Content Creation Guide for BarberScissors.com.au

character: "The Master Barber Mentor"
attributes:
  experience: "Experienced traditional barber adapted to modern needs"
  tradition: "Respects craft heritage while embracing helpful innovation"
  culture: "Understands unique barbershop culture and community role"
  communication: "Speaks barber-to-barber with authentic industry knowledge"
  business: "Balances technical expertise with practical business sense"
  locality: "Australian cultural context and language"

tone_spectrum:
  formal_technical: 30 # For specifications, safety, regulations
  conversational_expert: 50 # Primary voice - experienced peer
  casual_shop_floor: 20 # For community, tips, relatable content

apprentice_understands:
  - Basic shear parts (blade, handle, pivot)
  - Primary techniques (cutting, thinning)
  - Brand recognition (major names)
  - Price ranges
  - Daily cleaning basics

journeyman_understands:
  - Edge types (convex, beveled)
  - Steel grades (440C, VG10)
  - Length selection rationale
  - Tension adjustment
  - Ergonomic handle types
  - Maintenance schedules

master_understands:
  - Steel metallurgy (HRC, composition)
  - Blade geometry physics
  - Ride line importance
  - Professional sharpening methods
  - Technique-specific tool requirements
  - Long-term TCO analysis

owner_understands:
  - Staff ergonomics impact
  - Bulk purchasing strategy
  - Depreciation schedules
  - Client retention correlation
  - Regulatory compliance
  - Insurance considerations

title: "[Technique Name] Mastery Guide"
hero_section:
  - What: Clear definition with barber terminology
  - Why: Practical application and client demand
  - Who: Skill level required

tool_requirements:
  - Specific shear type, length, edge
  - Supplementary tools (combs, clippers)
  - Setup requirements

step_by_step:
  format: "Numbered list with clear actions"
  visual_aids: "Photo/video demonstrations"
  barber_tips: "Shop-floor wisdom in quotes"

common_mistakes:
  - What goes wrong
  - Why it happens
  - How to correct
  - Prevention strategies

practice_path:
  - Mannequin exercises
  - Client progression (easy → complex)
  - Mastery indicators

title: "[Tool Component/Feature] Explained"
introduction:
  barber_relevance: "Why this matters in real shop work"
  common_confusion: "Myths or misconceptions to address"

technical_detail:
  - Scientific/engineering explanation
  - Material properties
  - Manufacturing process
  - Quality indicators

practical_application:
  - How it affects cutting performance
  - Maintenance implications
  - Troubleshooting related to this feature

buying_guidance:
  - What to look for
  - Red flags to avoid
  - Price-quality relationship
  - Persona-specific recommendations

always_include:
  - Specific steel grade (440C, VG10, ATS-314)
  - HRC hardness rating
  - Edge type(s) available
  - Length range
  - Handle design options
  - Actual AU pricing with sources
  - Maintenance requirements
  - Warranty/guarantee terms

barber_voice_elements:
  - Real shop-floor testing scenarios
  - Direct quotes from philosophy (see barber-language-reference.md)
  - Technique-specific performance notes
  - Comparison to established standards

australian_specific:
  - Climate suitability (humidity, salt air)
  - Local supplier availability
  - Shipping/warranty for AU customers
  - Regional demand patterns

title: "[Brand/Type A] vs [Brand/Type B]: Professional Comparison"

comparison_table:
  rows:
    - Steel grade & HRC
    - Edge type
    - Length options
    - Weight & balance
    - Ergonomics
    - Price (AU)
    - Warranty
    - Maintenance needs
    - Best for (techniques)
    - Persona fit

performance_categories:
  cutting_smoothness: "Convex advantage for slide work"
  durability: "German steel workhorse reputation"
  hand_comfort: "Offset vs swivel comparison"
  value: "TCO analysis over 5-10 years"

verdict:
  traditional_craftsman: "Recommendation with rationale"
  modern_influencer: "Recommendation with rationale"
  business_professional: "Recommendation with rationale"
  apprentice: "Recommendation with rationale"

title: "[Business Topic] for Barbers"

business_context:
  - Industry statistics/trends
  - Economic drivers
  - Competitive landscape

tool_connection:
  - How quality tools impact this business aspect
  - ROI calculations
  - Client perception factors

implementation_guide:
  - Step-by-step action plan
  - Timeline expectations
  - Resource requirements
  - Success metrics

australian_considerations:
  - Local regulations
  - Market characteristics
  - Regional variations
  - Cultural factors

case_studies:
  - Real AU barbershop examples
  - Before/after scenarios
  - Lessons learned

tool_relationship_phrases:
  - "Partners with their shears"
  - "Extension of your hand"
  - "Investment pieces, not expenses"
  - "The tool should feel like natural extension"

