Add social-media-pro-max skill pack (viral content + design)

.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/SKILL.md

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+---
+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.

.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/design-carousel.md

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+# 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): "<hook headline>"  + swipe arrow, no body
+Slide 2: "<promise/context>"
+Slide 3–N-1: one point each — give headline + 1 line per slide
+Slide N (CTA): recap + "<single CTA>" + 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).

.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/design-linkedin-covers.md

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+# 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: "<hook / value prop>"
+Subtext (optional): "<proof / CTA>"
+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.

.claude/skills/social-media-pro-max/references/design-youtube-thumbnails.md

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+# 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): <e.g., "shock at a result">
+Focal subject: <face / object>, foreground, lit, with stroke/separation
+Text: "<3–6 words, new angle vs title>"  — font [Anton/Montserrat Black], white w/ black stroke
+Title (companion): "<title that complements, not repeats>"
+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.