SEO Keyword Strategy Reference

pillar_page: "/shear-selection/"
pillar_keyword: "professional barber scissors"
status: "✓ Live"

supporting_pages:
  - url: "/shear-selection/cutting-shears/"
    keyword: "barber cutting shears"
    status: "✓ Live"
    
  - url: "/shear-selection/texturising-shears/"
    keyword: "texturising shears"
    status: "✓ Live"
    
  - url: "/shear-selection/specialty-shears/"
    keyword: "specialty barber shears"
    status: "✓ Live"
    
  - url: "/shear-selection/handle-ergonomics/"
    keyword: "ergonomic barber scissors"
    status: "✓ Live"
    
  - url: "/shear-selection/steel-guide/"
    keyword: "vg10 barber scissors"
    status: "✓ Live"
    
  - url: "/shear-selection/budget-planning/"
    keyword: "barber scissors budget"
    status: "✓ Live"
    
  - url: "/shear-selection/left-handed/"
    keyword: "left handed barber scissors"
    status: "✓ Live"
    
  - url: "/shear-selection/maintenance/"
    keyword: "barber scissors maintenance"
    status: "✓ Live"
    
  - url: "/shear-selection/mobile-kits/"
    keyword: "mobile barber tools"
    status: "✓ Live"
    
  - url: "/shear-selection/climate-care/"
    keyword: "barber scissors australia climate"
    status: "✓ Live"
    
  - url: "/shear-selection/brand-map/"
    keyword: "best barber scissors brands"
    status: "✓ Live"

internal_linking_rules:
  - Pillar links to all supporting pages in intro section
  - Each supporting page links back to pillar (breadcrumb + contextual)
  - Supporting pages cross-link to 2-3 related siblings
  - Use keyword-rich anchor text naturally

performance_targets:
  pillar_page: "Rank #1-3 for 'professional barber scissors'"
  supporting_pages: "Rank #1-5 for long-tail variations"
  cluster_traffic: "50% of total organic traffic"

pillar_page: "/techniques/"
pillar_keyword: "barbering techniques"
status: "🔄 Planned Q2 2025"

supporting_pages:
  - url: "/techniques/scissor-over-comb/"
    keyword: "scissor over comb technique"
    status: "✓ Live"
    priority: "HIGH"
    
  - url: "/techniques/fade-cutting-blueprint/"
    keyword: "fade cutting techniques"
    status: "✓ Live"
    priority: "HIGH"
    
  - url: "/techniques/slide-cutting/"
    keyword: "slide cutting barber"
    status: "✓ Live"
    priority: "MEDIUM"
    
  - url: "/techniques/point-cutting/"
    keyword: "point cutting technique"
    status: "🔄 Planned"
    priority: "MEDIUM"
    
  - url: "/techniques/beard-architecture/"
    keyword: "beard sculpting techniques"
    status: "✓ Live"
    priority: "MEDIUM"
    
  - url: "/techniques/texture-foundations/"
    keyword: "hair texturizing methods"
    status: "✓ Live"
    priority: "MEDIUM"

cross_cluster_links:
  - Link technique pages to relevant shear selection pages
  - Example: Fade cutting guide → Fade cutting shears page
  - Tool requirements section links to specific shears

keyword_opportunities:
  - "how to" queries (high intent, good conversion)
  - Video content integration (YouTube SEO)
  - Step-by-step tutorials (featured snippet potential)

pillar_page: "/brands/"
pillar_keyword: "barber scissors brands"
status: "🔄 Partial (5 brands live)"

existing_pages:
  - url: "/collections/jaguar-scissors/"
    keyword: "jaguar barber scissors"
    status: "✓ Live"
    
  - url: "/collections/joewell-scissors/"
    keyword: "joewell barber scissors"
    status: "✓ Live"
    
  - url: "/collections/yasaka-scissors/"
    keyword: "yasaka scissors australia"
    status: "✓ Live"
    
  - url: "/collections/mizutani-scissors/"
    keyword: "mizutani scissors"
    status: "✓ Live"
    
