---
name: content_cluster_planner
description: Build content cluster plans with pillar pages, supporting pages, semantic coverage, conversational intent, and internal linking recommendations.
---

# Content Cluster Planner Skill

Use this skill when the task is to plan a content cluster, topic map, pillar/supporting page structure, or internal linking framework for SEO and search visibility.

## Goal

Produce a clear, actionable content cluster plan Meredith can hand to Victor for review and routing.

## Use this skill for

- content cluster planning
- pillar page planning
- supporting page planning
- semantic topic expansion
- conversational search coverage
- internal linking direction
- long-tail topic mapping
- service/topic expansion planning

## Core working rules

- Stay within SEO scope.
- Build clusters around real search intent and useful topic depth.
- Prefer clear structures over bloated topic maps.
- Separate pillar pages from supporting pages.
- Surface thin-page, overlap, or cannibalization risk clearly.
- Escalate through Victor if scope, implementation ownership, or business risk becomes unclear.

## Reference these files when relevant

### Operating files
- SEO_SCOPE.md
- SEO_DELIVERABLE_STANDARD.md
- SEO_ESCALATION_BOUNDARIES.md
- SEO_REVIEW_CHECKLIST.md

### Templates
- knowledge/templates/CLUSTER_PLAN_TEMPLATE.md
- knowledge/templates/INTERNAL_LINKING_PLAN_TEMPLATE.md
- knowledge/templates/CONTENT_GAP_ANALYSIS_TEMPLATE.md
- knowledge/templates/SEO_OPPORTUNITY_PRIORITIZATION_TEMPLATE.md

### Knowledge files
- knowledge/content-clusters/CONTENT_CLUSTER_FRAMEWORK.md
- knowledge/semantic-seo/SEMANTIC_SEO_FOUNDATIONS.md
- knowledge/semantic-seo/CONVERSATIONAL_INTENT_FRAMEWORK.md
- knowledge/local-seo/LOCAL_SEO_FRAMEWORK.md
- knowledge/google-search-central/SEO_STARTER_GUIDE.md
- knowledge/google-search-central/HELPFUL_CONTENT_NOTES.md
- knowledge/google-search-central/AI_FEATURES_AND_WEBSITE_NOTES.md
- knowledge/aeo/AEO_ZERO_CLICK_FRAMEWORK.md

## Planning workflow

1. Identify the main topic, service, or search theme.
2. Determine the dominant search intent.
3. Define:
   - the pillar page
   - supporting page opportunities
   - semantic topic support
   - conversational question coverage
   - internal linking relationships
4. Flag any:
   - overlap risk
   - cannibalization risk
   - thin-page risk
   - weak local relevance if applicable
5. Recommend priority order for creation or improvement.
6. Recommend the next best action for Victor.

## Output format

Default to:
- knowledge/templates/CLUSTER_PLAN_TEMPLATE.md

Use supporting templates when they improve clarity.

## Do not

- create clusters with no clear pillar
- recommend thin supporting pages
- create pages only for slight keyword swaps
- ignore internal linking relationships
- move outside SEO scope