Content First Process

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Last Edited: 2026-06-29 01:32

PRIORITY 1: This task takes priority over EVERYTHING ELSE in the queue. If assigned a "content first," the writer is to begin work as soon as they reach a stopping point on their current task.

PROCESS MAP

Trigger: Redesign or Startup Coordinator sends a request for "content first" homepage content.
Owner: Startup Coordinator → Content Writer
Entry Criteria:
- Signup form submitted and client intake process initiated.
Exit Criteria (must all be true):
- The content task is assigned to a writer.
- Initial resources are available to the writer (Startup Document, Old Site, Content Audit, Customer Hub).

➡️ Nothing else can begin before this gate clears. Once cleared, SLA timer begins.

Owner: Content Writer
Required Inputs:
- Review of required resources (Startup Doc, Old Site, Content Audit, Services offered).
- (If necessary) Client meeting conducted to gather missing information for a unique, well-ranking homepage.
Required Outputs:
- Page outline is created and submitted for review.

Owner: SEO/Content Specialist
Required Inputs:
- Page outline submitted by the Content Writer.
Required Outputs:
- Outline is briefly reviewed and approved to ensure nothing is missed, correcting any structural gaps before drafting begins.

➡️ Drafting cannot begin until the outline is approved.

Owner: Content Writer
Required Outputs:
- Content written to meet all Homepage Requirements (minimum 800 words, proper heading structure, Hero section, Why Choose Us, Services, About Us, Cities We Serve, Reviews, major vertical sections, and at least two non-required custom sections).
- Content appropriately utilizes standard system tags (e.g., {#COMPANYABBV}, {#COMPANYSERVICEAREA}).
- Sections that need to be global are indicated with "GLOBAL" written above the section and highlighted in pink text.
- AI is utilized only as a starting point (not raw, heavily edited).

Owner: Content Editor
Required Inputs:
- Draft submitted by the Content Writer.
Required Outputs:
- Editor reviews against goals (SEO ranking capability, unique voice, required sections) and leaves categorized feedback (Grammar, Rewrite, Remove, Localization, Expand, SEO, Section Missing, Clarity, Repetition, Tag Issue). Page Audit Procedure for audit protocols.

Owner: Content Writer
Required Inputs:
- Categorized feedback and comments left by the Content Editor.
Required Outputs:
- Writer responds to editor comments, confirming understanding.
- Writer completes requested edits and submits the updated draft back for final review.

Iteration Rule: If the updated draft still does not meet requirements, it is sent back from Gate 6 to Gate 5 until the Editor is satisfied.

Owner: Content Editor
Required Inputs:
- Updated draft with all requested edits completed by the Writer.
Required Outputs:
- Editor verifies the revisions.
- Content draft marked "locked" and approved.
- Editor sends the finalized homepage content back to the Startup Coordinator to unlock the design phase.

➡️ Process complete.

Each homepage draft must meet the following criteria:

Minimum 800 Words: Thorough coverage of services and company value.
Headlines: Every section must have a clear headline.
Hero Section:
- H1 must include both a City Term and a Service Term.
- At least one button for scheduling or calling.
- Optional: Why Choose Us bullets, slogans, secondary headlines.
Why Choose Us: Unique to the client; focus on driving home E-E-A-T.
Services List: Can utilize buttons, accordions, or tables.
About Us Section: Introduce the company, historical facts, and clear service definitions. Ends with a CTA.
Cities We Serve: Can be a list or a small paragraph with a "Service Area" button.
Reviews: Specific GBP reviews in text format (with name/title) or our review widget.
Major Verticals: Each major vertical (Plumbing, HVAC, etc.) must have its own section or significant mention.
Blog Section: Required if the client has more than 10 blogs.

Typically, each site should include at least two of these non-required sections:

Use these tags to ensure content is dynamic and accurate across different client sites:

{#SERVICE1} - {#SERVICE3}: Used for equipment/service variations.
{#SEOCITY1RAW} - {#SEOCITY3RAW}: City references (removes state abbreviation).
{#COMPANYABBV}: Abbreviated company name (e.g., "VHP").
{#COMPANYYEARFOUNDED}: Year the company started.
{#COMPANYAGE}: Automatically calculated age; must be followed by "years" in text.
{#COMPANYSERVICEAREA}: General service area description.

Use these highlights to communicate layout needs to the design team:

Editors will use these categories to provide feedback: