From b25315c01ae33eebd90e3b990a496aa4da0649a3 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Claude Date: Fri, 29 May 2026 23:30:48 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] Add social-media-pro-max skill pack: viral content + design intelligence --- .claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/SKILL.md | 86 +++++++++++++++++++ .../references/design-carousel.md | 59 +++++++++++++ .../references/design-linkedin-covers.md | 58 +++++++++++++ .../references/design-youtube-thumbnails.md | 56 ++++++++++++ .../references/hooks-and-frameworks.md | 67 +++++++++++++++ .../references/writing-instagram.md | 55 ++++++++++++ .../references/writing-linkedin.md | 61 +++++++++++++ .../references/writing-substack.md | 53 ++++++++++++ .../references/writing-x.md | 64 ++++++++++++++ 9 files changed, 559 insertions(+) create mode 100644 .claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/SKILL.md create mode 100644 .claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/design-carousel.md create mode 100644 .claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/design-linkedin-covers.md create mode 100644 .claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/design-youtube-thumbnails.md create mode 100644 .claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/hooks-and-frameworks.md create mode 100644 .claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-instagram.md create mode 100644 .claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-linkedin.md create mode 100644 .claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-substack.md create mode 100644 .claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-x.md diff --git a/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/SKILL.md b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/SKILL.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..18fe52d0 --- /dev/null +++ b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/SKILL.md @@ -0,0 +1,86 @@ +--- +name: social-media-pro-max +description: "State-of-the-art viral content + social design intelligence. Expert copywriting for X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Substack PLUS viral visual design for carousels, LinkedIn post/article cover banners, and YouTube thumbnails. Actions: write, draft, create, rewrite, improve, optimize, hook, design, ghostwrite, repurpose, ideate, plan a content calendar, audit a post. Formats: tweet, thread, X post, LinkedIn post, LinkedIn article, carousel, newsletter, Substack essay, IG caption, Reel/Shorts script, YouTube thumbnail, LinkedIn banner, cover image, post cover. Topics: hooks, headlines, CTAs, storytelling frameworks (AIDA, PAS, BAB, 4U, hero's journey), retention, algorithm best practices, engagement, growth, personal branding, viral loops, slide design, visual hierarchy, color/typography for social, text-on-image. Use whenever the user wants to write, design, grow, or critique social media content." +--- + +# Social Media Pro Max — Viral Content & Design Intelligence + +A complete operating system for producing top-1% social content. Covers **copywriting** (X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Substack) and **visual design** (carousels, LinkedIn covers, YouTube thumbnails). Built on what consistently goes viral in 2025–2026, not generic advice. + +## When to Apply + +Use this skill whenever the task touches **how a post reads, performs, or looks** on social media. + +### Must Use +- Writing or rewriting any post, thread, caption, headline, hook, or CTA for X, LinkedIn, Instagram, or Substack +- Designing or specifying a carousel, LinkedIn banner/cover, post cover, or YouTube thumbnail +- Planning a content calendar, content pillars, or a repurposing pipeline +- Auditing/critiquing a post or design for engagement, retention, or virality +- Building a personal brand voice or ghostwriting for a founder/creator + +### Skip +- Long-form technical docs, internal memos, product code +- Paid-ad copy governed by a specific ad platform's spec (use that platform's rules) + +## How To Use This Skill + +1. **Identify platform + format + goal** (reach, saves, followers, clicks, replies). Each platform optimizes for different things — never copy-paste across them. +2. **Open the matching reference file** for deep playbooks (see table below). +3. **Always lead with the hook.** 80% of performance is the first line / first slide / thumbnail. Draft 5–10 hook options before committing. +4. **Match the algorithm's reward.