lemuriaOS
seoseocontentresearch

Keyword Research Brief

Identify, cluster, and prioritize target keywords for a topic area, producing an execution-ready keyword map that drives content and on-page optimization decisions.

Context

Use this at the start of any SEO engagement or when expanding into a new topic area. The output feeds directly into search-intent analysis, content-brief creation, and topic-cluster planning.

Procedure

  1. Generate seed keyword list from topic, ICP language, competitor URL structures, and related search suggestions.
  2. Expand with modifier sets: question-based (how, what, why), comparison-based (vs, best, top), job-to-be-done-based (for, to, with).
  3. Group into intent clusters: informational (TOFU), commercial investigation (MOFU), transactional (BOFU), navigational.
  4. Score each keyword: volume tier (H/M/L), difficulty tier (H/M/L), business relevance (1-5), intent clarity (1-5).
  5. Assign content type to each cluster: pillar page, supporting article, landing page, FAQ, comparison page, or tool page.
  6. Identify cannibalization risks where 2+ keywords share near-identical intent and would compete for the same SERP position.
  7. Flag quick-wins: low difficulty + medium or higher volume + high business relevance.

Output Format

# Keyword Research Brief: [Topic]

## Priority Keywords (Top 20)
| # | Keyword | Intent | Vol Tier | Diff Tier | Biz Relevance | Content Type | Quick-Win? |
|---|---------|--------|----------|-----------|----------------|-------------|------------|
| 1 | | | H/M/L | H/M/L | 1-5 | | Y/N |

## Keyword Clusters

### Cluster: [Name]
- Intent: [informational/commercial/transactional]
- Pillar keyword: [primary]
- Supporting keywords: [list]
- Recommended content type: [type]
- Internal link target: [URL or page]
- Quick-win candidate: [keyword, if any]

## Quick Wins
| Keyword | Why | Recommended Action |
|---------|-----|-------------------|
| | Low diff + high relevance | |

## Cannibalization Risks
| Keyword A | Keyword B | Overlap Reason | Resolution |
|-----------|-----------|----------------|------------|
| | | Same SERP intent | Merge into single page / differentiate angle |

QA Rubric (scored)

  • Intent accuracy (0-5): every keyword assigned to correct intent type based on SERP evidence.
  • Cluster coherence (0-5): no overlap between clusters, logical grouping by theme.
  • Prioritization logic (0-5): business relevance drives ranking, not just volume.
  • Actionability (0-5): each cluster has a clear next step (content type + owner).

Examples (good/bad)

  • Good: "Cluster 'GEO pricing' groups 'GEO agency cost', 'generative engine optimization pricing', and 'how much does GEO cost' under commercial intent with landing page recommendation."
  • Bad: "Keywords: SEO, marketing, digital marketing, online marketing" (too broad, no clustering, no intent, no prioritization).

Variants

  • Discovery variant: broad exploration for a new market entry (wide seed, many clusters).
  • Expansion variant: deepening coverage in an existing topic where some content already ranks.