# Content Rules Example

This file contains example rules and guidelines for the content pipeline. Copy this file to `content-rules.md` in your project root and customize it for your specific content needs.This file contains example rules and guidelines for the content pipeline. Copy this file to `content-rules.md` in your project root and customize it for your specific content needs.

## Brand Voice & Tone

- **Primary Tone**: Professional yet approachable
- **Reading Level**: 8th-10th grade (accessible to broad audience)
- **Perspective**: Use "we" and "you" for engagement
- **Personality Traits**: Helpful, knowledgeable, encouraging

## Writing Style Guidelines

### Sentence Structure
- Keep sentences under 25 words when possible
- Vary sentence length for rhythm
- Use active voice (passive voice < 10% of content)
- One main idea per sentence

### Paragraph Guidelines
- Maximum 3-4 sentences per paragraph
- Start paragraphs with topic sentences
- Include white space for readability
- Break up long sections with subheadings

### Word Choice
- Prefer simple words over complex alternatives
- Avoid jargon unless necessary (then explain it)
- Use specific, concrete language
- Minimize adverbs and weak verbs

## Formatting Preferences

### Headings
- H1: Article title only
- H2: Main section headers (4-7 words)
- H3: Subsection headers (3-5 words)
- H4: Rarely used, only for deeply nested content

### Lists
- Use numbered lists for sequential steps or ranked items
- Use bullet points for non-sequential items
- Keep list items parallel in structure
- Include 3-7 items per list (optimal for comprehension)

### Emphasis
- **Bold** for key terms and important concepts
- *Italics* for emphasis and technical terms
- `Code formatting` for code, commands, file names
- > Blockquotes for important callouts or quotes

## SEO Requirements

### Keywords
- Primary keyword density: 1-2%
- Include primary keyword in: title, first paragraph, at least one H2, conclusion
- Natural keyword variations throughout
- LSI keywords to support topic relevance

### Meta Elements
- Meta description: 150-160 characters
- Title tag: 50-60 characters
- URL slug: lowercase, hyphens, primary keyword
- Alt text: descriptive, includes keyword when natural

### Internal Linking
- Link to 2-3 related internal articles
- Use descriptive anchor text
- Link from relevant context, not forced

### Featured Snippets
- Include FAQ section for informational content
- Use numbered lists for "how-to" content
- Create summary paragraphs for definitions
- Structure tables for comparison content

## Content Structure

### Introduction
- Hook reader within first 1-2 sentences
- State article value proposition
- Preview main points or sections
- Length: 100-150 words

### Body Content
- Use the inverted pyramid style (most important first)
- Include examples, data, or case studies
- Break up text with subheadings every 300-400 words
- Add images/visuals every 500-700 words

### Conclusion
- Summarize key takeaways (3-5 points)
- Include clear call-to-action
- Suggest next steps or related content
- Length: 100-200 words

## Required Elements

### Must Include
- [ ] Author attribution
- [ ] Publication date
- [ ] Reading time estimate
- [ ] Category/tags for organization
- [ ] Social sharing metadata
- [ ] Call-to-action (CTA)

### Optional Elements
- Table of contents (for 1500+ word articles)
- FAQ section (for informational content)
- Key takeaways box
- Related resources section
- Expert quotes or testimonials

## Content Types Specific Guidelines

### Blog Posts
- Length: 800-1500 words
- Conversational tone
- Include personal anecdotes or examples
- Strong opening hook
- Social sharing friendly

### Technical Articles
- Length: 1200-2500 words
- More formal, precise language
- Code examples with explanations
- Step-by-step instructions
- Prerequisites section

### Product Reviews
- Length: 1000-1800 words
- Balanced pros and cons
- Real-world testing experience
- Comparison tables
- Clear recommendation

### How-To Guides
- Length: 800-2000 words
- Numbered step-by-step instructions
- Screenshots or diagrams
- Prerequisites and materials list
- Troubleshooting section

## Prohibited Words & Phrases

NEVER use these AI filler words and clichéd phrases:

### Generic AI Filler Words
- "robust"
- "leverage"
- "streamline"
- "optimize"
- "enhance"
- "cutting-edge"
- "game-changing"
- "innovative"
- "seamless"
- "holistic"
- "synergy"
- "empower"

### Overused Transitions
- "delve"
- "unlock"
- "harness"
- "dive into"
- "in conclusion"
- "it's worth noting"
- "at the end of the day"