** Optimize for the metric that platform actually ranks on (see Platform Cheat Sheet). +5. **Apply the universal quality bar** (below) before shipping. +6. For visuals, **output a precise design spec** (dimensions, layout, hierarchy, color, type, copy) the user can hand to a designer or generate in Canva/Figma/AI. + +## Reference Files + +| Need | File | +|------|------| +| X / Twitter posts & threads | `references/writing-x.md` | +| LinkedIn posts & articles | `references/writing-linkedin.md` | +| Instagram captions, Reels, carousels copy | `references/writing-instagram.md` | +| Substack essays & newsletter growth | `references/writing-substack.md` | +| Hooks, headlines & copy frameworks (cross-platform) | `references/hooks-and-frameworks.md` | +| Viral carousel design (IG + LinkedIn) | `references/design-carousel.md` | +| LinkedIn post cover & article banner design | `references/design-linkedin-covers.md` | +| YouTube thumbnail design | `references/design-youtube-thumbnails.md` | + +## Platform Cheat Sheet (2025–2026) + +| Platform | Algorithm rewards | Ideal length | Top metric to chase | Posting cadence | +|----------|-------------------|--------------|---------------------|-----------------| +| **X/Twitter** | Replies, reposts, dwell time, "see more" expands | 1 punchy idea; threads 5–9 posts | Replies + reposts | 1–4×/day | +| **LinkedIn** | Dwell time, comments (esp. >5 words), "see more" clicks, early velocity (first 60–90 min) | 900–1,500 chars; carousels 6–12 slides | Comments + saves | 3–5×/week | +| **Instagram** | Sends/shares (#1), saves, watch time, replies | Reels 7–30s; carousels 6–10 slides | Sends + saves | Reels daily, carousels 3×/wk | +| **Substack** | Open rate, read-through, forwards, "recommend" network | Email 800–2,500 words | Subscribers + opens | 1×/week (consistency > volume) | +| **YouTube** | CTR × avg view duration (thumbnail + title gate it all) | n/a (thumbnail) | CTR (aim 4–10%+) | per upload | + +## Universal Quality Bar (check before shipping) + +**Copy** +- [ ] Hook earns the second line in <3 seconds; no warm-up sentence +- [ ] One core idea per post; ruthless cut of filler ("I think", "just", "very", "in order to") +- [ ] Concrete > abstract: numbers, names, specifics, sensory detail +- [ ] Short lines, white space, scannable; reads on mobile in one breath per line +- [ ] Open loop / curiosity gap that only resolves by reading on +- [ ] Clear single CTA or discussion prompt; never two competing asks +- [ ] Voice sounds human — contractions, opinion, a point of view. No corporate filler, no emoji-vomit +- [ ] Banned AI tells removed: "delve", "in today's fast-paced world", "unlock/unleash", "game-changer", "it's not just X, it's Y", "🚀✨", em-dash overuse, "Let's dive in" + +**Design** +- [ ] Passes the 3-ft / thumbnail-size squint test — readable at small scale +- [ ] One focal point; clear visual hierarchy (cover/slide 1 does 80% of work) +- [ ] Max 2 fonts, 6 words on a thumbnail, ~1 idea per slide +- [ ] High contrast text; legible on the platform's default background (light + dark mode) +- [ ] Consistent brand system (color, type, layout) across the set +- [ ] Correct export dimensions & safe zones for the platform + +## Core Principles (apply everywhere) + +1. **The hook is the product.** No one reads/watches what they don't open. Spend disproportionate effort here. +2. **Specificity is virality.** "I grew to 50k in 6 months" beats "I grew my audience fast." +3. **One post = one idea.** Complexity kills shares. +4. **Write for the share, not the like.** People share what makes *them* look smart, useful, or seen. +5. **Pattern interrupt.** Beat the scroll with contrast — visually and verbally. +6. **Emotion drives spread.** Awe, anger, validation, surprise, and "finally someone said it" travel furthest. +7. **Native > cross-posted.** Reformat for each platform's culture and algorithm. +8. **Consistency compounds.** Show up on a fixed cadence; the algorithm rewards reliability. diff --git a/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/design-carousel.md b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/design-carousel.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..5ccd2d73 --- /dev/null +++ b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/design-carousel.md @@ -0,0 +1,59 @@ +# Viral Carousel Design (Instagram + LinkedIn) + +Carousels are the #1 format for **saves and authority**. Goal: maximize swipe-through (each slide must earn the next) and saves. + +## Specs +| Platform | Aspect ratio | Pixel size | Slides | Format | +|----------|--------------|------------|--------|--------| +| Instagram | 4:5 (portrait, best reach) or 1:1 | 1080×1350 / 1080×1080 | 6–10 | images (up to 20) | +| LinkedIn | 4:5 portrait or 1:1 | 1080×1350 / 1080×1080 | 6–12 | **PDF document upload** | + +Use portrait 4:5 — it occupies more screen and lifts dwell time. Keep all slides the same dimensions. + +## Slide-by-slide architecture +1. **Slide 1 — the cover/hook (80% of the work).** A bold headline (the hook from `hooks-and-frameworks.md`), large type, high contrast, and a visible swipe cue (arrow / "→" / "swipe"). It must read like a thumbnail and promise a payoff. No body copy here. +2. **Slide 2 — context/promise.** Frame the problem or what they'll learn. Re-hook the people who swiped. +3. **Slides 3 to N-1 — one idea per slide.** A short headline + 1–2 supporting lines or a visual. Number them ("1/5"). Never crowd. Each slide ends with a reason to keep swiping (open loop, "but here's the catch →"). +4. **Last slide — recap + single CTA.