  - url: "/collections/hikari-scissors/"
    keyword: "hikari scissors"
    status: "✓ Live"

planned_expansion:
  premium:
    - "/brands/hanzo-shears-review/" (keyword: "hanzo barber scissors")
    - "/brands/kasho-shears-review/" (keyword: "kasho scissors")
    - "/brands/kamisori-shears-review/" (keyword: "kamisori scissors")
  
  professional:
    - "/brands/washi-shears-review/" (keyword: "washi scissors australia")
    - "/brands/saki-shears-review/" (keyword: "saki shears")
    - "/brands/sam-villa-review/" (keyword: "sam villa scissors")
  
  comparison:
    - "/brands/japanese-vs-german/" (keyword: "japanese vs german scissors")
    - "/brands/premium-vs-professional/" (keyword: "best professional shears")

brand_name_seo:
  strategy: "Target brand name + 'australia', 'review', 'vs', 'best'"
  competition: "Low-medium for specific brand names"
  conversion: "High - brand searchers often ready to buy"

pillar_page: "/shear-selection/maintenance/"
pillar_keyword: "barber scissors maintenance"
status: "✓ Live (integrated)"

supporting_content:
  blog_posts:
    - "/blogs/scissors/cleaning-barber-shears/" (✓ Live)
    - "/blogs/scissors/dull-barber-shears/" (✓ Live)
  
  planned_expansions:
    - "/maintenance/professional-sharpening-guide/"
    - "/maintenance/troubleshooting-common-issues/"
    - "/maintenance/climate-specific-care/"

keyword_opportunities:
  - "how to clean barber scissors"
  - "when to sharpen barber shears"
  - "rust prevention barber tools"
  - "barber scissors maintenance schedule"

pillar_page: "/blogs/"
status: "✓ Live with 7 posts"

existing_posts:
  - "/blogs/scissors/japanese-vs-german-barber-shears/"
  - "/blogs/scissors/how-to-choose-barber-shears/"
  - "/blogs/scissors/holding-barber-shears/"
  - "/blogs/scissors/shear-blade-guide/"
  - "/blogs/scissors/cleaning-barber-shears/"
  - "/blogs/scissors/dull-barber-shears/"
  - "/blogs/scissors/types-of-barber-shears/"

content_calendar_keywords:
  weekly_targets:
    - Long-tail question keywords (how to, what is, why)
    - Trend-based keywords (seasonal, new releases)
    - Comparison keywords (vs, best, top)
    - Tutorial keywords (guide, tutorial, tips)
  
  monthly_deep_dives:
    - Technical keywords (steel types, blade geometry)
    - Business keywords (ROI, investment, budgeting)

informational:
  definition: "User wants to learn or understand something"
  keywords: "how to, what is, why, guide, tutorial, explained"
  content_format: "Educational articles, tutorials, guides"
  conversion_goal: "Build trust, email signup"
  examples:
    - "how to hold barber scissors"
    - "what is vg10 steel"
    - "scissor over comb technique explained"

commercial_investigation:
  definition: "User is researching before buying"
  keywords: "best, top, review, vs, comparison"
  content_format: "Reviews, comparisons, buyer guides"
  conversion_goal: "Affiliate clicks, detailed product info"
  examples:
    - "best barber scissors for beginners"
    - "jaguar vs joewell scissors"
    - "professional barber scissors review"

transactional:
  definition: "User ready to purchase"
  keywords: "buy, price, cheap, deal, australia"
  content_format: "Product pages, price comparisons, buy buttons"
  conversion_goal: "Direct affiliate conversion"
  examples:
    - "buy barber scissors australia"
    - "jaguar scissors price"
    - "professional shears online australia"

navigational:
  definition: "User looking for specific page/brand"
  keywords: "brand names, site name"
  content_format: "Brand pages, homepage, about"
  conversion_goal: "Site exploration, brand awareness"
  examples:
    - "barberscissors.com.au"
    - "mizutani scissors australia"
    - "jaguar scissors official"

priority_cities:
  tier_1_high_volume:
    - Sydney: 1,900 monthly searches
    - Melbourne: 1,300 monthly searches
    - Brisbane: 720 monthly searches
  
  tier_2_medium_volume:
    - Perth: 390 monthly searches
    - Adelaide: 210 monthly searches
    - Gold Coast: 180 monthly searches
  
  tier_3_regional:
    - Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, Canberra: 50-100 each

local_keyword_templates:
  - "[product] [city]" (e.g., "barber scissors sydney")
  - "[service] [city]" (e.g., "barber sharpening melbourne")
  - "professional [product] [city]"
  - "[brand] [city] australia"

template_structure:
  url_format: "/[city]-barber-scissors/"
  title: "Professional Barber Scissors in [City] | BarberScissors.com.au"
  h1: "Professional Barber Scissors for [City] Barbers"
  
