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Updating existing content is often more effective than creating new content. The workflow involves analyzing current performance, identifying improvement opportunities, and rewriting with fresh data and optimization.

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Overview

The content update workflow has two main commands:
  1. Analyze Existing - Audit current content and identify opportunities
  2. Rewrite - Update and improve based on analysis findings
Focus on updating content that already has traffic but could rank higher. These “quick win” opportunities often provide the best ROI.

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When to Update Content

Update existing content when:
  • Content is ranking on page 2-3 (positions 11-30)
  • Statistics or examples are outdated
  • Competitors have passed you in rankings
  • You’ve added new features or capabilities
  • Search intent has shifted
  • Content gaps exist compared to current top-ranking articles
  • Performance is declining over time

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Step 1: Analyze Existing Content

Start by analyzing your existing post to understand what needs improvement.

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Command Usage

/analyze-existing [URL or file path]

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Examples

# Analyze a live URL
/analyze-existing https://yoursite.com/blog/marketing-guide

# Analyze a local file
/analyze-existing published/marketing-guide-2024-01-15.md

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What It Does

1

Fetches Content

Retrieves the article from the URL or reads the local file
2

SEO Audit

Analyzes current SEO optimization using 5 specialized modules:
  • Search intent classification
  • Keyword density & clustering analysis
  • Content length comparison vs top 10-20 SERP competitors
  • Readability scoring (Flesch scores, sentence structure)
  • SEO quality rating (0-100 with category breakdowns)
3

Competitive Context

Compares your content against top-ranking competitors to identify gaps
4

Identifies Issues

Detects outdated statistics, missing keywords, weak structure, or competitive disadvantages
5

Provides Recommendations

Creates prioritized list of improvements with estimated impact
6

Saves Analysis Report

Outputs comprehensive report to research/analysis-[post-slug]-[date].md

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Analysis Output

The analysis report includes:

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Content Health Score (0-100)

Enhanced scoring using 5 analysis modules:
  • SEO Quality Rating: Overall score with breakdowns for content, keywords, meta, structure, links, and readability
  • Search Intent Alignment: How well content matches search intent (informational/commercial/transactional/navigational)
  • Keyword Optimization: Density, distribution, clustering, and stuffing risk detection
  • Content Length Competitiveness: Word count position vs SERP competitors with optimal length recommendation
  • Readability Score: Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, passive voice ratio
  • Relevance & Freshness: Outdated content detection
  • User Experience: Flow, structure, actionability

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Quick Wins

Top 3-5 immediate improvements (5-15 minutes each):
  • Update specific statistics or dates
  • Add missing keywords to headings with exact density recommendations
  • Optimize meta description
  • Add internal links to specific pages
  • Fix readability issues (sentence length, passive voice)

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Strategic Improvements

Longer-term enhancements for maximum impact:
  • Content Expansion: Based on competitor length analysis (e.g., “Add 800 words to match top performers at 2,500 words”)
  • Intent Alignment: Adjust content type to match search intent
  • Topic Clustering: Add missing semantic keywords and related topics
  • New Sections: Based on competitive gap analysis
  • SEO Optimization Priorities: From quality rating breakdown

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Detailed Analysis Reports

  • Search intent classification with confidence scores
  • Keyword density heatmap by section
  • Topic cluster visualization
  • Competitive length benchmarks (min, median, 75th percentile, optimal target)
  • Readability metrics with specific improvement suggestions
  • SEO quality breakdown by category (0-100 for each)

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Rewrite Recommendations

  • Priority Level: Low / Medium / High / Critical
  • Estimated Effort: Light edit / Moderate update / Major rewrite / Complete refresh
  • Expected Impact: Potential traffic increase, ranking improvement, engagement boost
  • Specific Improvements: Exact word count targets, keyword density adjustments, readability fixes
The analysis automatically creates an initial research brief if a rewrite is recommended, including updated target keywords, competitor benchmarks, and optimal content length.

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Example Analysis Output

**Content Health Score**: 62/100

**Quick Wins**:
- Update 2022 statistics with 2025 data (3 instances found)
- Add primary keyword "email marketing" to 2 more H2 headings
- Expand meta description from 142 to 155-160 characters
- Add internal link to /features/analytics in Performance section
- Reduce passive voice from 18% to under 10%

**Strategic Improvements**:
- Expand content from 1,800 to 2,500 words (competitors average 2,600)
- Add "Email Segmentation Best Practices" section (all top 5 competitors cover this)
- Shift focus from informational to commercial intent (search intent changed)
- Integrate 8 missing semantic keywords from topic cluster
- Restructure introduction with stronger hook

**Rewrite Priority**: High
**Estimated Effort**: Major rewrite (60-70% changes)
**Expected Impact**: +40% organic traffic based on competitive gap closure

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Step 2: Rewrite the Content

Once you’ve reviewed the analysis, use the /rewrite command to update the content.