quality_assessment_language:
  sharp: "Cut like butter, glide through hair, surgical sharpness, crisp snip"
  dull: "Fold hair, clunky grinding, chew through hair, crunchy feel"
  reliable: "Workhorse, takes beating, dependable daily driver"

maintenance_discipline:
  - "Oil the pivot every night"
  - "Wipe down after every client"
  - "Never let knife guy touch shears"
  - "Drop them once and they'll never cut right"

philosophical_anchors:
  - "The 'why' behind technique matters more than the 'how'"
  - "Quality over quantity"
  - "Every master was once a beginner"
  - "The craft is a continuous journey"

summer_dec_feb:
  focus: "Peak wedding season, event barbering"
  content: "Heavy-use maintenance, precision for photos, reliability under pressure"

autumn_mar_may:
  focus: "Steady post-holiday work"
  content: "Tool tune-ups, back-to-routine styles, maintenance catch-up"

winter_jun_aug:
  focus: "Skill development, slower period"
  content: "Technique tutorials, tool investment planning, professional development"

spring_sep_nov:
  focus: "Pre-summer preparation"
  content: "Spring refresh styles, new tool releases, trend previews"

cluster_1_shear_selection:
  pillar_page: "/shear-selection-guide/"
  supporting_content:
    - "/shear-selection/cutting-shears/"
    - "/shear-selection/texturising-shears/"
    - "/shear-selection/handle-ergonomics/"
    - "/shear-selection/budget-planning/"
    - "/shear-selection/left-handed/"
    - "/shear-selection/steel-types/"
    - "/shear-selection/length-guide/"
  internal_links: "Bidirectional between pillar and all spokes"

cluster_2_techniques:
  pillar_page: "/barbering-techniques/"
  supporting_content:
    - "/scissor-over-comb-mastery/"
    - "/fade-cutting-guide/"
    - "/slide-cutting-techniques/"
    - "/beard-sculpting-methods/"
    - "/texturizing-vs-thinning/"

cluster_3_maintenance:
  pillar_page: "/shear-maintenance/"
  supporting_content:
    - "/daily-shear-care/"
    - "/professional-sharpening/"
    - "/troubleshooting-dull-shears/"
    - "/climate-specific-care/"
    - "/storage-best-practices/"

cluster_4_brands:
  pillar_page: "/professional-shear-brands/"
  supporting_content:
    - Individual brand reviews (premium/professional/entry)
    - Comparison articles
    - Brand heritage stories

title_tag:
  format: "[Primary Keyword] | BarberScissors.com.au"
  length: "50-60 characters"
  barber_relevance: "Always include barber/professional context"

meta_description:
  length: "150-160 characters"
  components: ["Key benefit", "Barber-specific language", "Call to action"]
  example: "Master scissor-over-comb with 7-inch professional shears. Expert guide from Australian barbers for traditional and modern techniques."

h1_heading:
  rules: "Single H1, includes primary keyword naturally"
  format: "How-to, Guide, or Question format preferred"
  barber_voice: "Must sound authentic, not SEO-stuffed"

header_hierarchy:
  h2: "Main sections (3-6 per article)"
  h3: "Subsections within H2s"
  h4: "Rare, only for complex nested content"

internal_links:
  minimum: "3-5 contextual links to related content"
  anchor_text: "Descriptive, keyword-rich but natural"
  cluster_connections: "Always link within content cluster"

high_engagement_topics:
  - Tool longevity stories (15-20+ year shears)
  - Traditional technique mastery
  - Heritage brand histories
  - Maintenance rituals and care
  - Mentorship and passing knowledge

format_preferences:
  - Long-form articles (1500-3000 words)
  - Detailed maintenance guides
  - Video demonstrations
  - Case studies from experienced barbers

language_style:
  - Respectful of tradition
  - Emphasis on proven methods
  - Data on durability
  - Peer testimonials

high_engagement_topics:
  - Latest tool innovations
  - Precision technique tutorials
  - Brand comparisons with visuals
  - Business/marketing strategies
  - Trend predictions

format_preferences:
  - Short-form scannable content
  - Visual comparisons (before/after)
  - Step-by-step photo guides
  - Video tutorials
  - Instagram-ready imagery

language_style:
  - Performance-focused
  - Innovation and trends
  - Visual appeal mentions
  - Time efficiency

high_engagement_topics:
  - ROI analysis and case studies
  - Staff productivity improvements
  - Quality consistency systems
  - Client satisfaction metrics
  - Competitive positioning

format_preferences:
  - Data-driven articles
  - Comparison charts and tables
  - Cost calculators
  - Case studies with numbers
  - Executive summaries

language_style:
  - Business metrics focus
  - Efficiency and profitability
  - Staff management
  - Client retention data

high_engagement_topics:
  - Fundamental technique education
  - Tool selection for beginners
  - Clear buying guides
  - Career development paths
  - Budget-friendly recommendations

format_preferences:
  - Step-by-step tutorials
  - Glossary definitions
  - Checklists and guides
  - Video demonstrations
  - Q&A with mentors

language_style:
  - Educational and encouraging
  - Clear explanations
  - No assumed knowledge
  - Mentor validation references

specifications:
  - [ ] Steel grades specified correctly (440C, VG10, ATS-314, etc.)
  - [ ] HRC hardness included where relevant
  - [ ] Edge types accurately described (convex, beveled, serrated)
  - [ ] Length recommendations match technique requirements
  - [ ] Maintenance procedures verified against industry standards
  - [ ] Australian climate considerations included

safety_compliance:
  - [ ] Proper safety warnings for sharp tools
  - [ ] Correct sharpening service recommendations
  - [ ] Appropriate technique progression (beginner → advanced)
  - [ ] Ergonomic warnings for RSI prevention

language_patterns:
  - [ ] Uses "shears" consistently in professional contexts
  - [ ] Includes real barber phrases from language reference
  - [ ] References physical demands (hand fatigue, RSI, wrist strain)
  - [ ] Mentions community/social aspects of barbershops
  - [ ] Incorporates shop-floor wisdom quotes
  - [ ] Avoids generic marketing language

barber_credibility:
  - [ ] Technique explanations match industry standards
  - [ ] Tool recommendations backed by reasoning
  - [ ] Maintenance advice aligns with professional practice
  - [ ] Troubleshooting solutions are practical

localization:
  - [ ] Australian English spelling throughout
  - [ ] Regional climate considerations addressed
  - [ ] Local supplier context when available
  - [ ] Seasonal business patterns referenced
  - [ ] State regulations mentioned if relevant
  - [ ] Australian pricing in AUD
  - [ ] AU-specific terminology (fringe, boxed up, servo)

target_audience:
  - [ ] Language matches target persona knowledge level
  - [ ] Technical depth appropriate for audience
  - [ ] Pain points specific to persona addressed
  - [ ] Decision triggers for persona included
  - [ ] Content format matches persona preferences
  - [ ] Value proposition resonates with motivations

on_page:
  - [ ] Primary keyword in title, H1, first paragraph
  - [ ] Meta description compelling and keyword-rich
  - [ ] Header hierarchy logical (single H1, multiple H2s)
  - [ ] Internal links to related content (3-5 minimum)
  - [ ] Alt text on all images with keywords where natural
  - [ ] URL structure clean and keyword-descriptive

content_quality:
  - [ ] Article length appropriate (1000+ for guides, 500+ for focused)
  - [ ] Scannable format (headers, bullets, short paragraphs)
  - [ ] Visual elements included (tables, images, diagrams)
  - [ ] Actionable next steps provided
  - [ ] External links to authoritative sources if needed

structure:
  - [ ] Introduction hooks reader in first 2 sentences
  - [ ] Headers descriptive and compelling
  - [ ] Paragraphs 2-5 sentences maximum
  - [ ] Bullet points for lists (not numbered unless sequential)
  - [ ] Tables for comparison data
  - [ ] White space adequate for scanning

clarity:
  - [ ] Technical terms explained on first use
  - [ ] Jargon appropriate for audience level
  - [ ] Sentence variety (short and medium mix)
  - [ ] Active voice predominant
  - [ ] Transitions between sections clear

priority_content:
  - Core pillar pages (4 major guides)
  - Essential technique tutorials (6-8 articles)
  - Top 10 brand reviews (premium/professional tiers)
  - Main navigation pages structure

quality_over_quantity:
  target: "2-3 comprehensive articles per week"
  word_count: "1500-3000 per pillar, 800-1500 per supporting"
  review_cycle: "72 hours from draft to publish"

content_expansion:
  - Complete brand review coverage (20-25 brands)
  - Advanced technique tutorials (8-10 articles)
  - Business building content (10-12 articles)
  - Specialized guides (left-handed, climate-specific, mobile)

production_pace:
  target: "3-4 articles per week"
  mix: "60% educational, 30% product, 10% business"

community_content:
  - Australian barber profiles (10-15 interviews)
  - Industry insights and trend analysis (monthly)
  - Interactive community features
  - User-generated content integration

engagement_focus:
  - Comments and Q&A sections
  - Social media integration
  - Email newsletter development

step_1_brief_creation:
  inputs:
    - Target persona identified
    - Primary keyword selected
    - Content cluster mapped
    - Cross-references noted
  deliverable: "Content brief with outline, keywords, persona, tone"

step_2_research_and_evidence:
  actions:
    - Pull technical specs from barber-technical-knowledge.md
    - Extract language patterns from barber-language-reference.md
    - Reference persona details from barber-persona-deep-dive.md
    - Verify brand information from approved list
  deliverable: "Research dossier with sources"

