Decode the search intent
Understand what a searcher actually wants before you write a word.
Act as an SEO strategist. My target keyword is "[Target keyword]" and my reader is [Who you are writing for]. Analyse the likely search intent and tell me: 1. The dominant intent (informational, commercial, transactional, navigational) 2. The specific question or job the searcher is trying to complete 3. The 5-7 subtopics a page MUST cover to fully satisfy this intent 4. 3 angles competitors usually miss that I could own
Pro tip: If you have Semrush, cross-check the keyword volume and difficulty before committing — some keywords are not worth the effort.