You spent hours writing an article. Google ignores it, no one reads it. The problem isn't AI — it's the prompt you are using. We at Meteora Web see businesses every day asking ChatGPT to “write an SEO article” and getting generic text with no structure, no real data. Then they wonder why traffic doesn't come.
The truth is that generating optimized content with AI isn't a one-button process. It means designing prompts that incorporate keyword research, search intent, page structure, and quality criteria. In this guide we show you how, with examples you can copy and adapt right away.
How to write an SEO prompt that generates truly optimized content?
An SEO prompt is not a simple request for text. It must contain four essential ingredients:
- Target keyword and semantic variants — not just one but the cluster of keywords you want to cover.
- Search intent — informational, commercial, transactional, navigational.
- Content structure — headings, subheadings, length, paragraphs, lists.
- Quality criteria — tone of voice, data to include, internal/external links, sources.
We at Meteora Web always start with a question: what is the user really looking for when they type that keyword? Only then do we write the prompt.
Basic prompt (avoid)
Write an SEO article on "how to clean bathroom tiles".Result: generic text, no depth, no data, no FAQ structure. Google classifies it as low-quality content.
Sponsored Protocol
Structured prompt (use)
You are a home cleaning expert with 10 years of experience. You need to write an SEO article for the main keyword "how to clean bathroom tiles". Target is a homeowner looking for effective and natural methods. Use a practical, direct tone. Structure the article in 5 sections with H2 headings: 1) Why bathroom tiles get dirty quickly, 2) Natural vs chemical products, 3) Steps for deep cleaning, 4) Common mistakes to avoid, 5) FAQ with at least 3 questions. Include LSI keywords: "mold tiles", "bathroom cleaning DIY", "eco-friendly detergents". Length: 1200-1500 words. Include a concrete step-by-step procedure. At the end, add a call-to-action inviting comments with readers' preferred methods.Now the result will be a specific, well-structured, useful article. Google rewards this kind of content.
What specific elements must an SEO on-page prompt include?
On-page SEO isn't just about keywords. It covers data structure, meta tags, images, internal links. The prompt must guide the AI to generate content that follows these best practices.
Always include these elements
- Meta title and meta description — ask the AI to propose 3 variants.
- Optimized URL slug — short, with main keyword.
- Hierarchical headings — one H1, H2 for sections, H3 for subsections.
- Alt text for images — short descriptions with keywords.
- Internal links to related articles — specify URLs or titles.
- Schema markup — e.g., for FAQ or Article.
Example prompt with on-page elements
Generate an SEO article for the keyword "gas boiler maintenance". Objective: informational-educational. Produce meta title (max 60 chars) and meta description (max 160). Create URL slug: "gas-boiler-maintenance". Structure in H2: 1) When mandatory maintenance is due, 2) Average cost of inspection, 3) What the technician checks, 4) Fines for skipping the service. Include an H3 under each H2 with details. Add a FAQ box with JSON-LD schema. For images, write 4 descriptive alt texts. Internal links: to the article "How to save on heating" (example) and the page "Contact a technician". Tone: technical but accessible. Length: 1000-1200 words.How to generate content that matches search intent with a prompt?
Google classifies pages by search intent: informational (user wants to know), commercial (wants to compare), transactional (wants to buy), navigational (looking for a specific site). An effective prompt must explicitly state the intent.
Sponsored Protocol
Prompt for informational intent
Goal: answer frequent questions, tutorials, guides. Example:
Sponsored Protocol
Write a step-by-step guide for beginners on "how to install WordPress on a local server". Intent is purely informational. Use simple language, include imaginary screenshots with descriptions. Structure: prerequisites, download, database configuration, testing. Add a section "Common problems and solutions".Prompt for commercial intent
The user is comparing products or services. They want details, pros and cons. Example:
Write a comparison article on "Elementor Pro vs Divi Builder" for an audience of freelancers who need to choose the best page builder. Commercial intent. Include a comparison table with price, ease of use, speed, features. Conclude with a practical recommendation based on use cases. Use LSI keywords: "WordPress page builder", "best page builder 2026", "Elementor vs Divi review".Prompt for transactional intent
The user is ready to buy. Content must drive action. Example:
Generate a product page for "wireless noise-cancelling headphones". Transactional intent. Describe benefits, technical specifications, brief user reviews. Include a strong call-to-action: "Buy now with free shipping". Add sections: "Why choose these headphones", "Warranty and returns". Use action-oriented words: "discover the offer", "order now".How to verify that the generated content is actually SEO-friendly?
Never trust the output blindly. We at Meteora Web use a 3-step review process:
Sponsored Protocol
- Read it as if you were the user — is it clear, useful, flowing? If it sounds like a robot, it's not good.
- Check keyword density — it shouldn't be forced. Use tools like SEO Scout or simply search for the keyword in the text.
- Verify the structure — are H1, H2, H3 correct? Is the meta title unique? Do images have alt text?
Practical example: after generating an article with the structured prompt, we add it to an editor like WordPress or Google Docs, apply formatting, add real links, then test with Google Search Console to see if the page is indexed correctly.
What mistakes to avoid in SEO prompts?
Here are the three most common errors we see in projects that come to us:
- Overly vague prompts — “write an SEO article” gives the AI no direction. The result is always generic.
- No structure guidance — without H2, H3, lists, the output is a wall of text that Google can't parse well.
- Ignoring authoritative sources — AI can make up data. Include in the prompt: “only use verifiable data from sources like [name authoritative site]” or “if unsure, don't invent, write 'Consult the official manual'.”
We at Meteora Web have built a library of SEO prompts that we reuse with clients. Each prompt is tested and optimized based on real results. Here’s a template you can adapt now:
Sponsored Protocol
[Role] You are an SEO copywriter with 10 years of experience in the [niche] industry. [Main keyword] "{keyword}" [Intent] {informational/commercial/transactional} [Target] {description of audience} [Structure] {H1, H2, H3, lists, FAQ} [On-page elements] meta title, meta description, URL, alt text, internal links to {related articles} [Tone] {professional, conversational, technical} [Length] {word count} [Rules] Do not fabricate statistics. Use data from authoritative sources. Include a call-to-action at the end.What to do next
- Download the prompt template — copy the block above and customize it for your next article.
- Test on a low-competition page — don't launch on a difficult keyword right away. Try a long-tail topic first.
- Measure results — after one week, check Google Search Console for impressions and clicks on that page.
- Iterate — modify the prompt based on data: if bounce rate is high, reduce length; if ranking is low, add more semantic variants.
To dive deeper into prompt writing basics, read our pillar Advanced Prompt Engineering. For broader content strategies, check out ChatGPT for Content Marketing.