Article Copywriting Workflow
A complete recipe for producing marketing articles that convert. This workflow ensures consistency, quality, and measurable outcomes.
Human Role: Editorial direction, voice calibration, final judgment AI Role: Research, drafting, optimization, distribution prep Spectrum: AI-Assisted
Overview
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Transform ideas into articles that attract, educate, and convert |
| Trigger | Content calendar slot, campaign need, or opportunity identified |
| Frequency | Weekly (minimum), or as content strategy demands |
| Duration | 2-4 hours (with AI assistance) |
| Owner | Content Lead / Marketing |
| Output | Published article + LinkedIn adaptation |
Prerequisites
Tools Required
| Tool | Purpose | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Claude / AI Assistant | Research, drafting, optimization | API or chat |
| Grammarly or similar | Proofreading, readability | Subscription |
| Google Docs / Notion | Collaboration, version control | Team access |
| SEO Tool (Ahrefs, Semrush) | Keyword research, competitive analysis | Subscription |
| CMS (Docusaurus, WordPress) | Publishing | Admin access |
| Analytics (GA4, Plausible) | Performance tracking | View access |
Access Requirements
- CMS publishing permissions
- Brand guidelines document
- Tone of voice reference
- SEO keyword list (current priorities)
- Analytics dashboard access
Knowledge Requirements
- Understanding of target audience personas
- Familiarity with brand voice
- Basic SEO principles
- Content strategy alignment
Inputs
What you need before starting:
| Input | Source | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Topic / Idea | Content calendar, opportunity, brief | ✓ |
| Target keyword(s) | SEO research, strategy doc | ✓ |
| Target persona | ICP documentation | ✓ |
| Strategic goal | Campaign brief | ✓ |
| Reference materials | Research, interviews, data | Optional |
| Competing content | SERP analysis | Optional |
Process
Phase 1: Brief & Research
Duration: 30-45 minutes Responsibility: Human-led, AI-assisted
Step 1.1: Define the Brief
Complete this brief before any writing begins:
## Article Brief
**Working Title:**
**Target Keyword:**
**Secondary Keywords:**
**Target Persona:**
**Search Intent:** [Informational / Commercial / Transactional]
**Strategic Goal:** [Awareness / Consideration / Conversion]
**Desired Action:** What should the reader do after?
**Word Count Target:**
**Deadline:**
Step 1.2: Audience Research
- Review target persona documentation
- Identify 3-5 pain points this article addresses
- List questions the audience is asking (Quora, Reddit, social)
- Note the language/terminology they use
Step 1.3: Competitive Analysis
- Review top 5 SERP results for target keyword
- Note gaps in existing content (what's missing?)
- Identify unique angle or perspective we can offer
- Document content formats that perform (listicles, how-tos, guides)
Step 1.4: SEO Foundation
- Confirm primary keyword (search volume, difficulty)
- Identify 3-5 secondary/LSI keywords
- Plan internal linking opportunities (2-4 links)
- Identify external authority sources to reference
Phase 1 Output: Completed brief document with research notes
Phase 2: Structure & Outline
Duration: 20-30 minutes Responsibility: Human-led, AI-assisted
Step 2.1: Create Outline
Use this structure as a starting point:
## [Working Title]
### Hook
- Opening that creates curiosity or tension
- Why this matters NOW
### Context
- Brief background
- Why reader should care
### Core Content
#### Section 1: [Subhead]
- Key point
- Evidence/example
- Takeaway
#### Section 2: [Subhead]
...
#### Section 3: [Subhead]
...
### Conclusion
- Summary of key points
- Clear CTA
- PS: Engagement question (optional)
Step 2.2: Validate Structure
- Does the outline answer the search intent?
- Is there a clear logical flow?
- Are there 2-4 substantive sections?
- Is the CTA aligned with strategic goal?
- Does it offer something competitors don't?