** Summarize the value, then ONE ask: "Save this", "Follow @handle", "Share with a friend", or "Comment X". Optional: your photo + name for brand recall. + +## Design system rules +- **One idea, ~6–12 words of headline per slide.** White space is your friend. +- **Visual hierarchy**: headline (largest) → subtext → accent. The eye should land in <1s. +- **2 fonts max**: one bold display/sans for headlines (e.g., Inter/Poppins/Archivo Bold), one readable for body. Big sizes — headline 60–110px on a 1080px canvas; body ≥32px. +- **Color**: 1 brand color + 1 accent + neutral background. High text-to-background contrast (≥4.5:1). Pick a palette and keep it identical across the set and across all your carousels (brand recognition). +- **Consistent grid & margins**: safe margin ~80–100px; nothing important near edges (platform UI overlaps corners). Keep page numbers, logo, and swipe cue in fixed positions on every slide. +- **Contrast & legibility**: dark text on light, or light text on a solid/overlay-darkened background. Add a scrim behind text over photos. +- **Accent devices**: highlighter blocks, underlines, arrows, simple icons, numbers in circles. Avoid clutter and stock-cheesy imagery. +- **Branding strip**: small handle/logo bottom-corner on every slide so screenshots/saves stay attributed. + +## Layout patterns that perform +- **Big-number list** (1 number per slide, huge). +- **Quote/stat slides** with one bold statement. +- **Before vs. after** split layout. +- **Step-by-step** with progress indicator. +- **Mistake → fix** two-column. + +## Retention micro-tactics +- End slides on cliffhangers ("the next one changed everything →"). +- Front-load the most surprising point on slide 3 to stop early drop-off, save a strong one for the end too. +- Visible, consistent swipe arrow trains the gesture. + +## Output spec template (hand to designer / AI image gen / Canva) +``` +Format: Instagram carousel, 4:5, 1080×1350, [N] slides +Palette: bg #__, headline #__, accent #__ +Fonts: Headline = [font] Bold; Body = [font] Regular +Slide 1 (cover): "" + swipe arrow, no body +Slide 2: "" +Slide 3–N-1: one point each — give headline + 1 line per slide +Slide N (CTA): recap + "" + handle +Fixed elements: @handle bottom-left all slides; page number bottom-right; swipe arrow slides 1..N-1 +Style notes: high contrast, lots of white space, [brand] look +``` + +## Anti-patterns +- Paragraphs on a slide; tiny text. +- More than 2 fonts or a rainbow palette. +- No swipe cue / no CTA. +- Inconsistent layouts between slides. +- Important text in the corners (cropped by UI). diff --git a/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/design-linkedin-covers.md b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/design-linkedin-covers.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..ef206281 --- /dev/null +++ b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/design-linkedin-covers.md @@ -0,0 +1,58 @@ +# LinkedIn Cover & Banner Design + +Covers the three LinkedIn image assets: **profile banner**, **post cover image** (single-image posts), and **article cover/banner**. + +## Specs & safe zones +| Asset | Recommended size | Aspect | Notes | +|-------|------------------|--------|-------| +| Profile banner (personal) | 1584×396 | 4:1 | Left + bottom-left covered by avatar & name on desktop; **right 60% is the safe zone**. Mobile crops sides — keep key content centered. | +| Company page banner | 1128×191 | ~6:1 | Wide; center safe. | +| Single-image post | 1200×1200 (1:1) or 1080×1350 (4:5) | 1:1 / 4:5 | 4:5 takes more feed space → more dwell. | +| Article cover/banner | 1200×627 (1.91:1) | 1.91:1 | Shows in feed shares and at top of article; also used as link-preview image. | + +## Profile banner (your billboard) +The banner sells *what you do and who for* in one glance. +- **One clear value proposition / tagline** (e.g., "I help B2B founders turn LinkedIn into pipeline"). +- Optional: 3 quick proof points / services, a subtle CTA ("DM 'GROWTH'"), and brand colors. +- Keep text in the **right ~60%** (avatar overlaps lower-left). Big enough to read on mobile. +- Clean, on-brand, not cluttered. Headshot or product visual fine if it doesn't fight the text. +- Match your brand palette/fonts for cohesion with your content. + +## Post cover image (single-image posts) +Functions like a mini-poster / thumbnail in the feed. +- **One bold headline** (the hook), 4–8 words, huge type, high contrast. +- Strong focal point; minimal supporting text. Think "billboard at scrolling speed." +- 4:5 portrait recommended for reach. Safe margins ~80px; avoid bottom-right (UI/like overlay). +- Brand strip: small handle/logo, consistent placement. + +## Article cover / banner +- **Headline-driven**: the article title or a punchier hook, legible at the small feed-preview size. +- 1.91:1 — design for the crop; keep text centered, away from edges. +- High contrast, 1–2 fonts, brand colors. A relevant abstract/graphic visual beats generic stock. +- This image is also the