Cluster & validate the keyword universe
Monthly- In
Ahrefs (or
Semrush), export all keywords ranking or where competitors rank in positions 1–20.
- Cluster by template type: "best \[X] alternative", "\[city] + \[service]", "\[tool A] + \[tool B] integration", "\[use-case] for \[audience]" etc.
- Validate each cluster: ≥30 keywords, real monthly volume, SERP difficulty you can beat (check domain rating of top 3).
- Score commercial intent: comparison and transactional templates are priority, AI Overviews impact informational clusters more heavily.
- Human approval, approve which template types to build this sprint, in priority order.