` with one formula per `

` for **canonical** equations; keep worked numeric examples in prose or lists unless the section is calculation-first. **Never use tables for formulas or calculations** – formula-block has dedicated styling. - **Notes:** Use `

` sparingly for high-impact “Wichtig:” / “Achtung:” callouts—not for every tip. - **Legal:** Multiple paragraphs in one section → H3 per paragraph if 2+ sentences each; otherwise merged paragraph with bullet list of paragraph references for scannability. See [CONTENT_FORMAT_PATTERNS.md](CONTENT_FORMAT_PATTERNS.md) for HTML examples and the full decision guide. ## Section Expansion Guidelines ### When to Expand a Section **Expand When:** 1. **Competitor Analysis Shows Gap:** - Competitors cover subtopics you don't - Competitors have more examples - Competitors use better formats (tables, lists) 2. **User Needs Not Met:** - Section doesn't fully answer the question - Missing practical examples - Missing step-by-step guidance 3. **Content Gaps Identified:** - Missing use cases - Missing best practices - Missing troubleshooting 4. **Performance Data Indicates Need:** - High bounce rate on section - Users not engaging with content - Competitors ranking higher ### When to Stop Expanding **Stop When:** 1. **Topic Fully Covered:** - All important aspects addressed - User needs fully satisfied - No content gaps remaining 2. **Diminishing Returns:** - Adding content doesn't add value - Content becomes repetitive - User experience degrades (too long, hard to scan) 3. **Quality Over Quantity:** - Better to have focused, valuable content - Fluff reduces quality - Value matters more than length 4. **Format Limitations:** - Some sections don't need extensive expansion - Quick reference sections can be concise - Definitions can be comprehensive at moderate length ## Expand vs Stop Decision Framework ### Decision Tree ``` Is topic fully covered? ├─ No → Expand section │ ├─ Add missing subtopics │ ├─ Add examples/use cases │ └─ Add best practices │ └─ Yes → Check value ├─ Adding more adds value? → Expand │ ├─ Unique insights │ ├─ Original data │ └─ Expert opinions │ └─ Adding more doesn't add value? → Stop ├─ Content becomes repetitive ├─ User experience degrades └─ Focus on quality over quantity ``` ### Questions to Ask **Before Expanding:** 1. **Does this add genuine value?** - New information? - Better examples? - Unique insights? 2. **Does this address user needs?** - Answers questions users have? - Provides practical value? - Improves user experience? 3. **Does this improve competitive position?** - Fills content gaps vs competitors? - Matches or exceeds competitor depth? - Adds unique value competitors don't have? **If answer is "no" to all:** Stop expanding, focus on quality ## Formatting Flexibility ### Use Different Formats to Enhance Depth **Tables:** - Comparison data - Specifications - Pricing - Structured information **Lists:** - Step-by-step guides - Top N lists - Feature comparisons - Checklists **Visual Breaks:** - Headings (clear hierarchy) - Images (support key points) - Spacing (improve readability) - Callout boxes (highlight important info) **FAQs:** - Answer PAA questions - Address common concerns - Cover related topics - Improve scannability ### Format Selection Guidelines **Use Tables When:** - Comparing multiple items - Presenting structured data - Showing specifications or features - Displaying pricing or options **Use Lists When:** - Step-by-step processes - Top N recommendations - Feature comparisons - Checklists or action items **Use Visual Breaks When:** - Long text blocks need separation - Key points need emphasis - Scannability needs improvement - Mobile readability is important ## Content Depth Checklist ### Coverage Checklist - Primary topic covered comprehensively - Related topics addressed - Edge cases and exceptions included - Common questions answered (PAA) - User intent fully satisfied ### Value Checklist - Practical examples provided - Step-by-step guides included - Best practices shared - Troubleshooting section present - Real-world scenarios included ### Format Checklist - Tables used for structured data - Lists used for step-by-step or comparisons - Visual breaks improve readability - FAQs answer common questions - Images support key points ### Authority Checklist - Expert insights included - Original data or research - Real-world examples - Up-to-date information - Credible sources cited ## Examples ### Example 1: Minimum Depth (Appropriate) **Topic:** "arbeitszeitkonto muster" **Competition:** Low **Depth:** Minimum **Word Count:** 1,200 words **Rationale:** Low competition, simple topic, covers basics comprehensively ### Example 2: Competitive Depth (Appropriate) **Topic:** "zeiterfassung app" **Competition:** Medium **Depth:** Competitive **Word Count:** 2,500 words **Rationale:** Matches competitor depth, covers related topics, includes examples ### Example 3: Comprehensive Depth (Appropriate) **Topic:** "urlaubsantrag stellen" **Competition:** High **Depth:** Comprehensive **Word Count:** 4,000 words **Rationale:** High competition, exceeds competitors, includes unique value (templates, examples) ## Key Principles 1. **Value Over Length:** Better content beats longer content 2. **User Intent First:** Match depth to what users need 3. **Competitive Positioning:** Analyze competitors, then exceed their depth/value 4. **Flexible Formatting:** Use tables, lists, visual breaks to enhance readability 5. **Quality Standards:** Maintain quality, don't add fluff ## References - [Flexible Word Count Guidelines](FLEXIBLE_WORD_COUNT_GUIDELINES.md) - [Skyscraper Technique 2026](SKYSCRAPER_TECHNIQUE_2026.md) - [Content Quality Standards 2026](CONTENT_QUALITY_STANDARDS_2026.md)