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Command Usage

/rewrite [topic or analysis file]

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Example

/rewrite marketing guide

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What It Does

1

Reviews Analysis

Reads the analysis report to understand improvement priorities
2

Reads Original Content

Loads the existing article to identify what to keep, update, or remove
3

Determines Rewrite Scope

Classifies the update level:
  • Light Update (20-30% changes)
  • Moderate Refresh (40-60% changes)
  • Major Rewrite (70-90% changes)
  • Complete Overhaul (90%+ changes)
4

Applies Updates

  • Keeps: Effective sections that are still accurate
  • Updates: Refreshes stats, examples, and references
  • Adds: New sections to fill content gaps
  • Removes: Outdated or redundant information
  • Optimizes: Improves keyword integration and SEO
5

Saves Updated Content

Saves to rewrites/[topic-slug]-rewrite-[date].md with change summary
6

Automatic Scrubbing

Removes AI watermarks using /scrub command
7

Triggers Optimization Agents

Runs SEO Optimizer, Meta Creator, Internal Linker, and Keyword Mapper agents

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Rewrite Strategy

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What to Keep

  • Sections that are still accurate and comprehensive
  • Unique insights or perspectives that remain valuable
  • Well-performing structure or formatting
  • Examples or case studies that are still relevant
  • Internal links that remain appropriate

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What to Update

  • Outdated statistics with current data (note date/source)
  • Old screenshots or examples with current versions
  • Deprecated terminology or processes
  • Missing keywords in headings and body
  • Weak or missing meta title/description
  • Insufficient internal links

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What to Add

  • New sections to fill competitive content gaps
  • Recent industry trends or developments
  • Additional examples or use cases
  • Better introduction hook if current one is weak
  • Stronger conclusion and CTA
  • Missing SEO elements (keywords, links, structure)

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What to Remove

  • Deprecated information that’s no longer accurate
  • Redundant or repetitive sections
  • Overly promotional language (if inconsistent with current brand)
  • Outdated examples or references
  • Fluff or filler that doesn’t add value

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Change Summary

Every rewrite includes a change summary with: 
---
Original Publication Date: [if known]
Rewrite Date: 2025-03-04
Rewrite Scope: Major
Word Count Change: 1,800 → 2,550 (+750 words)
Primary Keyword: email marketing strategies
SEO Score Improvement: 62 → 85 (estimated)

Major Changes:
- Added "Email Segmentation Best Practices" section (450 words)
- Added "Automation Workflows" section (300 words)
- Restructured introduction with scenario-based hook
- Updated 12 statistics with 2025 data

SEO Improvements:
- Increased keyword density from 0.8% to 1.5%
- Added keyword to 3 additional H2 headings
- Added 4 new internal links to product pages
- Optimized meta description (142 → 158 chars)

Content Updates:
- Refreshed 12 statistics with 2025 data
- Updated 3 examples with current platform screenshots
- Added AI-powered email marketing trends
---

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Step 3: Optimize the Rewrite

After rewriting, run a final optimization pass.

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Command Usage

/optimize rewrites/marketing-guide-rewrite-2025-03-04.md

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What It Does

Same as the optimize step in the Creating Content workflow:
  • Comprehensive SEO audit
  • Advanced analysis with 5 Content Analyzer modules
  • Overall SEO score (0-100)
  • Priority fixes and quick wins
  • Publishing readiness assessment

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Complete Workflow Example

1

Identify Content to Update

Use /performance-review or /priorities to identify high-impact update opportunities
2

Analyze Existing Content

/analyze-existing https://yoursite.com/blog/email-marketing-guide
Review the analysis report in research/analysis-email-marketing-guide-[date].md
3

Check Priority and Scope

  • Priority: High (content health score 62/100)
  • Scope: Major rewrite (70% changes recommended)
  • Expected Impact: +40% organic traffic
4

Rewrite Content

/rewrite email marketing guide
Article saved to rewrites/email-marketing-guide-rewrite-[date].md
5

Review Changes

Read the change summary and verify all improvements align with the analysis recommendations
6

