# Build an SEO keyword strategy that feeds your content pipeline > A prioritized keyword strategy saved as a client note, built from the client's site plus Search Console and GA4 data, that every content playbook reads first. Source: https://www.liftedwork.com/automations/automate-seo-keyword-strategy Published: 2026-04-20 Updated: 2026-09-15 ## What this does This playbook crawls the client's website, pulls whatever Search Console and GA4 data is available, and recommends target keywords organized by priority. It saves everything as a client note titled "SEO Keyword Strategy" that stays with the client permanently. When you run the [SEO content pipeline](https://www.liftedwork.com/automations/automate-seo-content-pipeline), the AI reads this note to know which keywords to target next and what's already been published. ## Best for Any client you're doing SEO content for. Run it once during onboarding, then periodically to refresh the strategy as rankings change. ## How the chain works **Template 1: Research & Build Strategy.** Crawls the client's website to understand their services, content, and site structure. Pulls Search Console data for current rankings and content gaps, and GA4 data for traffic patterns. If a [Brand Guide](https://www.liftedwork.com/automations/automate-brand-guide) note exists, reads the positioning and competitive differentiation to filter keyword selection (e.g. skip discount keywords for a premium brand). If analytics aren't connected yet, it works with just the website. Creates a client note titled "SEO Keyword Strategy" with target keywords, content gaps, and a prioritized topic list. When done, books Template 2. **Template 2: Review Keyword Strategy.** No AI. You review the strategy note, adjust priorities based on what you know about the client's goals, and approve it. This note becomes the source of truth for all future content. ## Requirements - The client profile should have their website URL set so the AI can crawl it. - **Search Console and GA4 are optional.** If connected, the AI uses the data for better recommendations. If not, it works with just the website crawl. Re-run after connecting analytics to get an updated strategy. - **The [Brand Guide](https://www.liftedwork.com/automations/automate-brand-guide) is optional but useful.** If a "Brand Guide" note exists, the AI uses its positioning and competitive differentiation to filter keyword selection. Without it, keywords are picked on intent and opportunity alone. ## How to use it 1. Create a task from "SEO Keyword Research" for your client. 2. It runs the analysis and saves the strategy as a client note. To run it immediately, click Run Prompt or mark it complete. 3. The review task lands in your queue. Open the "SEO Keyword Strategy" note on the client's Notes tab, adjust priorities, add keywords from client conversations or competitor intel, and mark the task complete. 4. The strategy note is now live. When you run the [SEO content pipeline](https://www.liftedwork.com/automations/automate-seo-content-pipeline), the AI reads this note automatically. ## Customize the focus - **Local businesses.** Add to the prompt: "Focus on local keywords with city/region modifiers. Include 'near me' variants." - **E-commerce.** Add: "Focus on product category and comparison keywords. Include transactional intent keywords." - **B2B / SaaS.** Add: "Focus on problem-aware and solution-aware keywords. Include 'how to' and 'best [category]' patterns." ## Tips - **Run this before your first blog post.** The [content pipeline](https://www.liftedwork.com/automations/automate-seo-content-pipeline) references this note. Having it in place means every article targets a real keyword from the start. - **The note title matters.** The content pipeline looks for a note titled "SEO Keyword Strategy." Don't rename it. - **The note updates itself over time.** Each time the AI writes a blog post, it updates the note with the new post and target keyword. Over time the note becomes a map of what's published and what's still open. - **Re-run to refresh.** When rankings shift or competitors change, run this playbook again. The AI updates the existing note rather than creating a duplicate. - **Add your own knowledge.** After the AI creates the note, edit it to add keywords from client conversations, competitor intel, or industry knowledge the AI doesn't have access to. - **Build the [Brand Guide](https://www.liftedwork.com/automations/automate-brand-guide) for positioning-aware keywords.** If the client has a Brand Guide note, the AI uses its positioning and competitor list to filter keyword selection. This prevents obvious mismatches (e.g. picking discount keywords for a premium brand). - **If you don't use the Brand Guide.** Keyword selection still works, just without the positioning filter. If you want to remove the Brand Guide lookup entirely, edit the "SEO Keyword Research (1/2)" template's Lifty Prompt and delete Step 3 (the Brand Guide lookup). ## Frequently asked questions ### Can this keyword strategy playbook run without Search Console data? Yes. It can recommend topics from the client's site, services, and positioning. Search Console and GA4 make the plan stronger by showing current queries, pages, and traffic patterns, so rerun the strategy after those accounts are connected. ### How often should an agency refresh a client's keyword strategy? Review it after a meaningful batch of content is published, when rankings or offers change, or at least every few months for an active SEO program. Do not reorder priorities solely because of a small week-to-week movement. ### Why must the client note stay titled SEO Keyword Strategy? The SEO content pipeline searches for that exact note title before choosing its next topic. Renaming it can break the lookup, while updating the existing note preserves one source of truth and its publication log. ### What should a strategist verify before approving AI keyword recommendations? Verify that the topics match the client's services, audience, geography, buying stage, and ability to produce credible content. Remove irrelevant high-volume terms and add language learned from sales calls, support questions, competitors, and client interviews.