Research Topics Command

Analyze topical authority by clustering keywords into related topics.

Usage

/research-topics

What This Command Does

Groups all your ranking keywords into topic clusters and identifies:

• Strong Authority Topics: Where you dominate (maintain & expand)
• Moderate Authority Topics: Partial coverage (strengthen)
• Weak Authority Topics: BIGGEST OPPORTUNITY (build comprehensive clusters)
• Coverage Gaps: Related keywords within each topic you don't rank for

For each topic:

• Authority score (0-100) based on coverage, position, demand
• Number of keywords ranking
• Average position
• Total impressions and clicks
• Coverage gaps to fill

Process

Execute topic cluster analysis:

python3 research_topic_clusters.py

This will:

1. Fetch all ranking keywords from GSC (90 days)
2. Cluster keywords into topics using:

• ML clustering (TF-IDF + K-means) if sklearn available
• Pattern-based clustering as fallback

1. Calculate authority score for each cluster
2. Identify coverage gaps using DataForSEO
3. Prioritize weak clusters with high demand
4. Generate report: research/topic-clusters-YYYY-MM-DD.md

Output

The report includes:

Authority Distribution

• Strong Authority: Topics you dominate
• Moderate Authority: Partial coverage
• Weak Authority: OPPORTUNITIES
• Minimal Authority: Major gaps

Weak Authority Topics (FOCUS HERE!)

For each weak cluster:

• Authority score and level
• Current keyword count
• Average position
• Total impressions
• Top 5 current keywords
• 8-10 coverage gaps with search volume
• Recommended action (build 8-12 article cluster)

Strong Authority Topics (MAINTAIN)

For each strong cluster:

• Performance metrics
• Top performing keywords
• Expansion opportunities
• Maintenance recommendations

Key Insight

Weak clusters with high demand = Your biggest opportunity

Example: "Content Marketing"

• Only 3 keywords ranking
• Average position 28
• 5,000 impressions/month (HIGH DEMAND!)
• 15+ related keywords you don't rank for
• Action: Build comprehensive 10-article cluster

Strategy

Priority 1: Build Weak Clusters

• Select top 2-3 weak clusters with highest demand
• Create comprehensive pillar page (3000+ words)
• Create 8-12 supporting cluster articles
• Target all identified coverage gaps
• Internal link everything to pillar

Priority 2: Maintain Strong Clusters

• Keep content fresh
• Expand with advanced topics
• Fill any remaining gaps

Priority 3: Strengthen Moderate Clusters

• Add 3-5 articles to reach strong authority
• Improve rankings for existing content

Integration

After running /research-topics:

• Select weak cluster to build
• Use /research-serp [gap keyword] for each gap
• Create pillar page first, then cluster content
• Use /write [keyword] for each piece

Example Output

Weak Authority: Content Marketing (Score: 32/100)
- Keywords: 3
- Avg Position: 28.4
- Impressions: 5,240/mo

Coverage Gaps:
- "content marketing strategy" (1,200 vol)
- "content marketing ROI" (980 vol)
- "content calendar template" (580 vol)
...

Action: Create 10-article cluster to build authority

Time & Cost

Time: 2-3 minutes

API Cost: ~$0.50 (if fetching coverage gaps)

Cost: Free for clustering only

When to Run

• Monthly: Monitor topical authority growth
• Before content planning: Identify cluster opportunities
• When entering new niche: Find what topics to own