Does this sound familiar? You excitedly generate an article in SurgeGraph, only for the output to be a horrible mess that you can’t afford to publish.

Hey, don’t throw in the towel just yet.

Because there’s a high chance that the reason you’re getting poor quality content is because you chose the wrong article type.

So in this article, you’ll learn how to choose the right article type so that you can generate the best quality content for your needs.

We’ll cover each article type, its definition, the optimal type of keywords to use, what to expect in the outline, and a comparison of good vs bad output.

So, ready to write better content with SurgeGraph? Let’s get started.

Quick summary

If you don’t have time to read the full article, here’s the super-quick, condensed version of it (of course, I’d still suggest reading the full thing):

1. General article

A general article provides comprehensive information about a broad topic.

This type is perfect for educating your audience, sharing insights, or discussing a subject in detail.

Use this format when you want to explore a topic in depth without focusing on a specific product or list.

Type of target keyword

A general article works best with phrases that users search for when they’re looking for information or answers about a topic.

The target keyword can be informational (e.g., “what is,” “why,” “guide,” “tutorial“) or topic-based (e.g., “topic,” “topic definition,” “topic explained,” “topic for beginners“).

Examples of target keywords for general articles:

• What is affiliate marketing
• Theory of relativity explained
• What is natural selection
• History of house cats

Outline

As the default article type, the outline for a general article is designed to be straightforward, much like how you would draft one on your own.

You have the flexibility to review and customize the outline we’ve generated, or if you prefer, you can skip this step and proceed directly to content generation.

If you choose to customize the outline, you can easily adjust headings, add talking points, and even insert custom knowledge using the Context Infuser. This allows you to tailor the article to your specific needs and ensure it aligns with your intended direction.

Good vs bad output

Here’s a direct comparison of a good output (when you correctly choose the right article type) vs a bad output (when you incorrectly choose an unsuitable article type) for the same target keyword, “what is natural selection”.

The first article is generated when the general article type is selected, while the second article is generated when the product review type is selected.

While the first article covers the topic thoroughly and breaks it down into easy-to-scan subheadings, the second one uses awkward subheadings like “Key Features” and forces an informative, abstract topic into a product review format. This is confusing and unhelpful to the reader.

2. Listicle

A listicle is a structured article presented in a list format, often with numbered points.

It’s similar to the general article type in that it provides information, but it breaks down that information into a list, making it easier to digest.

Choose the listicle format when you want to deliver information quickly and clearly through a list of items, such as tips, steps, or the top reasons for something.

Type of target keyword

Generally, listicles work great for a broad range of keywords.

However, to get the best results, you should use “best of” keywords that naturally allow you to list multiple items.

Keywords that include phrases like “top,” “best,” or “tips” are ideal.

Examples of target keywords for listicles:

• Most popular movies of all time
• Tips for public speaking
• Benefits of drinking tea
• Best countries to visit in Asia

Tip: The listicle type is quite flexible and can accept a broad range of keywords! You can use general article type keywords with the listicle format and still get great results. However, we don’t recommend doing the opposite – using a listicle type keyword in a general article format often produces subpar content.

Outline

The outline for a listicle differs slightly from the default general article.

Same as before, you have the option to either customize the outline we’ve generated, or proceed directly to generating the content.

If you prefer to customize the outline (100% optional), here are some things you can do:

1. Edit the item list: Add your own items if something is missing, remove irrelevant ones, or regenerate a new set of list items.
2. Specify heading levels: Choose whether to list the items as H2 or H3 headings, depending on how prominent you want them to be within the article.

3. Further customize the outline: Make adjustments to the outline eg. expand on certain items, add additional sections, or rearrange the order.

Tip: Consider the hierarchy and flow of your list. Sometimes, rearranging the order to move from the most basic to the most complex items (or vice versa) can make the article more engaging and easier to follow.

Good vs bad output

Here’s a direct comparison of a good output (when you correctly choose the right article type) vs a bad output (when you incorrectly choose an unsuitable article type) for the same target keyword, “most popular cat breeds.”

The first article is generated when the listicle type is selected, while the second article is generated when the general article type is selected.

Listicles are meant to directly list items, allowing readers to quickly scan through the content.

The first article does this effectively by immediately presenting the items in a numbered format with clear subheadings.

In contrast, the second article mentions “Top 10 Cat Breeds” in the H2 but then goes off on a tangent in the H3 subheadings, never actually listing the most popular cat breeds. Instead, it covers unrelated topics like ranking criteria, which leaves readers frustrated as they can’t easily find the information they were expecting.

3. Product roundup

A product roundup compares multiple products within a specific category.

Choose the product roundup type when you want to help your audience discover the best options available for a specific item.

Product roundups are perfect for affiliate marketing, as you can include affiliate links for multiple products and earn commissions when your readers make a purchase through your links.

Type of target keyword

For product roundups, your target keyword should start with the word “best” or “top,” followed by the product category. In simpler terms, the target keyword should follow this format:

Best [product category]

Examples of target keywords for product roundups:

• Best gaming laptop
• Best smart watch
• Best mechanical keyboard

Outline

Because a product roundup features multiple products, you’ll need to have a product list ready before generating the outline.

We require the product name and product URL to retrieve accurate information and write detailed comparisons.

