# Template Skyscraper Guide

**Last Updated:** 2026-02-26

Skyscraper technique adapted for template pages. Adapted from [SKYSCRAPER_TECHNIQUE_2026.md](../../content/blog/SKYSCRAPER_TECHNIQUE_2026.md).

## Reach for Suggested, Not Minimum

**Critical:** Set outline target to **100% of competitive-depth recommended**. Use 90% only when topic is narrow or competition is low. The minimum (80% of recommended) is a validation floor—**aim for suggested**.

## Template Skyscraper Priorities

1. **Unique value first** – Better format (Excel-specific, ArbZG compliance), examples, freshness. No unique value = no skyscraper.
2. **Match or exceed suggested targets** – Set outline to 100% of competitive-depth recommended.
3. **Depth over width** – Each block = distinct angle (Definition, How-to, Benefits, Comparison, Tips). Avoid tangential topics.
4. **E-E-A-T signals** – Experience (examples, use cases), Expertise (clear explanations), Authoritativeness (internal links), Trustworthiness (accurate, sourced).

## Competitor Matching Checklist

Before finalizing outline, verify:

- [ ] **Block count** ≥ max(top 3 competitors' H2 count)
- [ ] **FAQ count** ≥ competitor average (typically 8–12 for templates)
- [ ] **Formats** – Tables where competitors use tables; lists where competitors use lists
- [ ] **Topics** – All competitor H2 topics covered (from competitive-depth-analysis.md content gaps)

**Before finalizing content:** Run `php v2/scripts/templates/compare-template-to-competitors.php --template=id` and address gaps before publishing.

## Template-Specific Unique Value

| Angle | Template Example |
|-------|------------------|
| **Format** | Excel-specific tips, ArbZG compliance checks, Minijob-Grenzen |
| **Examples** | Branchen-Presets (Gastronomie, Pflege, Einzelhandel), Step-by-step |
| **Comparison** | Vorlage vs. Software (Ordio Schichtplan, Zeiterfassung) |
| **Freshness** | Mindestlohn 13,90€, current year, legal updates |
| **Practical** | Downloadable .xlsx, no signup, DATEV-Export |

## Block-Angle Coverage

Each block must cover a **distinct angle**. Avoid blocks that answer the same question.

| Angle Type | Example Block | Avoid |
|------------|---------------|-------|
| **Definition** | Was ist X und warum brauchst du eine Vorlage? | Duplicating definition in intro and block |
| **How-to** | So nutzt du die Vorlage | Two blocks that both explain "how" |
| **Benefits** | Vorteile: ArbZG, Minijob-Prüfung | Overlapping benefit sections |
| **Comparison** | Excel-Vorlage vs. Software | Repeating comparison elsewhere |
| **Tips** | Tipps für Erstellung und Optimierung | Generic tips that repeat other blocks |

## Data Flow

```
collect-template-competitor-analysis.php → competitor-analysis.json
         ↓
analyze-template-competitor-depth.php → competitive-depth-analysis.md
         ↓
CONTENT_OUTLINE.md (manual, from skyscraper)
         ↓
generate-template-section-briefs.php → section-briefs.md
         ↓
Content creation (block-by-block)
```

## Validation

| Script | When to Run | Validates |
|--------|-------------|-----------|
| `validate-template-content-outline-quality.php` | After outline, before content | Outline target ≥ 80% of competitive-depth; block count 4–7 |
| `validate-template-content-blocks.php` | After content draft | Each block 50+ words; 200–400 when target > 1,500 |
| `validate-template-content-completeness.php` | Before finalizing | PAA covered; content gaps addressed; formats present |
| `compare-template-to-competitors.php` | Before finalizing | Block count, word count, formats vs competitors |

## No Fluff Principle

Do not add filler to reach word count. Address specific gaps with substantive content. See [ANTI_FLUFF_CHECKLIST.md](../../content/blog/ANTI_FLUFF_CHECKLIST.md).

## References

- [TEMPLATE_CONTENT_CREATION_WORKFLOW.md](TEMPLATE_CONTENT_CREATION_WORKFLOW.md)
- [TEMPLATE_CONTENT_DEPTH_GUIDELINES.md](TEMPLATE_CONTENT_DEPTH_GUIDELINES.md)
- [TEMPLATE_CONTENT_WORKFLOW.md](TEMPLATE_CONTENT_WORKFLOW.md)
- [SKYSCRAPER_TECHNIQUE_2026.md](../../content/blog/SKYSCRAPER_TECHNIQUE_2026.md) (blog reference)