link-preview thumbnail when shared elsewhere — make it stand alone. + +## Design system (all LinkedIn covers) +- **Fonts**: max 2. Bold geometric sans for headlines (Inter, Poppins, Archivo, Montserrat). Body ≥ readable size at mobile scale. +- **Color**: brand color + neutral + 1 accent; ≥4.5:1 text contrast. Consider both light and dark feed backgrounds. +- **Hierarchy**: one dominant element; everything else supports it. +- **Consistency**: same palette/type/logo placement across banner, post covers, and articles = instant brand recognition in-feed. +- **Squint test**: legible at thumbnail size on a phone. + +## Output spec template +``` +Asset: LinkedIn [banner | post cover | article cover] +Size: [from table] | Safe zone: [from table] +Headline: "" +Subtext (optional): "" +Palette: bg #__, headline #__, accent #__ +Fonts: Headline [font] Bold; Body [font] +Logo/handle: [placement] +Style: high-contrast, minimal, on-brand, mobile-legible +``` + +## Anti-patterns +- Important text under the avatar / in cropped zones. +- Tiny text unreadable on mobile. +- Cluttered banner with 5 messages — pick one. +- Generic stock photo with no headline. +- Inconsistent look vs. the rest of your brand. diff --git a/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/design-youtube-thumbnails.md b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/design-youtube-thumbnails.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..9f22abf4 --- /dev/null +++ b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/design-youtube-thumbnails.md @@ -0,0 +1,56 @@ +# YouTube Thumbnail Design + +The thumbnail + title together gate everything: **CTR × average view duration = reach**. A great video with a weak thumbnail dies. Aim for CTR 4–10%+ (varies by niche/traffic source). + +## Specs +- **Resolution**: 1280×720 (16:9), min 640px wide. Under 2MB. JPG/PNG. +- Must look great at **tiny size** (mobile feed ≈ 250px wide) AND large. Design at small scale first. +- Renders on light AND dark UI; sits beside competitors' thumbnails — must out-contrast them. + +## The core principle: ONE idea, instantly +A viewer decides in ~0.5s. The thumbnail must convey a single, emotionally charged idea at a glance. + +## Anatomy of a high-CTR thumbnail +1. **Focal subject** — usually an expressive human face (strong, genuine emotion: shock, joy, curiosity, tension). Faces + eye contact are the strongest CTR drivers. Big, well-lit, foreground. +2. **Text** — **3–6 words MAX** (often 1–3). Huge, bold, high-contrast. NOT the title repeated — it adds a new angle, curiosity, or stakes ("$0 → $10k", "I WAS WRONG", "DON'T DO THIS"). +3. **Contrast & focal pop** — subject separated from background via outline/stroke, drop shadow, blur, or color contrast. Bright/complementary colors (orange/teal, yellow/blue, red/black). Avoid muddy mid-tones. +4. **Curiosity gap / emotion** — show the stakes or the "what?!" moment. Arrows, circles, before/after splits, X marks, glow direct the eye and raise tension. +5. **Composition** — clear foreground/background separation, rule of thirds, breathing room. Don't crowd. Keep critical elements out of the **bottom-right** (timestamp overlay). + +## Title ↔ thumbnail synergy +- They should **complement, not duplicate**. Title says one thing; thumbnail shows/adds another → bigger curiosity gap. +- Together they make a promise the video must pay off (false promise = low retention = throttled reach). + +## Style system +- **Fonts**: 1, occasionally 2. Heavy/black weight sans (Anton, Montserrat Black, Bebas, Archivo Black). Add thick stroke/shadow so text survives on any background. +- **Color**: a saturated, branded palette; high contrast; consistent across your channel for recognition. +- **Brand consistency**: same color accents, font, treatment, and (often) the same face framing across videos = recognizable in the feed. +- **Quality**: sharp, well-lit, high-res. No clutter, no tiny text, no low-res screenshots. + +## Process +1. Decide the ONE emotion/idea before designing. +2. Sketch 3 concepts; pick the strongest contrast + clearest focal point. +3. Cut text to the fewest possible words. +4. **Shrink to 250px and squint** — is the subject + message instantly clear? If not, simplify. +5. Compare against the actual competing thumbnails in that search/feed — does yours pop? +6. A/B test (YouTube's thumbnail test feature) when available. + +## Output spec template +``` +Size: 1280×720 (16:9) +Big idea (one emotion): +Focal subject: , foreground, lit, with stroke/separation +Text: "<3–6 words, new angle vs title>" — font [Anton/Montserrat Black], white w/ black stroke +Title (companion): "" +Palette: bg #__, subject pop #__, text #__ (high contrast) +Eye-direction devices: [arrow/circle/before-after?] +Keep clear of bottom-right (timestamp). Test at 250px. +``` + +## Anti-patterns +- Title text repeated verbatim on the thumbnail. +- Paragraphs / >6 words / tiny fonts. +- Low contrast, muddy colors, dark-on-dark. +- Cluttered, multiple competing focal points. +- Misleading clickbait the video doesn't deliver (kills retention → reach). +- Important elements in the bottom-right corner. diff --git a/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/hooks-and-frameworks.md b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/hooks-and-frameworks.