with Primary Keyword]

### Introduction (~150 words)
- **Hook:** [Stat, question, or scenario]
- **Problem:** [What pain point does this solve?]
- **Promise:** [What will they learn?]
- **Keyword:** Include primary keyword naturally

---

## H2: [First Main Topic - Secondary Keyword]
(~400-600 words)

### H3: [Subtopic 1]
- Point 1
- Point 2
- [Include example or data]

### H3: [Subtopic 2]
- Point 1
- Point 2
- [Internal link opportunity]

**Visual:** [Describe needed image/diagram]

---

## H2: [Second Main Topic]
(~400-600 words)

[Continue pattern...]

---

## H2: How to [Action Related to Topic]
(Step-by-step section - ~500 words)

1. **Step 1:** [Action]
   - Details
   - Code example or screenshot

2. **Step 2:** [Action]
   - Details
   - Tips

[Continue steps...]

---

## H2: [Comparison/Best Practices Section]
(~300-400 words)

| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|--------|------|------|----------|
| A | | | |
| B | | | |

---

## H2: Key Takeaways
(~100 words)

- Takeaway 1
- Takeaway 2
- Takeaway 3

---

## H2: FAQ (Schema Markup Opportunity)

### What is [primary keyword]?
[40-60 word answer for featured snippet]

### How do I [action]?
[Step-by-step answer]

### [Additional common question]?
[Answer]

---

## Conclusion (~150 words)
- Summary of value delivered
- Clear CTA
- Internal link to related content

---

## Notes for Writer
- [Specific guidance]
- [Expert quote to include]
- [Data source]

interface VisualGuidelines {
  featuredImages: {
    dimensions: '1200x630px (OG image compatible)';
    format: 'WebP with JPEG fallback';
    style: 'Consistent brand template';
    text: 'Title readable at thumbnail size';
  };

  inContentImages: {
    screenshots: {
      tool: 'CleanShot X or Snagit';
      annotations: 'Arrows, highlights, callouts';
      format: 'PNG for crisp text, WebP for photos';
      maxWidth: '800px';
    };
    diagrams: {
      tool: 'Figma, Miro, or Excalidraw';
      style: 'Clean, minimal, brand colors';
      accessibility: 'Alt text describes content';
    };
    charts: {
      tool: 'Datawrapper or custom';
      data: 'Include source citation';
      colors: 'Accessible color palette';
    };
  };

  infographics: {
    dimensions: '800x2000px (vertical)';
    sections: '5-7 distinct sections';
    dataPoints: '6-10 key statistics';
    shareability: 'Standalone value when shared';
  };

  socialGraphics: {
    quoteCards: '1080x1080px';
    carousels: '1080x1350px (Instagram)';
    thumbnails: '1280x720px (YouTube)';
  };
}

## Image Quality Checklist

### Technical
- [ ] Correct dimensions for placement
- [ ] Optimized file size (<100KB for in-content)
- [ ] WebP format with fallback
- [ ] Responsive srcset defined
- [ ] Lazy loading enabled

### Accessibility
- [ ] Descriptive alt text (not just filename)
- [ ] Alt text describes content, not just "screenshot"
- [ ] Text in images readable at small sizes
- [ ] Sufficient color contrast

### Brand
- [ ] Uses brand colors
- [ ] Consistent style with other content
- [ ] No stock photo clichés
- [ ] Professional quality

### SEO
- [ ] Descriptive filename (hyphen-separated)
- [ ] Alt text includes relevant keyword naturally
- [ ] Proper figure captions

interface AIContentWorkflow {
  research: {
    tasks: [
      'Analyze top-ranking content',
      'Identify topic gaps',
      'Generate question lists',
      'Summarize source materials'
    ];
    tools: ['Claude', 'ChatGPT', 'Perplexity'];
    humanRole: 'Validate findings, add context';
  };

  outlining: {
    tasks: [
      'Generate initial structure',
      'Suggest section headings',
      'Identify subtopics',
      'Propose examples to include'
    ];
    tools: ['Claude', 'ChatGPT'];
    humanRole: 'Refine structure, add unique angles';
  };

  drafting: {
    tasks: [
      'Generate first draft sections',
      'Expand bullet points',
      'Write meta descriptions',
      'Create social copy'
    ];
    tools: ['Claude', 'ChatGPT', 'Jasper'];
    humanRole: 'Edit heavily, add expertise';
  };

  editing: {
    tasks: [
      'Grammar and spelling',
      'Clarity improvements',
      'Tone consistency',
      'Simplify complex sentences'
    ];
    tools: ['Claude', 'Grammarly', 'Hemingway'];
    humanRole: 'Final review, voice polish';
  };

  repurposing: {
    tasks: [
      'Create social posts from blog',
      'Generate email summaries',
      'Produce video scripts',
      'Extract key quotes'
    ];
    tools: ['Claude', 'ChatGPT'];
    humanRole: 'Quality control, platform optimization';
  };
}

// Effective AI prompts for content
const aiPrompts = {
  research: `
    Analyze the top 5 ranking articles for "[keyword]".
    Identify:
    1. Common topics covered
    2. Gaps or missing information
    3. Unique angles not being addressed
    4. Questions readers might still have
  `,

  outline: `
    Create a detailed outline for a [word count] word article on "[topic]".
    Target audience: [persona]
    Search intent: [intent]
    Include:
    - Compelling H1 with keyword
    - 5-7 H2 sections
    - H3 subsections where needed
    - Suggested examples for each section
  `,

  firstDraft: `
    Write the [section name] section of an article about [topic].
    Guidelines:
    - Tone: [professional/conversational/technical]
    - Include specific examples
    - Use active voice
    - Target [word count] words
    - Include a transition to the next section
  `,

  editing: `
    Improve this content for clarity and engagement:
    - Simplify complex sentences
    - Remove redundancy
    - Strengthen weak verbs
    - Add specific details where vague
    - Maintain [brand] voice