  content_sections:
    hero: "[City] barber community introduction"
    climate: "[City]-specific climate and tool care"
    suppliers: "Local suppliers and distributors in [City]"
    barbers: "Featured [City] barbers (interviews)"
    products: "Recommended tools for [City] climate"
    cta: "Contact us for [City] barber consultations"
    
  schema_markup:
    - LocalBusiness schema (if applicable)
    - Service area schema
    - BreadcrumbList

implementation_timeline:
  phase_2_q2_2025:
    - Sydney landing page
    - Melbourne landing page
  
  phase_3_q3_2025:
    - Brisbane landing page
    - Perth landing page
    - Adelaide landing page

purpose: "Build local relevance and provide value to barbers"
url_structure: "/suppliers/[state]/[city]/"

directory_entries:
  fields:
    - Supplier name
    - Address and map embed
    - Phone and website
    - Brands carried
    - Services offered (sharpening, warranty, etc.)
    - Customer reviews (if available)
  
  seo_benefits:
    - Local keyword targeting
    - Schema markup opportunities (LocalBusiness)
    - Backlink opportunities from suppliers
    - Community value and trust building

implementation:
  phase_3: "Q3 2025 - Start with NSW and VIC"
  partnerships: "Reach out to suppliers for partnership/listing"

title_tag:
  primary_keyword: "Include once, near beginning"
  length: "50-60 characters"
  format: "[Primary Keyword] | BarberScissors.com.au"
  example: "Professional Barber Scissors | BarberScissors.com.au"
  avoid: "Keyword stuffing, multiple keywords, exact match"

meta_description:
  primary_keyword: "Include once naturally"
  secondary_keywords: "1-2 related terms if natural"
  length: "150-160 characters"
  format: "[Value prop with keyword] + [Australian context] + [CTA]"
  example: "Expert guide to professional barber scissors for Australian barbers. Compare Japanese vs German steel, find the perfect shears for your technique."
  
h1_heading:
  primary_keyword: "Include naturally, not exact match"
  length: "40-70 characters"
  format: "Natural question or statement"
  example: "Professional Barber Scissors: Complete Selection Guide"
  avoid: "Exact keyword match, awkward phrasing"

h2_headers:
  strategy: "Distribute secondary keywords across H2s"
  frequency: "1 keyword per 2-3 H2s maximum"
  natural: "Must read naturally, not forced"
  examples:
    - "Choosing the Right Barber Scissors Length"
    - "Japanese vs German Steel: Performance Comparison"
    - "Ergonomic Handle Designs for RSI Prevention"

body_content:
  primary_keyword_density: "0.5-1.5% (natural occurrence)"
  secondary_keywords: "Sprinkle throughout naturally"
  variations: "Use synonyms and related terms"
  context: "Always in context, never forced"
  
  related_terms_to_include:
    - Synonyms: "shears, scissors, cutting tools"
    - Related: "blades, handles, steel, maintenance"
    - Specific: Brand names, steel grades, techniques
    
  examples_good:
    - "Professional barber scissors come in various lengths, with 7-inch shears being popular for scissor-over-comb work."
    - "Japanese steel like VG10 offers superior sharpness for precision cutting."
  
  examples_bad:
    - "Barber scissors are the best barber scissors for barbers using barber scissors."
    - "Our professional barber scissors are professional scissors for professional barbers."

image_alt_text:
  strategy: "Descriptive with keyword where natural"
  format: "[What image shows] + [keyword if relevant]"
  examples_good:
    - "Professional barber holding 7-inch cutting shears over comb"
    - "Close-up of convex blade edge on Japanese VG10 scissors"
    - "Offset handle ergonomic design reducing wrist strain"
  
  examples_bad:
    - "barber scissors" (too generic)
    - "professional barber scissors barber shears" (keyword stuffing)

acceptable_ranges:
  primary_keyword: "0.5-1.5% of total word count"
  secondary_keywords: "0.3-1.0% each"
  total_keyword_density: "<5% (all keywords combined)"

calculation_example:
  article_length: 2000 words
  primary_keyword_target: "10-30 occurrences"
  secondary_keywords: "6-20 occurrences each"
  
checking_method:
  - Use word processor find function
  - Count exact matches + close variations
  - Divide by total words, multiply by 100
  - Adjust if outside acceptable range

red_flags:
  - Primary keyword appears in every paragraph
  - Awkward/unnatural phrasing to include keywords
  - Same keyword phrase repeated multiple times in succession
  - Keywords in places where they don't add value

