Add valuable reference content from PR #10
Cherry-picked the genuinely unique content from PR #10 and integrated into existing skills: seo-audit/references: - ai-writing-detection.md: AI writing patterns to avoid (em dashes, overused phrases, filler words) - aeo-geo-patterns.md: Answer Engine & Generative Engine Optimization content patterns copy-editing/references: - plain-english-alternatives.md: Complex to simple word replacements copywriting/references: - natural-transitions.md: Transitional phrases for better content flow Updated SKILL.md files to link to new references. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
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Corey Haines
@@ -118,6 +118,8 @@ Puns and wit make copy memorable—but only if it fits the brand and doesn't und
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**For comprehensive headline formulas**: See [references/copy-frameworks.md](references/copy-frameworks.md)
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**For natural transition phrases**: See [references/natural-transitions.md](references/natural-transitions.md)
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**Subheadline**
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- Expands on headline
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- Adds specificity
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skills/copywriting/references/natural-transitions.md
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skills/copywriting/references/natural-transitions.md
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# Natural Transitions
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Transitional phrases to guide readers through your content. Good signposting improves readability, user engagement, and helps search engines understand content structure.
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Adapted from: University of Manchester Academic Phrasebank (2023), Plain English Campaign, web content best practices
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---
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## Previewing Content Structure
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Use to orient readers and set expectations:
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- Here's what we'll cover...
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- This guide walks you through...
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- Below, you'll find...
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- We'll start with X, then move to Y...
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- First, let's look at...
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- Let's break this down step by step.
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- The sections below explain...
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---
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## Introducing a New Topic
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- When it comes to X,...
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- Regarding X,...
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- Speaking of X,...
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- Now let's talk about X.
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- Another key factor is...
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- X is worth exploring because...
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---
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## Referring Back
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Use to connect ideas and reinforce key points:
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- As mentioned earlier,...
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- As we covered above,...
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- Remember when we discussed X?
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- Building on that point,...
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- Going back to X,...
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- Earlier, we explained that...
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---
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## Moving Between Sections
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- Now let's look at...
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- Next up:...
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- Moving on to...
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- With that covered, let's turn to...
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- Now that you understand X, here's Y.
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- That brings us to...
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---
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## Indicating Addition
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- Also,...
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- Plus,...
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- On top of that,...
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- What's more,...
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- Another benefit is...
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- Beyond that,...
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- In addition,...
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- There's also...
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**Note:** Use "moreover" and "furthermore" sparingly. They can sound AI-generated when overused.
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---
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## Indicating Contrast
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- However,...
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- But,...
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- That said,...
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- On the flip side,...
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- In contrast,...
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- Unlike X, Y...
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- While X is true, Y...
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- Despite this,...
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---
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## Indicating Similarity
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- Similarly,...
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- Likewise,...
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- In the same way,...
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- Just like X, Y also...
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- This mirrors...
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- The same applies to...
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---
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## Indicating Cause and Effect
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- So,...
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- This means...
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- As a result,...
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- That's why...
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- Because of this,...
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- This leads to...
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- The outcome?...
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- Here's what happens:...
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---
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## Giving Examples
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- For example,...
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- For instance,...
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- Here's an example:...
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- Take X, for instance.
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- Consider this:...
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- A good example is...
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- To illustrate,...
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- Like when...
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- Say you want to...
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---
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## Emphasising Key Points
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- Here's the key takeaway:...
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- The important thing is...
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- What matters most is...
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- Don't miss this:...
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- Pay attention to...
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- This is critical:...
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- The bottom line?...
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---
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## Providing Evidence
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Use when citing sources, data, or expert opinions:
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### Neutral attribution
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- According to [Source],...
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- [Source] reports that...
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- Research shows that...
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- Data from [Source] indicates...
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- A study by [Source] found...
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### Expert quotes
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- As [Expert] puts it,...
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- [Expert] explains,...
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- In the words of [Expert],...
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- [Expert] notes that...
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### Supporting claims
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- This is backed by...
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- Evidence suggests...
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- The numbers confirm...
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- This aligns with findings from...
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---
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## Summarising Sections
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- To recap,...
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- Here's the short version:...
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- In short,...
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- The takeaway?...
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- So what does this mean?...
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- Let's pull this together:...
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- Quick summary:...
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---
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## Concluding Content
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- Wrapping up,...
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- The bottom line is...
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- Here's what to do next:...
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- To sum up,...
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- Final thoughts:...
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- Ready to get started?...
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- Now it's your turn.
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**Note:** Avoid "In conclusion" at the start of a paragraph. It's overused and signals AI writing.
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---
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## Question-Based Transitions
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Useful for conversational tone and featured snippet optimization:
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- So what does this mean for you?
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- But why does this matter?
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- How do you actually do this?
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- What's the catch?
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- Sound complicated? It's not.
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- Wondering where to start?
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- Still not sure? Here's the breakdown.
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---
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## List Introductions
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For numbered lists and step-by-step content:
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- Here's how to do it:
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- Follow these steps:
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- The process is straightforward:
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- Here's what you need to know:
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- Key things to consider:
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- The main factors are:
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---
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## Hedging Language
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For claims that need qualification or aren't absolute:
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- may, might, could
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- tends to, generally
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- often, usually, typically
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- in most cases
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- it appears that
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- evidence suggests
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- this can help
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- many experts believe
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---
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## Best Practice Guidelines
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1. **Match tone to audience**: B2B content can be slightly more formal; B2C often benefits from conversational transitions
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2. **Vary your transitions**: Repeating the same phrase gets noticed (and not in a good way)
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3. **Don't over-signpost**: Trust your reader; every sentence doesn't need a transition
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4. **Use for scannability**: Transitions at paragraph starts help skimmers navigate
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5. **Keep it natural**: Read aloud; if it sounds forced, simplify
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6. **Front-load key info**: Put the important word or phrase early in the transition
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---
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## Transitions to Avoid (AI Tells)
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These phrases are overused in AI-generated content:
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- "That being said,..."
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- "It's worth noting that..."
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- "At its core,..."
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- "In today's digital landscape,..."
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- "When it comes to the realm of..."
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- "This begs the question..."
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- "Let's delve into..."
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See the seo-audit skill's `references/ai-writing-detection.md` for a complete list of AI writing tells.
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