meta-title-optimizer skill

---
name: meta-title-optimizer
description: Generate and optimize meta titles and descriptions for therapy pages following NextStep's formula (Service + Location | Differentiator | NextStep Therapy). Creates 5 CTR-optimized variations under 60 chars, tests against SERP simulator, scores each for click-through potential. Use when user mentions "meta title", "meta description", "optimize for CTR", "improve SERP appearance", or provides page URL for SEO optimization.
---

# Meta Title & Description Optimizer

## Purpose
Generate meta titles and descriptions that maximize click-through rates (CTR) while following NextStep Therapy's established formula and maintaining CRPO compliance.

## When to Use This Skill
- User mentions "meta title" or "meta description"
- User asks to "optimize for CTR" or "improve click-through rate"
- User provides a page URL for SEO optimization
- User asks "how can I rank better" or "improve SERP performance"
- User mentions specific therapy pages needing optimization

## Quick Start

### Step 1: Gather Input
Ask user for:
1. **Target keyword** (e.g., "anxiety therapy ontario")
2. **Page content** or URL
3. **Current meta title/description** (if exists)
4. **Target audience** (students, professionals, general)

### Step 2: Generate Title Variations
Create 5 title variations following the formula:
```
[Service] + [Location] | [Differentiator] | NextStep Therapy
```

**Key Rules:**
- Maximum 60 characters (50-60 is optimal)
- Front-load primary keyword
- Include ONE differentiator per title
- Avoid "CBT" or "ACT" unless keyword research explicitly supports it
- Use positive sentiment (4.1% higher CTR than negative)
- Keep to 6-10 words maximum

**CRPO Compliance:**
- ✅ Must be factual and verifiable
- ✅ No exaggerated claims or guarantees
- ✅ No misleading statements
- ❌ Never promise specific outcomes
- ❌ Never claim to be "best" or "top" without proof

### Step 3: Score Each Variation
Score each title (0-100) based on:
1. **Keyword placement** (0-25 points)
   - Front-loaded: 25 points
   - Middle: 15 points
   - End: 5 points

2. **Length optimization** (0-25 points)
   - 50-60 chars: 25 points
   - 45-49 or 61-65 chars: 15 points
   - Under 45 or over 65: 5 points

3. **Emotional appeal** (0-25 points)
   - Positive, empathetic tone: 25 points
   - Neutral: 15 points
   - Negative or clinical: 5 points

4. **Differentiation** (0-25 points)
   - Clear unique value: 25 points
   - Moderate differentiation: 15 points
   - Generic: 5 points

**Total Score:**
- 90-100: Excellent CTR potential
- 75-89: Good CTR potential
- 60-74: Fair CTR potential
- Below 60: Needs improvement

### Step 4: Generate Meta Descriptions
For the top 2-3 title variations, create matching meta descriptions:

**Rules:**
- 150-155 characters (maximum 160)
- Expand on the value proposition
- Include call-to-action
- Mention CRPO registration
- Use natural, empathetic language
- Front-load important information

**Example Structure:**
```
[Benefit statement]. [Social proof/credential]. [Call-to-action]. Same-week appointments available.
```

### Step 5: SERP Preview Simulation
Generate a visual SERP preview for each variation:
```
Title Here (60 chars max)
https://nextsteptherapy.ca/page-slug
Meta description here explaining the value proposition and including
CRPO credentials. Call-to-action at the end.
```

### Step 6: Recommend Top Choice
Present the highest-scoring variation with reasoning:
- Why this variation will perform best
- Specific CTR improvement estimate (based on benchmarks)
- Any A/B testing recommendations

## Differentiators Library

Use ONE per title (rotate for variety):

**Service-Based:**
- "Same-Week Virtual Sessions"
- "Evening & Weekend Appointments"
- "ACT Therapy Specialist"
- "CRPO Registered Therapist"

**Location-Based:**
- "Serving [City] & Ontario"
- "Virtual Therapy Across Ontario"
- "Ontario-Based Therapist"

**Outcome-Focused (must be factual):**
- "Evidence-Based Treatment"
- "Specialized Support"
- "Professional Guidance"

**NEVER USE** (CRPO violations):
- "Best therapist"
- "Guaranteed results"
- "Cure anxiety/depression"
- "Most experienced"
- "Top-rated" (without verifiable proof)

## CTR Benchmarks (2024 Data)

Use these to set expectations:

| Position | Average CTR | With Optimized Title |
|----------|-------------|---------------------|
| #1 | 39.8% | 45-50% (est.) |
| #2 | 18.7% | 22-25% (est.) |
| #3 | 10.2% | 12-15% (est.) |
| #4-5 | 7-8% | 9-11% (est.) |
| #6-10 | 3-5% | 4-7% (est.) |

## Example Workflow

**User:** "Optimize the meta title for my anxiety therapy ontario page"

**Skill Response:**

"I'll create 5 CTR-optimized meta title variations for your anxiety therapy Ontario page.