step_3_first_draft:
  requirements:
    - Follow approved template structure
    - Incorporate authentic barber language
    - Include all required technical elements
    - Maintain persona-appropriate voice
  deliverable: "Complete first draft"

step_4_technical_review:
  checklist:
    - Verify all steel grades, HRC ratings, specifications
    - Confirm maintenance procedures accurate
    - Check technique descriptions against standards
    - Validate Australian context details
  deliverable: "Technical accuracy sign-off"

step_5_voice_and_quality_review:
  checklist:
    - Authentic barber language present
    - Persona alignment confirmed
    - Australian English throughout
    - Readability and scannability optimized
  deliverable: "Voice approval"

step_6_seo_optimization:
  actions:
    - Title tag and meta description finalized
    - Header hierarchy verified
    - Internal links added (3-5 minimum)
    - Image alt text completed
    - URL structure confirmed
  deliverable: "SEO-ready article"

step_7_final_quality_check:
  use: "Pre-publication checklist (see above)"
  approval: "Editor/Content lead sign-off"
  deliverable: "Publication-ready article"

step_8_publication_and_promotion:
  actions:
    - Publish to CMS
    - Update internal link structure
    - Social media scheduling
    - Email newsletter inclusion
  tracking: "Analytics setup and monitoring"

avoid_patterns:
  - Repetitive sentence length
  - Over-use of transition words
  - Predictable paragraph structure
  - Excessive passive voice
  - Formulaic introductions

implement_instead:
  - Mix short punchy sentences with longer detailed ones
  - Vary paragraph length (2-6 sentences)
  - Start some paragraphs with questions
  - Use occasional fragments for emphasis
  - Include realistic asides and qualifications

include_regularly:
  - Personal anecdotes from shop floor
  - Specific barber names/quotes (with permission)
  - Regional Australian references
  - Colloquial expressions appropriate to barbering
  - Practical troubleshooting from experience
  - "We see this in forums all the time..." type references

avoid:
  - Generic "as a professional" statements
  - Overly polished prose
  - Lack of personality
  - Perfect grammar without natural speech patterns
  - Absence of industry-specific humor or frustration

credibility_builders:
  - Reference specific client situations
  - Mention seasonal patterns ("wedding season rush")
  - Include equipment frustrations ("dropped shears nightmare")
  - Reference community knowledge ("Reddit r/Barber users note...")
  - Discuss learning curve experiences
  - Mention physical realities (hand fatigue, standing hours)

engagement_metrics:
  - Time on page (target: 3+ minutes for guides)
  - Bounce rate (target: <60%)
  - Scroll depth (target: 70%+ reach bottom)
  - Return visitor rate

search_performance:
  - Keyword rankings (track top 10 keywords per article)
  - Organic traffic trends
  - Click-through rates from SERP
  - Featured snippet opportunities

conversion_metrics:
  - Affiliate link clicks
  - Email signup rate
  - Internal navigation patterns
  - Contact form submissions

for_technical_accuracy:
  consult: "barber-technical-knowledge.md"
  use_for: "Steel specs, blade geometry, measurements"

for_authentic_voice:
  consult: "barber-language-reference.md"
  use_for: "Quotes, shop-floor expressions, persona speech patterns"

for_persona_targeting:
  consult: "barber-persona-deep-dive.md"
  use_for: "Pain points, language style, content preferences"

for_maintenance_content:
  consult: "barber-maintenance-protocols.md"
  use_for: "Care procedures, troubleshooting, schedules"

for_site_structure:
  consult: "website-blueprint.md"
  use_for: "Internal linking, content clusters, navigation"

for_overall_strategy:
  consult: "README.md"
  use_for: "Brand positioning, market context, mission alignment"

when_ai_generates_content:
  step_1_identify_parameters:
    - Persona: [Traditional/Influencer/Business/Apprentice]
    - Content type: [Guide/Review/Comparison/Tutorial]
    - Technical depth: [Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced]
    - Word count target: [500/1000/1500/2000+]

  step_2_load_context:
    - Extract language from barber-language-reference.md
    - Pull technical specs from barber-technical-knowledge.md
    - Reference persona details from barber-persona-deep-dive.md
    - Note Australian requirements from README.md

  step_3_structure_content:
    - Apply appropriate template from this guide
    - Ensure header hierarchy matches requirements
    - Include all mandatory elements (steel grades, edge types, etc.)

  step_4_inject_authenticity:
    - Use specific barber quotes from reference files
    - Include shop-floor scenarios
    - Add Australian climate/regional context
    - Reference community knowledge sources

  step_5_optimize_for_quality:
    - Vary sentence structure and length
    - Mix technical precision with conversational tone
    - Include practical examples and troubleshooting
    - Add internal links to related content

  step_6_quality_check:
    - Run through pre-publication checklist
    - Verify all technical claims
    - Confirm persona alignment
    - Check Australian spelling/terminology