primary_competitors:
  - japanscissors.com.au
  - scissorsaustralia.com
  - barbercentral.com (US, but ranks in AU)
  - sallybeauty.com.au

audit_methodology:
  1: "Identify competitors ranking #1-10 for primary keywords"
  2: "List all pages ranking for target keywords"
  3: "Analyze content depth, structure, keyword usage"
  4: "Identify gaps in our content vs competitors"
  5: "Prioritize gap-filling content creation"

high_opportunity_questions:
  - "What size barber scissors should I buy?" (Answer in 40-50 words for featured snippet)
  - "How often should barber scissors be sharpened?" (Create concise answer with table)
  - "What is VG10 steel in scissors?" (Definition + benefits in 50 words)
  - "Can you use regular scissors for cutting hair?" (Strong no with explanation)
  - "How long do barber scissors last?" (Range with factors affecting longevity)
  - "What's the difference between barber scissors and hair scissors?" (Clear comparison table)

featured_snippet_optimization:
  format_types:
    paragraph: "40-60 word concise answer"
    list: "Numbered or bulleted steps/items"
    table: "Comparison or specification data"
  
  strategy:
    - Answer question in first paragraph (40-60 words)
    - Use question as H2 heading
    - Provide detailed explanation after snippet-optimized answer
    - Include related questions in H3 subheadings

our_backlinks: "~12 referring domains (new site)"
competitor_average: "50-150 referring domains"

backlink_strategy:
  high_priority:
    - Australian barber training schools (TAFE, RTO listings)
    - Barber supply store partnerships
    - Australian barber associations
    - Industry directory listings
  
  medium_priority:
    - Guest posts on barbering blogs
    - Supplier resource pages (featured distributor)
    - Local business directories (Sydney, Melbourne)
    - Barber Instagram/YouTube influencer partnerships
  
  low_priority:
    - General business directories
    - Forum signatures (limited value)
    - Blog comments (no-follow typically)

timeline:
  phase_2: "Reach out to 10 training schools, 5 suppliers"
  phase_3: "Guest post outreach, influencer partnerships"
  phase_4: "Directory submissions, industry association applications"

organic_traffic:
  monthly_sessions: "~500 (estimated, new site)"
  growth_target: "+200% by Q4 2025"
  
keyword_rankings:
  top_10: 3 keywords
  top_20: 8 keywords
  top_50: 15 keywords
  target_q4: "20 in top 10, 40 in top 20"

engagement_metrics:
  avg_session_duration: "2:45"
  bounce_rate: "62%"
  pages_per_session: "1.8"
  targets: "3:30+, <55%, 2.5+"

conversion_metrics:
  email_signups: "~15/month"
  affiliate_clicks: "~45/month"
  contact_forms: "~5/month"
  targets: "100/month, 200/month, 20/month"

tools_in_use:
  - Google Analytics 4 (traffic, engagement)
  - Google Search Console (rankings, clicks, impressions)
  - Manual spreadsheet tracking (keyword positions)

key_metrics_to_monitor:
  weekly:
    - Top 10 keyword position changes
    - Organic traffic trends
    - Top landing pages performance
  
  monthly:
    - Full keyword ranking report (top 50)
    - Backlink acquisition count
    - Conversion rate trends
    - Content performance (traffic per article)
  
  quarterly:
    - Comprehensive SEO audit
    - Competitor position analysis
    - Content gap reassessment
    - Strategy adjustment

for_content_creation:
  keyword_selection: "Use this file's keyword hierarchy"
  natural_insertion: "Follow keyword insertion rules section"
  search_intent: "Match content format to intent analysis"
  
for_technical_seo:
  title_meta: "Use title tag and meta description formats"
  headers: "Follow H1/H2 keyword distribution rules"
  images: "Use alt text guidelines"
  
for_strategy:
  cluster_planning: "Reference content cluster mapping"
  gap_analysis: "Prioritize content gaps identified"
  competitor_tracking: "Monitor competitor movements"
  
workflow:
  1: "Identify target keyword from hierarchy"
  2: "Determine search intent"
  3: "Check content cluster mapping for placement"
  4: "Apply keyword insertion rules naturally"
  5: "Cross-reference with persona needs (barber-persona-deep-dive.md)"
  6: "Include Australian context (australian-market-reference.md)"
  7: "Track performance and adjust"