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..4ed497ce --- /dev/null +++ b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/hooks-and-frameworks.md @@ -0,0 +1,67 @@ +# Hooks, Headlines & Copy Frameworks (cross-platform) + +The hook is 80% of performance. Always draft **5–10 hook variants** and pick the sharpest. Below: a generation toolkit + proven copy frameworks. + +## The 6 emotional triggers that drive sharing +People share to: **look smart, be useful, feel something, express identity, belong, or connect.** Engineer at least one. Highest-spreading emotions: awe, anger, surprise, validation ("finally someone said it"), inspiration, useful-fear ("you're doing X wrong"). + +## Hook generation — 20 plug-and-play templates +1. **Contrarian**: "Everyone tells you to [X]. That's terrible advice. Here's why:" +2. **Number list**: "[N] [things] that [outcome] (#[k] surprised me):" +3. **Mistake**: "[N] mistakes killing your [result] (and how to fix them):" +4. **Result + timeframe**: "[Big result] in [short time] — no [thing people assume]:" +5. **Secret/insider**: "What [authority/insiders] won't tell you about [topic]:" +6. **Before→After**: "[Year/time] ago: [low]. Today: [high]. The 1 thing that changed it:" +7. **Confession**: "I [embarrassing/vulnerable thing]. Here's what it taught me:" +8. **Curiosity gap**: "The real reason your [thing] isn't working (it's not what you think)." +9. **Steal this**: "Steal my [framework/template/system]. Took me [time] to build:" +10. **Question**: "What if [common belief] is the reason you're [stuck]?" +11. **Bold claim**: "[Strong, defensible, specific claim]." +12. **Us vs. them**: "Amateurs [do X]. Pros [do Y]." +13. **Warning**: "Stop [common action]. It's costing you [consequence]." +14. **POV/relatable**: "POV: you just realized [uncomfortable truth]." +15. **Listicle wisdom**: "[N] things I wish I knew before [milestone]:" +16. **How-to (no pain)**: "How to [outcome] without [pain]:" +17. **Story open**: "[Specific scene with stakes]. Then everything changed." +18. **Stat shock**: "[Surprising statistic]. Here's what it means for you:" +19. **Permission**: "You're allowed to [counter-cultural thing]. Here's why." +20. **Then/now reveal**: "I used to [old belief]. Now I [new belief]. The shift:" + +### Hook quality test +- Specific? (numbers, names, stakes) — vague hooks die. +- Curiosity gap that only closes by reading on? +- Promises a clear, desirable payoff? +- Works standalone with zero context? +- Could *only you* (or this content) deliver the payoff? + +## Copy frameworks (structure the body) +- **AIDA** — Attention → Interest → Desire → Action. General-purpose. +- **PAS** — Problem → Agitate → Solution. Best for pain-driven niches; very high converting. +- **BAB** — Before → After → Bridge. Show the gap, then the path. +- **PASTOR** — Problem, Amplify, Story, Transformation, Offer, Response. Long-form/sales. +- **4U headlines** — Useful, Urgent, Unique, Ultra-specific (hit ≥2). +- **The 4 Ps** — Promise, Picture, Proof, Push. +- **FAB** — Features → Advantages → Benefits (translate specs into "what's in it for me"). +- **Hero's Journey (micro)** — ordinary world → call → struggle → win → lesson. Best storytelling shape for personal posts. +- **The Open Loop** — pose a question/tension in line 1, resolve only at the end. Drives dwell time. + +## CTA library (one per post) +- Reach/share: "Repost ♻️ if this helped." / "Send to someone who needs it." +- Save: "Bookmark this for later." +- Follow: "Follow @handle for more on [topic]." +- Conversation: "What would you add?" / "Which one are you guilty of?" +- Click (where allowed): "Full breakdown in the [comments/link]." +- Choose ONE. Competing CTAs cut action rate. + +## Editing pass — make any copy sharper +1. Cut the first sentence (usually warm-up). Does it start stronger? +2. One idea per post — delete tangents. +3. Replace abstractions with specifics (numbers, names, sensory detail). +4. Shorten: cut "just, very, really, in order to, I think, basically, actually". +5. Break into short lines; add white space for mobile. +6. Read aloud — fix anything you wouldn't say to a friend. +7. Strong verbs over adverbs; active voice. +8. End on a punch line, not a trail-off. + +## Banned AI tells (remove before shipping) +"delve", "in today's fast-paced world", "unlock/unleash your potential", "game-changer", "navigate the landscape", "it's not just X — it's Y", "let's dive in", "embark on a journey", "in conclusion", "tapestry", "testament to", excessive em-dashes, 🚀✨🔥 on every line, perfectly balanced tricolons in every sentence. diff --git a/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-instagram.md b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-instagram.