**Current Analysis:**
- Target keyword: "anxiety therapy ontario"
- Page focus: Virtual anxiety therapy across Ontario
- Key differentiators: CRPO #10979, ACT specialization, same-week availability

**Title Variations:**

1. **Anxiety Therapy Ontario | Same-Week Sessions | NextStep** (56 chars)
   - Score: 95/100
   - Keyword placement: Front-loaded (25/25)
   - Length: Optimal (25/25)
   - Emotional appeal: Positive, accessible (23/25)
   - Differentiation: Clear unique value (22/25)

2. **Ontario Anxiety Therapy | CRPO Registered | NextStep** (54 chars)
   - Score: 88/100
   - Keyword placement: Front-loaded (25/25)
   - Length: Optimal (25/25)
   - Emotional appeal: Professional, trustworthy (20/25)
   - Differentiation: Credential-based (18/25)

3. **Anxiety Therapy Ontario | ACT Specialist | NextStep** (52 chars)
   - Score: 85/100
   - Keyword placement: Front-loaded (25/25)
   - Length: Optimal (25/25)
   - Emotional appeal: Specialized approach (18/25)
   - Differentiation: Treatment-specific (17/25)

4. **Virtual Anxiety Therapy | Ontario | NextStep Therapy** (55 chars)
   - Score: 82/100
   - Keyword placement: Front-loaded (25/25)
   - Length: Optimal (25/25)
   - Emotional appeal: Modern, accessible (17/25)
   - Differentiation: Format-based (15/25)

5. **Anxiety Treatment Ontario | Evening & Weekends | NextStep** (60 chars)
   - Score: 78/100
   - Keyword placement: Front-loaded (25/25)
   - Length: Optimal (25/25)
   - Emotional appeal: Convenient (15/25)
   - Differentiation: Scheduling-based (13/25)

**Recommended Meta Descriptions (for top 3):**

**For Title #1:**
```
Professional anxiety therapy across Ontario with same-week virtual appointments. CRPO registered therapist (RP #10979). Evening and weekend sessions available. Book your consultation today.
(155 chars)
```

**SERP Preview:**
```
Anxiety Therapy Ontario | Same-Week Sessions | NextStep
https://nextsteptherapy.ca/anxiety-therapy-ontario
Professional anxiety therapy across Ontario with same-week virtual
appointments. CRPO registered therapist (RP #10979). Evening and
weekend sessions available. Book your consultation today.
```

**Recommendation:**
Title #1 is the strongest choice because:
- Front-loads exact target keyword
- Highlights unique differentiator (same-week availability)
- Uses positive, action-oriented language
- Optimal length for full display on mobile and desktop
- Estimated CTR improvement: +15-20% over generic title

**Next Steps:**
1. Implement Title #1 and Meta Description #1
2. Monitor CTR in Google Search Console for 30 days
3. A/B test against Title #2 if CTR plateaus
4. Track position changes and organic traffic"

## Advanced Features

### Mobile Optimization Check
Always verify titles display fully on mobile (50-55 chars safest).

### Keyword Density Warning
If keyword appears multiple times, warn about keyword stuffing.

### Competitor Comparison
If competitor titles are provided, identify differentiation opportunities.

### Seasonal Adjustments
Suggest seasonal variations (e.g., "New Year, New You" in January).

## Scripts

Use these helper scripts for validation and testing:

### validate_title.py
Checks character count, keyword placement, CRPO compliance.

### serp_simulator.py
Generates visual SERP preview with pixel-width calculations.

### ctr_scorer.py
Applies scoring algorithm and provides improvement estimates.

## Data Files

### high_performing_titles.csv
Examples of NextStep titles with historical CTR data.

### differentiators_library.yaml
Approved differentiators for rotation (CRPO compliant).

### crpo_compliance_rules.yaml
Prohibited words/phrases and required disclaimers.

## CRPO Compliance Checklist

Before finalizing ANY title or description:

- [ ] Claims are factual and verifiable
- [ ] No guarantees of outcomes
- [ ] No superlatives without proof (best, top, most)
- [ ] Credentials displayed correctly (RP #10979)
- [ ] No misleading statements
- [ ] Professional tone maintained
- [ ] No testimonial language

## Sources & Research

**CTR Optimization:**
- [Meta Title CTR Best Practices (Lyon Content)](https://lyoncontentagency.com/how-to-write-meta-titles-that-increase-ctrs/)
- [Google CTR Stats by Position (Backlinko)](https://backlinko.com/google-ctr-stats)
- [SERP CTR Trends 2024 (Smart Insights)](https://www.smartinsights.com/search-engine-optimisation-seo/seo-analytics/comparison-of-google-clickthrough-rates-by-position/)

**CRPO Guidelines:**
- [CRPO Advertising Standards](https://crpo.ca/practice-standards/business-practices/advertising/)
- [Professional Misconduct Regulation](https://www.crpo.ca/standard-6-2-advertising/)

## Error Handling

**If keyword is too long:**
"The keyword '[keyword]' is [X] characters, which makes it difficult to fit in a 60-character title. Consider targeting a shorter variation or using a partial match."

**If no clear differentiator:**
"I don't see a clear differentiator in your page content. NextStep's unique selling points are: CRPO #10979, ACT specialization, same-week availability, evening/weekend appointments. Which should I emphasize?"

**If claims seem exaggerated:**
"Warning: The phrase '[phrase]' may violate CRPO advertising standards. Claims must be factual and verifiable. I'll revise to a compliant alternative."