### Buzzwords to Avoid
- "landscape"
- "paradigm"
- "disruptive"
- "best-in-class"
- "world-class"
- "revolutionary"
- "transformative"
- "mission-critical"

### Hyperbolic Adjectives
- "stunning"
- "incredible"
- "amazing"
- "powerful"
- "perfect"
- "comprehensive"
- "crucial"
- "critical"
- "essential"

## Topics & Restrictions

### Topics to Avoid
- Political opinions or endorsements
- Medical diagnoses or treatment advice
- Financial investment recommendations
- Legal advice
- Controversial or divisive subjects

### Topics to Handle Carefully
- Competitor mentions (factual only, no negativity)
- Statistics and data (always cite sources)
- Future predictions (use qualifiers like "may" or "could")
- Industry trends (acknowledge uncertainty)

## Quality Standards

### Fact-Checking
- Verify all statistics and data
- Link to original sources
- Use reputable sources only (.gov, .edu, industry leaders)
- Update outdated information
- Date-stamp time-sensitive content

### Originality
- 100% original content (no plagiarism)
- Unique perspective or insights
- Fresh examples, not recycled from competitors
- Add value beyond what already exists

### Accessibility
- Use descriptive link text (no "click here")
- Provide alt text for all images
- Ensure sufficient color contrast
- Structure content for screen readers
- Use simple language for complex topics

## Visual Content Preferences

### Visual Importance
- **Level**: Essential - Every piece needs images/diagrams
- **Style**: Clean & minimal - Simple, professional graphics

### Image Types by Content
| Content Type | Recommended Visuals |
|--------------|---------------------|
| Blog Posts | Hero image + 1-2 illustrations |
| Technical Tutorials | Hero + diagrams + code screenshots |
| API Documentation | Sequence diagrams + endpoint examples |
| Architecture Guides | Architecture diagrams + flowcharts |
| Listicles | Hero + item graphics + summary infographic |
| Comparison Guides | Comparison infographic + decision flowchart |

### Infographic Preferences
- **Data Visualization**: Include for statistics and metrics
- **Process Flows**: Use for step-by-step explanations
- **Comparisons**: Side-by-side infographics for versus content
- **Style**: Modern flat design, brand colors, clear typography

### Diagram Style
- **Architecture**: Isometric or flat technical illustration
- **Flowcharts**: Standard shapes (diamonds, rectangles, ovals)
- **Sequence**: UML-style with lifelines and arrows

### Visual Generation Services
- **Primary**: Gemini (fast, cost-effective)
- **Text-Heavy**: GPT Image 1.5 (best text rendering)
- **Detailed**: FLUX 2 Pro (excellent detail)

## Brand-Specific Requirements

### Company Information
- Company Name: [Your Company]
- Website: [Your Website]
- Industry: [Your Industry]
- Target Audience: [Your Audience]

### Preferred Terminology
- Use "client" instead of "customer"
- Use "platform" instead of "software"
- Use "solution" instead of "product"
- [Add your specific terms]

### Branding Elements
- Include company tagline when relevant
- Link to company blog or resources
- Mention company values or mission when appropriate
- Use consistent product/service names

### Call-to-Action Guidelines
- Primary CTA: [e.g., "Start Free Trial"]
- Secondary CTA: [e.g., "Contact Sales"]
- Placement: End of article, after value is demonstrated
- Style: Action-oriented, clear benefit

## Compliance & Legal

### Disclaimers
- Include disclaimers for advice content
- Note affiliate relationships if applicable
- Privacy policy compliance
- Cookie consent requirements

### Copyright
- Respect copyright for quotes (cite source)
- Obtain permission for extensive quotes
- Use Creative Commons images only
- Credit photographers/creators

## Review Checklist

Before submitting content, verify:

- [ ] Custom rules applied consistently
- [ ] All required elements included
- [ ] SEO optimized (title, meta, keywords)
- [ ] Factual accuracy verified
- [ ] No spelling or grammar errors
- [ ] Links working and relevant
- [ ] Images optimized and have alt text
- [ ] Mobile-friendly formatting
- [ ] Readability score meets target
- [ ] Brand voice consistent
- [ ] CTA clear and actionable

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**Note**: These are template rules. Customize this file for your specific content needs, brand voice, and target audience. The content-writer agent will use these rules to guide content generation while maintaining its core quality standards.