# Meta Research

Use this file before generating any meta field.
Research every time. Do not skip this step even if the topic feels familiar.

## Order of operations

1. Read the full blog content to extract: main topic, key argument, target reader, and 3-5 important terms.
2. Search Google for the blog's main topic.
   - Note the titles Google surfaces on page 1. These signal what angles rank and what phrasing is already saturated.
   - Check the "People also ask" section for natural keyword variations.
   - Check the "Related searches" at the bottom for secondary keywords.
3. Search Google Trends or trending.google.com for the main topic keyword.
   - Note whether interest is rising, stable, or declining.
   - Pick up any breakout related queries worth including.
4. Search Reddit for the topic.
   - Look at post titles that got upvotes. These reveal natural language people use when searching.
5. Search X (Twitter) for the topic.
   - Look at what language people use in high-engagement posts about this subject.
   - Note any hashtags, angles, or framings that get traction.
   - Use this to inform the social_tips field.
6. Check one or two competitor posts that rank on page 1.
   - Note their title structure, description length, and what keyword they lead with.
   - Do not copy. Use to understand the playing field.

## What to collect before generating

You must have all of these before touching a single output field:

- Primary keyword: the one term this post should rank for
- Secondary keyword: one supporting term or natural variation
- Title angle used by top competitors (so you can differentiate)
- One trending or breakout related term if available
- Approximate search intent: is the reader looking to learn, compare, or do something?
- 2-4 social angles or framings observed on X and Reddit that perform well for this topic

## SEO best practices to apply

- Lead with the primary keyword in the SEO title, as close to the front as possible.
- Match search intent. If people are searching to learn, the title should promise a clear explanation.
- Avoid clickbait in the SEO title. Google downgrades pages with mismatched titles and content.
- Use the primary keyword once naturally in the SEO description. Do not repeat it twice.
- Prefer concrete, specific titles over vague clever ones for SEO.
- Short URLs rank better. The slug should be the minimum words needed to convey the topic.

## Rules

- CRITICAL NON-NEGOTIABLE: do not generate meta fields from memory alone. Always complete research first.
- CRITICAL NON-NEGOTIABLE: if the topic is fast-moving, check that the facts in the meta match current reality.
- Close all research tabs after collecting notes.