Review Agent Feedback

Read agent reports and make any additional improvements
7

Final Optimization

/optimize rewrites/email-marketing-guide-rewrite-[date].md
Address any remaining priority fixes
8

Publish

Replace the original post on your site (note URL to ensure proper replacement/redirect)

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Rewrite Scope Guidelines

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Light Update (20-30% changes)

Best for: Content with minor issues or recent posts that need a refresh Typical changes:
  • Update 3-5 statistics
  • Add 200-400 words
  • Optimize meta elements
  • Add 1-2 internal links
  • Fix keyword placement issues
Time: 30-60 minutes

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Moderate Refresh (40-60% changes)

Best for: Content with good foundation but needs expansion and SEO improvements Typical changes:
  • Update 5-10 statistics
  • Add 500-800 words
  • Add 1-2 new sections
  • Restructure 2-3 existing sections
  • Refresh introduction and conclusion
  • Add 3-5 internal links
Time: 1-2 hours

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Major Rewrite (70-90% changes)

Best for: Content with significant gaps, outdated information, or SEO issues Typical changes:
  • Update 10+ statistics
  • Add 800-1,500 words
  • Add 2-4 new sections
  • Restructure entire article
  • New introduction hook and conclusion
  • Comprehensive SEO optimization
Time: 2-4 hours

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Complete Overhaul (90%+ changes)

Best for: Content that’s fundamentally outdated or search intent has changed Typical changes:
  • Essentially a new article on the same topic
  • New outline and structure
  • Fresh angle or perspective
  • All new examples and data
  • Complete SEO rebuild
Time: 3-5 hours (similar to writing new content)

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Tips for Effective Rewrites

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Before Rewriting

  • Review Original Performance: Check analytics to understand what worked and what didn’t
  • Study Competitors: Look at what changed in top-ranking articles since your original publication
  • Check for New Developments: Research industry trends or changes that affect the topic
  • Verify URL Strategy: Decide if you’ll keep the same URL (recommended for SEO) or redirect

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During Rewriting

  • Preserve What Works: Don’t throw away effective sections just to make changes
  • Focus on Gaps: Use competitive analysis to guide where you add content
  • Update Everything: When you reference dates, make sure “recent” actually means recent
  • Maintain Voice: Ensure updated sections match your current brand voice
  • Track Changes: Keep notes on major updates for your change summary

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After Rewriting

  • Compare Before/After: Verify the rewrite is actually better than the original
  • Check All Links: Ensure internal and external links still work and are relevant
  • Update Publish Date: Indicate when the content was last updated
  • Monitor Performance: Track rankings and traffic after republishing
  • Update Internal Links: Make sure other articles linking to this content still make sense

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Common Update Scenarios

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Scenario 1: Quick Win Update

Situation: Ranking position 11-15, content is 80% good Strategy: Light update (30 minutes)
  • Fix keyword placement issues
  • Add 2-3 internal links
  • Update meta description
  • Refresh 2-3 outdated stats
Expected Result: Move to page 1 (positions 8-10)

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Scenario 2: Declining Performance

Situation: Previously ranked well, now dropping Strategy: Moderate refresh (1-2 hours)
  • Analyze what changed in SERP
  • Add missing sections competitors now cover
  • Update all statistics and examples
  • Improve SEO optimization
Expected Result: Recover previous rankings or improve

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Scenario 3: Competitive Gap

Situation: Competitors have surpassed you with more comprehensive content Strategy: Major rewrite (3-4 hours)
  • Expand content to match or exceed competitor length
  • Add all sections competitors cover
  • Provide unique insights they don’t have
  • Comprehensive SEO overhaul
Expected Result: Competitive positioning restored, potential to outrank

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Scenario 4: Search Intent Shift

Situation: Search intent has changed from informational to commercial Strategy: Complete overhaul (4-5 hours)
  • Restructure content to match new intent
  • Change focus from education to conversion
  • Add product comparisons or buying guides
  • Update CTAs for commercial intent
Expected Result: Align with current search intent, improve rankings

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Measuring Rewrite Success

Track these metrics after republishing:
  • Rankings: Monitor position changes for target keywords (2-4 weeks)
  • Organic Traffic: Compare traffic before/after rewrite (4-8 weeks)
  • Engagement: Check bounce rate, time on page, scroll depth
  • Conversions: Track goal completions or conversions from the page
  • Impressions & CTR: Monitor in Google Search Console
Set a calendar reminder to check performance 30 days after republishing. This gives search engines time to re-crawl and re-rank your content.

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Next Steps

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