Phase 2 Output: Approved outline ready for drafting
Phase 3: Drafting
Duration: 45-60 minutes Responsibility: AI-led, Human-reviewed
Step 3.1: First Draft
Use this prompt framework for AI drafting:
Write a blog post based on this outline:
[INSERT OUTLINE]
Requirements:
- Target audience: [PERSONA]
- Tone: Visionary yet grounded, professional but conversational
- Avoid: Generic phrases ("unveil," "realm," "dive into"), jargon without explanation
- Include: Specific examples, actionable frameworks, real-world applications
- Word count: [TARGET]
- Keywords to include naturally: [LIST]
Step 3.2: Draft Quality Check
- Hook creates immediate interest
- First 100 words establish relevance
- Each section delivers on its subhead promise
- Examples are specific, not generic
- Active voice predominates
- Paragraphs are 1-3 sentences max
- Subheadings are scannable and benefit-oriented
Phase 3 Output: Complete first draft
Phase 4: Optimization
Duration: 30-45 minutes Responsibility: Split (AI optimizes, Human judges)
Step 4.1: SEO Optimization
- Primary keyword in title, H1, first 100 words
- Secondary keywords distributed naturally
- Meta description written (150-160 chars, includes keyword)
- URL slug is clean and keyword-rich
- Internal links added (2-4 relevant pages)
- External links to authority sources (1-3)
- Images have descriptive alt text
Step 4.2: Readability Optimization
- Hemingway Grade Level: 6-8 (or appropriate for audience)
- No sentences over 25 words
- Bullet points/lists break up dense content
- White space is adequate
- Subheadings every 200-300 words
Step 4.3: Conversion Optimization
- CTA is clear and specific
- CTA appears at logical points (not just end)
- Value proposition is evident
- Social proof included if relevant
- Next step is obvious
Phase 4 Output: Optimized draft ready for editing
Phase 5: Editing & Quality Gate
Duration: 20-30 minutes Responsibility: Human-led
Step 5.1: Content Edit
- Thesis is clear and supported
- Arguments flow logically
- Claims are substantiated
- No fluff or filler content
- Voice matches brand guidelines
- Unique perspective is evident
Step 5.2: Copy Edit
- Grammar and spelling checked
- Punctuation is correct
- Consistent style (Oxford comma, etc.)
- No repeated words/phrases
- Transitions are smooth
Step 5.3: Final Quality Gate
Do not publish unless ALL boxes are checked:
- Headline is compelling (would you click it?)
- Opening hooks within 5 seconds
- Content delivers on headline promise
- CTA is irresistible
- Brand voice is consistent
- Fact-checked all claims
- No ethical concerns
- Aligned with Dreamineering mission
Phase 5 Output: Final approved article
Phase 6: Publish & Distribute
Duration: 15-20 minutes Responsibility: AI-led (execution), Human (approval)
Step 6.1: CMS Setup
- Title and meta description entered
- URL slug confirmed
- Categories/tags assigned
- Featured image set with alt text
- Author attribution correct
- Scheduled or published
Step 6.2: LinkedIn Adaptation
Transform the article into LinkedIn format:
Requirements:
- Length: 500-850 characters (or up to 3000 for longer posts)
- Line breaks for scannability
- Retain: Hook, core insight, CTA
- Add: 1-2 relevant emojis (if appropriate)
- Include: 2-4 targeted hashtags
- Tone: Professional yet approachable
- LinkedIn post drafted
- Hook is scroll-stopping
- CTA drives engagement
- First comment prepared (resource link)
Step 6.3: Distribution Checklist
- Published to CMS
- LinkedIn post scheduled/published
- Email newsletter inclusion (if applicable)
- Internal team notified
- Relevant communities identified for sharing
Phase 6 Output: Live article + distribution in progress
Outputs
| Output | Format | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Published article | MDX/HTML | mm.dreamineering.com |
| LinkedIn post | Text | |
| Performance tracking | Analytics | GA4/Plausible |
Success Criteria
Quality Metrics
| Metric | Target | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Readability score | Grade 6-8 | Hemingway app |