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..8e4af3ac --- /dev/null +++ b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-instagram.md @@ -0,0 +1,55 @@ +# Writing for Instagram — Viral Playbook + +## What the algorithm rewards (2025–2026) +- **Sends/shares (DM shares)** are the #1 ranking signal for reach now. Make content people *send to a friend*. +- **Saves** (carousels especially), **watch time / completion** (Reels), **replies and comments**. +- Reels are the primary reach engine; carousels are the primary save/authority engine. +- Following count doesn't gate reach — Reels are pushed to non-followers heavily. +- Negative signals: visible TikTok watermarks, low-res, recycled stale audio, clickbait that tanks watch time. + +## Reels script (the dominant format) +Length: 7–30s for max completion (shorter = higher loop rate). Story-driven can go 30–60s. + +Structure: +1. **Hook (0–3s)** — verbal + visual + on-screen text simultaneously. State the payoff or the tension immediately. "Stop doing X." / "Here's how I [result] in [time]." Movement or a pattern-interrupt visual in frame 1. +2. **Retention (3–20s)** — fast cuts, no dead air, one idea, on-screen captions always. Deliver value in beats; each line earns the next. +3. **Payoff + loop (last 2–3s)** — resolve, then loop back to the start so it replays seamlessly (boosts watch-time multiplier). +4. **CTA** — soft: "Follow for more", "Save this", "Send to someone who needs it" (drives the share signal). + +Reel best practices: trending-but-relevant audio, vertical 9:16, captions burned in, hook text large and high-contrast, first frame doubles as a mini-thumbnail. + +## Carousel (copy side — design in `design-carousel.md`) +- Slide 1 is the hook (a thumbnail-headline). Slides 2–N: one point each. Last slide: recap + CTA ("Save this / Follow / Share"). +- Caption supports the carousel: expand the story, add context, end with a question. + +## Caption craft +- **First line = the hook** (only ~125 chars show before "more"). Make it stop the scroll. +- Then: story or value, short paragraphs, line breaks. +- **Call to conversation**: one question that's fun/easy to answer. +- **Hashtags**: 3–5 highly relevant, niche > broad. Place at end or first comment. Mass-tagging (#30 generic) is dead. +- Emojis: tasteful, as visual rhythm/bullets — not on every word. + +## Hooks for IG +- "POV: you just realized [relatable truth]" +- "Save this before you [common need]" +- "3 things I'd never do as a [role]" +- "The reason your [thing] isn't working:" +- "Tell me you're a [niche] without telling me…" + +## Voice +- Energetic, relatable, visual. Talk like a friend who's an expert. +- Aspirational + attainable. Show, don't lecture. +- Niche down — the algorithm and audience reward a clear topic identity. + +## Growth system +- Reels for reach (daily if possible), carousels for saves/authority (2–3×/wk), Stories for relationship/retention (daily, polls/questions/behind-the-scenes). +- Reply to every comment in the first hour; reply to DMs (shares signal). +- Series/format consistency (same intro, same look) builds recognition and follows. +- Repurpose: one idea → Reel + carousel + Story sequence. + +## Anti-patterns +- Burying the hook below the fold. +- TikTok watermark or low-res export. +- 30 generic hashtags. +- Reels with a slow 3-second intro/logo sting (kills retention). +- Engagement-bait giveaways that attract non-audience followers. diff --git a/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-linkedin.md b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-linkedin.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..c3097e67 --- /dev/null +++ b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-linkedin.md @@ -0,0 +1,61 @@ +# Writing for LinkedIn — Viral Playbook + +## What the algorithm rewards (2025–2026) +- **Dwell time** — how long people linger on your post (the "see more" expand is gold). +- **Meaningful comments** (longer than ~5 words) > likes. Reply to every comment in the first hour. +- **Early velocity**: engagement in the first 60–90 minutes decides reach. Post when your network is active (typically Tue–Thu, mornings local time). +- **Saves and reshares**. +- Negative signals: outbound links in the post body (put them in the first comment or use a "link in comments" note), "broetry"-spam with no substance, pods/engagement rings (increasingly penalized), generic AI text. +- Format reach order (rough, evolving): **document/carousel ≈ native text ≈ short video > single image > reshare with no comment**. Polls have cooled. + +## The hook (first 2–3 lines) +Only ~140–210 characters show before "see more" on mobile. The hook must: +- Stop the scroll with tension, a bold claim, a surprising number, or a vulnerable confession. +- Create a curiosity gap that ONLY closes by clicking "see more". + +Hook patterns: +- "I got fired on a Friday. By Monday it was the best thing that ever happened to me." +- "We lost a $2M client last year. Here's the email that won them back." +- "Unpopular opinion: [contrarian take your industry needs to hear]." +- "5 years in [field] taught me one thing nobody tells you:" +- "I reviewed 300 resumes last month. 