    [paste content]
  `
};

## AI Content Quality Control

### Mandatory Checks
- [ ] Fact-check all statistics and claims
- [ ] Verify links and sources exist
- [ ] Remove AI artifacts ("As an AI...", generic phrases)
- [ ] Add original insights and examples
- [ ] Ensure brand voice consistency
- [ ] Check for plagiarism
- [ ] Verify technical accuracy

### Enhancement Requirements
- [ ] Add unique data or research
- [ ] Include personal/company experience
- [ ] Insert expert quotes
- [ ] Add specific case examples
- [ ] Include original visuals
- [ ] Provide actionable next steps

### Red Flags to Fix
- Generic, surface-level content
- Repetitive sentence structures
- Missing specific examples
- Overuse of certain phrases
- Factual inaccuracies
- Outdated information
- Missing nuance on complex topics

interface EditorialProcess {
  selfReview: {
    timing: 'After 24-hour rest';
    checklist: [
      'Read aloud for flow',
      'Check against brief requirements',
      'Verify all claims sourced',
      'Ensure clear structure'
    ];
  };

  peerReview: {
    reviewer: 'Another content team member';
    focus: [
      'Clarity and readability',
      'Logical flow',
      'Missing information',
      'Engagement factor'
    ];
  };

  editorialReview: {
    reviewer: 'Editor or Content Lead';
    focus: [
      'Brand voice alignment',
      'Quality standards',
      'Strategic alignment',
      'Publication readiness'
    ];
  };

  smeReview: {
    when: 'Technical or specialized content';
    reviewer: 'Subject matter expert';
    focus: [
      'Technical accuracy',
      'Completeness',
      'Best practices',
      'Industry relevance'
    ];
  };

  legalReview: {
    when: 'Claims, comparisons, customer content';
    reviewer: 'Legal team';
    focus: [
      'Compliance',
      'Liability',
      'Permissions',
      'Disclosures'
    ];
  };
}

## Giving Editorial Feedback

### Effective Feedback
- Be specific: "This paragraph needs a concrete example" not "needs work"
- Explain why: "Readers may not understand [term] without context"
- Suggest solutions: "Consider adding a definition or linking to glossary"
- Prioritize: Distinguish critical issues from nice-to-haves
- Be constructive: Focus on improvement, not criticism

### Feedback Format
**[Section/Line]:** [Specific issue]
**Suggestion:** [How to improve]
**Priority:** Critical / Important / Optional

### Example
**Intro paragraph:** Opens with generic statement that could apply to any article
**Suggestion:** Start with the specific stat about 73% of marketers struggling with attribution
**Priority:** Critical - hooks readers immediately

## Final QA Before Publishing

### Content Quality
- [ ] Title is compelling and includes keyword
- [ ] Meta description is optimized (150-160 chars)
- [ ] Introduction hooks and includes keyword
- [ ] All sections complete and substantial
- [ ] Conclusion includes clear CTA
- [ ] No placeholder text remaining

### SEO
- [ ] Primary keyword in H1, first 100 words, URL
- [ ] Secondary keywords in H2 headings
- [ ] Internal links (3-5 minimum)
- [ ] External links to authority sources (2-3)
- [ ] Alt text on all images
- [ ] URL is short and descriptive

### Technical
- [ ] All links working (no 404s)
- [ ] Images display correctly
- [ ] Code examples tested and working
- [ ] Mobile rendering checked
- [ ] Reading time accurate
- [ ] Author bio linked

### Formatting
- [ ] Consistent heading hierarchy
- [ ] Proper list formatting
- [ ] Tables render correctly
- [ ] Code blocks highlighted
- [ ] Pull quotes/callouts styled
- [ ] No orphan headings

### Legal/Compliance
- [ ] Sources cited properly
- [ ] Permission for quotes/images
- [ ] No trademark violations
- [ ] Required disclosures included

// Content production automation
interface ContentAutomation {
  briefGeneration: {
    trigger: 'Editorial calendar entry';
    action: 'Generate brief from template + keyword data';
    tools: ['Google Sheets', 'Zapier', 'SEO API'];
  };

  reviewRouting: {
    trigger: 'Draft completion';
    action: 'Route to appropriate reviewer based on content type';
    tools: ['Notion', 'Slack notifications'];
  };

  publicationScheduling: {
    trigger: 'Final approval';
    action: 'Schedule in CMS + distribution';
    tools: ['CMS API', 'Buffer', 'Email platform'];
  };

  performanceTracking: {
    trigger: 'Publication + intervals';
    action: 'Collect and report metrics';
    tools: ['pxlpeak', 'Search Console', 'Custom dashboard'];
  };
}

interface ContentProductionMetrics {
  velocity: {
    piecesPerWeek: number;
    wordCountPerWeek: number;
    byContentType: Record<string, number>;
  };

  quality: {
    revisionRounds: number; // Target: < 2
    firstDraftAcceptance: number; // Percentage
    qualityScore: number; // Based on checklist
  };

  efficiency: {
    timeToPublish: number; // Days from brief to live
    costPerPiece: number;
    costPerWord: number;
  };

  bottlenecks: {
    stageDelays: Record<string, number>; // Days per stage
    reviewBacklog: number;
    resourceConstraints: string[];
  };
}

// Track in pxlpeak
pxlpeak.track('content_published', {
  content_id: 'blog-123',
  content_type: 'blog_post',
  word_count: 2500,
  production_days: 8,
  revision_rounds: 1,
  writer: 'sarah_johnson',
  pillar: 'attribution'
});