| SEO score | 80+ | Yoast/RankMath |
| Brand voice alignment | Approved | Human review |
| Factual accuracy | 100% | Human verification |
Performance Metrics (Post-Publish)
| Metric | Target | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Page views | 100+ | First 7 days |
| Time on page | 3+ minutes | First 30 days |
| Bounce rate | <70% | First 30 days |
| LinkedIn engagement | 2%+ | First 48 hours |
| Conversions (if applicable) | Defined per article | First 30 days |
Role & Skills
Who Runs This Workflow
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Content Lead | Brief approval, final quality gate, voice calibration |
| Writer (Human/AI) | Research, drafting, optimization |
| Editor | Copy editing, fact-checking |
| SEO Specialist | Keyword research, technical optimization |
Skills Required
| Skill | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | Intermediate+ | Clear, engaging prose |
| SEO | Basic | Keyword usage, meta tags |
| Brand voice | Intermediate | Dreamineering tone |
| AI prompting | Basic | Effective delegation to AI |
| Judgment | High | Quality decisions |
Full XV Alignment
This activity maps to the marketing backs:
| Position | How This Activity Serves It |
|---|---|
| #9 Prompts | Article brief triggers AI content generation |
| #11 Products | The article is a marketing asset we ship |
| #12 Persuasion | Copy moves readers toward action |
| #13 Protocols | This workflow is the standard |
Failure Modes & Solutions
| Failure | Symptom | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Generic content | Reads like every other article | Add unique perspective, specific examples |
| Keyword stuffing | Awkward, unnatural language | Write for humans first, optimize second |
| Weak hook | High bounce rate | Test 3-5 alternatives, choose strongest |
| No clear CTA | Low conversions | Define desired action before writing |
| Voice drift | Doesn't sound like brand | Review against tone guidelines, human edit |
| Fact errors | Corrections needed post-publish | Verify all claims before final approval |
Downstream Processes
What happens after this workflow:
| Process | Trigger | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Content Repurposing | Article published | Atomize into social, email, video |
| Performance Review | 7 days post-publish | Analyze metrics, document learnings |
| Content Update | Quarterly or traffic drop | Refresh with new data, examples |
| VVFL Feedback | Performance data available | Update this workflow based on what works |
Templates & Resources
Quick-Start Brief Template
## Article Brief
**Working Title:**
**Target Keyword:**
**Secondary Keywords:**
**Target Persona:**
**Search Intent:**
**Strategic Goal:**
**Desired Action:**
**Word Count:**
**Deadline:**
**Unique Angle:**
AI Drafting Prompt
You are writing for Dreamineering, a platform at the intersection of AI, blockchain, crypto, and DePIN infrastructure.
Write a blog post on: [TOPIC]
Target audience: [PERSONA]
Tone: Visionary yet grounded, professional but conversational
Avoid: Generic AI phrases, jargon without explanation, passive voice
Include: Specific examples, actionable insights, clear structure
Structure:
- Hook (surprising insight or provocative question)
- Context (why this matters now)
- Core content (2-4 sections with subheadings)
- Conclusion with clear CTA
Keywords to include naturally: [LIST]
Word count: [TARGET]
LinkedIn Adaptation Prompt
Transform this article into a LinkedIn post:
[ARTICLE SUMMARY OR KEY POINTS]
Requirements:
- 500-850 characters for quick read (or up to 3000 for detailed)
- Line breaks every 1-2 sentences
- Hook in first line
- Core insight in middle
- CTA at end
- 2-4 relevant hashtags
- Professional but approachable tone
Context
- Marketing Activities Index — The Work Chart
- Marketing Principles — What guides decisions
- LinkedIn Posting — Social distribution
- Content Strategy — Blog strategy
Changelog
| Date | Change | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-12 | Initial workflow created | Standardize article production |