90% made the same mistake." + +## Body structure +- **Short paragraphs** (1–2 lines). Generous white space. This is the "broetry" layout — but keep substance high. +- One idea, told as a **story or framework**. People save and share narratives + actionable lists. +- Use concrete details: names, numbers, dates, real stakes. +- Optional formatting: a tight list with → or • ; avoid emoji bullets overload (1 type max). +- **Payoff before CTA**: deliver the insight, then ask. + +## CTA / engagement prompt +- End with ONE question that's easy and inviting to answer ("What would you have done?"). +- Or a soft follow ask: "I write about [topic] every week. Follow to keep these in your feed." +- "♻️ Repost if this helps your network" works when the content earns it. + +## Formats +**Text post** — 900–1,500 characters is the sweet spot. Story or framework. + +**Document / carousel post** — see `design-carousel.md`. Highest save rate. 6–12 slides, native PDF upload. + +**Article** — long-form (1,000–2,000+ words), good for SEO/evergreen and depth, lower organic reach than posts. Use a strong cover image (see `design-linkedin-covers.md`). Promote it via a native post that summarizes the hook. + +**Native video** — 30–90s, captions burned in, hook in first 3s, vertical or square. + +## Voice +- Professional but human. First person. A point of view. +- Authority through specificity and lived experience, not jargon. +- Vulnerability + lesson is the most viral LinkedIn shape ("here's what I got wrong"). +- Kill corporate filler: "leverage synergies", "thrilled to announce" (unless genuinely warranted), "humbled". + +## Personal brand engine +- Pick **3–5 content pillars** (e.g., your craft, lessons learned, industry takes, behind-the-scenes, client wins). +- Mix post types weekly: 1 story, 1 framework/how-to, 1 contrarian take, 1 carousel. +- Comment thoughtfully on 5–10 relevant posts/day — the #1 underrated growth lever. +- Consistency: 3–5 posts/week beats sporadic bursts. + +## Anti-patterns +- Links in the body (kills reach) — first comment instead. +- Wall-of-text with no line breaks. +- Engagement bait with zero value ("Comment 'YES' to get my guide" at scale). +- Humble-bragging with no lesson for the reader. +- Obvious AI tone and "I'm thrilled to share" template openers. diff --git a/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-substack.md b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-substack.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..d3b3e30c --- /dev/null +++ b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-substack.md @@ -0,0 +1,53 @@ +# Writing for Substack & Newsletters — Growth Playbook + +## What drives growth (2025–2026) +- **Open rate** (subject line + sender trust) and **read-through** (the writing itself). +- **The Substack network**: Recommendations, Notes, and being shared/restacked are the biggest free-growth levers. Treat Notes like a native social feed (it behaves like early Twitter). +- **Forwards and "share" clicks** — write things people send to one person. +- **Consistency** — a fixed cadence trains both the algorithm and the reader's habit. +- Free → paid conversion comes from trust + a clear reason to upgrade (depth, archive, community, extras). + +## The subject line (your real headline) +The single biggest lever on opens. Rules: +- 4–9 words, concrete, curiosity or clear benefit. Front-load the interesting word. +- Avoid spammy caps/exclamation and clickbait you don't pay off. +- Patterns: "The one thing about X nobody tells you", "Why I stopped [common practice]", "How [person] did [result]", "[Number] [things] that changed how I [verb]". +- A/B mentally: would *you* open it in a crowded inbox? + +## Preview text (second hook) +The snippet after the subject. Don't waste it on "View in browser". Add a second curiosity beat or the promise. + +## The essay structure +1. **Open with a hook** — a scene, a confession, a sharp claim, or a question. No throat-clearing ("In this post I will…"). +2. **The promise** — within the first ~100 words the reader knows what they'll get. +3. **One core argument/story**, developed with specifics, examples, and your distinct voice. Subheads + short paragraphs for scannability. +4. **Texture** — anecdotes, data, screenshots, pull-quotes. Vary rhythm; short punchy lines after long ones. +5. **Landing** — a resonant close that ties back to the open. Leave them with a line worth quoting. +6. **CTA** — subscribe, comment (ask a real question), share, or upgrade — pick ONE primary ask. + +Length: 800–2,500 words. Depth and a singular voice matter more than length; respect the reader's time. + +## Voice & positioning +- A newsletter is a **relationship**. Write to one person. First person, opinionated, generous. +- Develop a recognizable voice and a clear "beat" (what you're the person for). +- Vulnerability + insight is the most shared shape. +- Be the signal in a noisy inbox: cut filler, no fluff intros. + +## Growth engine +- **Notes**: post 1–3×/day — short ideas, excerpts, hot takes, behind-the-scenes. This is your top-of-funnel; restacks bring new subscribers. +- **Recommendations**: exchange with aligned writers; this is the strongest compounding loop on the platform. +- **Repurpose inbound**: turn your best tweets/threads/LinkedIn posts into Notes and vice versa. +- **Lead magnet**: a strong welcome email + a reason to subscribe on every public post. +- **Cross-post the hook** to X/LinkedIn with a link to the full piece. +- Ask happy readers to forward; add a one-line "forward this to someone who…" near the end. + +## Free vs. Paid +- Give the free tier real value (build trust). Gate depth, archives, full series, community, or extras behind paid. +- Make the upgrade ask specific and recurring but not desperate. Annual + founding tiers raise LTV. + +## Anti-patterns +- Weak/clever-but-vague subject lines that hurt opens. +- Burying the lede under a long personal preamble. +- Inconsistent cadence (the #1 killer of newsletters). +- Walls of text with no subheads on mobile. +- Treating Notes as a broadcast-only channel instead of engaging. diff --git a/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-x.md b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-x.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..d52ae45d --- /dev/null +++ b/.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/writing-x.md @@ -0,0 +1,64 @@ +# Writing for X / Twitter — Viral Playbook + +## What the algorithm rewards (2025–2026) +- **Replies** are the strongest signal, then **reposts**, then **likes**. +- **Dwell time**: posts that make people stop and read (or expand "show more") rank higher. +- **Conversation**: replying to your own repliers boosts distribution. +- Negative signals: external links in the main post (deprioritized — put links in a reply), "follow me / RT" begging, engagement-bait that gets reported. +- New accounts and low-follower accounts can still go viral on a single post — the algorithm is content-first. + +## The single-post (one-liner / short post) +Structure: **Hook → tension/insight → snap ending.** + +- First 1–2 lines must work standalone (that's all most people see). +- Use line breaks generously. One thought per line. +- End on a punch, a reversal, or a quotable line — not a trailing thought. + +High-performing single-post shapes: +- **Contrarian take**: "Everyone says X. They're wrong. Here's what actually works:" +- **Listicle-in-a-post**: "5 things I wish I knew at 25:" + clean line-broken list +- **Before/after**: "2 years ago: [low]. Today: [high]. The difference was [1 thing]." +- **Observation**: a sharp, true thing nobody says out loud. +- **Mini-story**: 3–4 lines, concrete, with a turn. + +## Threads +Use threads for: step-by-step, stories, frameworks, breakdowns, case studies. + +Anatomy: +1. **Tweet 1 (the hook tweet)** — 100% of the job is making people read tweet 2. Promise a specific, valuable payoff. Include the *number* if it's a list ("I analyzed 100 viral threads. 7 patterns repeat:"). +2. **Tweets 2–N** — one idea each, ~1–3 short lines. Front-load the value; don't make them wait. +3. **Visual every 2–3 tweets** if possible (screenshot, chart, image) — boosts dwell time. +4. **Last tweet** — recap + soft CTA: "If this helped: follow @handle for more on X. Repost the first tweet to share." Put any link here, not in tweet 1. + +Thread rules: +- 5–9 tweets is the sweet spot. Cut any tweet that doesn't advance the payoff. +- No cliffhanger filler ("but first, a story…"). Respect attention. +- Each tweet should be screenshot-worthy on its own. + +## Hook formulas that work on X +- "Most people [common belief]. The opposite is true:" +- "I spent [time/money] so you don't have to. Here's everything:" +- "[Big result] in [timeframe]. No [thing people assume you need]. Here's how:" +- "Steal my [asset]. It took me [time] to build:" +- "Nobody talks about this, but [uncomfortable truth]." +- "How to [desirable outcome] (without [pain]):" + +## Voice & style +- Lowercase-friendly, conversational, opinionated. Take a stance. +- Short words. Cut adverbs. One emoji max, often zero. +- Confidence beats hedging. Delete "I think", "maybe", "kind of". +- Numbers and specifics > vague claims. + +## Growth tactics +- **Reply game**: thoughtful replies to bigger accounts in your niche = top-of-funnel discovery. +- **Repost your own banger** as a fresh post 1–2 weeks later (rewrite the hook). +- **Quote-tweet** to add a hot take rather than plain reposting. +- Post when your audience is awake; test windows. Engage in the first 30 min. +- Build "tweet → thread → newsletter" repurposing loops. + +## Anti-patterns +- Links in the first tweet of a thread. +- Threads longer than the value justifies. +- "A thread 🧵" with no payoff promise. +- Reply-bait questions with no substance ("Agree?"). +- Over-formatted with 🔥👇✅ on every line.