The product list can be generated in three ways:

1. Suggest From Amazon: Automatically generate a list of Amazon products based on your target keyword (with links). Be sure to verify the product URLs to ensure they direct to the correct products.
2. Suggest From SERP: Automatically generate a list of top SERP results (without links) based on your target keyword. You’ll need to manually insert the product URLs or click ‘Autofill With Amazon Link’ (if they’re Amazon products).
3. Custom Product List: Manually list your own products. Then insert the product URLs or click ‘Autofill With Amazon Link’ (if they’re Amazon products).

If you’re an Amazon affiliate, you can insert your affiliate ID, and we’ll automatically append it to the end of every product link to ensure your commissions are tracked properly.

Tip: The product roundup works for non-Amazon products too. The only catch is that we can’t automatically fetch the product links for you, so you’ll need to insert the product links manually.

Here are key things you can note and customize once your outline has been generated for you:

1. Product sections

The default outline will feature each product as its own individual H2 heading. Under each heading, you’ll see key talking points, which you can review and expand.

If you have specific insights or personal experiences with a product, consider using the Context Infuser to add this custom information – especially if it’s a newly released product or one with limited information online.

2. Product overview table

Each product will also have its own auto-generated product overview table. This table includes essential details about the product.

You can customize it during the outline phase by modifying the “About” or “Column” fields to better match your requirements.

3. Buyer’s Guide section

The outline will also include a “Buyer’s Guide” section.

This part helps readers make an informed decision by explaining the features to consider when choosing a product. Customize the talking points here if you have more to add or want to emphasize particular aspects that matter most to your audience.

Tip: Always verify and personalize the details in the product overview tables and Buyer’s Guide. Adding unique insights or addressing common customer concerns can make your article more valuable and trustworthy.

Good vs bad output

Here’s a direct comparison of a good output (when you correctly choose the right article type) vs a bad output (when you incorrectly choose an unsuitable article type) for the same target keyword, “best ebook reader”.

The first article is generated using the product roundup type, while the second article is generated using the general article type.

While the first article comprehensively covers each product’s features with detailed product overview tables and automatically inserts product links, the second one only briefly touches on each product and omits the product links. This lack of detail and links makes it difficult for users to make an informed decision.

4. Product review

A product review evaluates a single product in detail, discussing its features, pros and cons, and overall performance.

The product review is ideal when you want to provide an in-depth assessment of a specific product to help your readers make informed purchasing decisions.

Product reviews are perfect for affiliate marketing, as you can insert affiliate links and earn commissions when your readers purchase the product through your link.

Type of target keyword

The target keyword for product reviews should include the specific product name followed by the word “review,” like this:

[Product name] review

Examples of product review target keywords:

• Bose QuietComfort Headphones review
• Nintendo Switch review
• Fitbit Charge 6 review
• Dyson V15 Detect vacuum review

Outline

The outline for a product review differs slightly from other article types.

Here’s what it looks like (note the Key Features and Product Specification Table sections):

1. Key Features

This section will highlight and list the key features as H3 headings. You can review and refine the key features or talking points as needed.

2. Product Specification Table

You can specify the columns separated by commas if you want to customize the table.

Otherwise, leave it blank, and we’ll automatically generate a product spec table that looks like this:

3. Buying Guide

Similar to the one in the product roundup, this section provides additional guidance to help users decide if the product is the right choice for them.

Good vs bad output

Here’s a direct comparison of a good output (when you correctly choose the right article type) vs a bad output (when you incorrectly choose an unsuitable article type) for the same target keyword, “Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review.”

The first article is generated using the product review type, while the second article is generated using the product roundup type.

While the first article provides a comprehensive overview of the product by breaking it down into easy-to-digest key features, the second one offers only surface-level information and consolidates it into a single section. This approach makes it difficult for users to read and understand the product features effectively.

5. Product comparison

A product comparison article compares two or three similar products by presenting a head-to-head analysis of key features, benefits, and drawbacks.

This format is ideal when your goal is to guide readers in choosing between different options.

Product comparisons are perfect for affiliate marketing, as you can insert your affiliate links and earn commissions when readers purchase a product through your link.

Type of target keyword

For product comparisons, your target keyword should include the names of the products you’re comparing.

The format should be:

Product name vs Product name

Here are examples of product comparison target keywords:

• Kindle vs Kobo
• PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X
• iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Outline

In the “Generate Outline” stage, you can choose the layout of your comparison article – whether it presents each product separately (item to compare) or compares both based on specific criteria (criteria for comparison).

Here’s what the outline looks like if you choose “item to compare”:

And here’s the outline if you choose “criteria for comparison”:

You can also customize the features you’d like to compare by specifying the columns in the Product Comparison Table section. Alternatively, you can leave it blank, and we’ll auto-generate the table for you. Here’s what it looks like once generated:

Good vs bad output

Here’s a direct comparison of a good output (when you correctly choose the right article type) vs a bad output (when you incorrectly choose an unsuitable article type) for the same target keyword, “PS4 vs PS5.”

The first image shows the article generated using the product comparison type, while the second image shows the article generated using the product roundup type.

While the first article directly compares both products, the second one discusses each product individually without effectively comparing them. This misses the whole point of the article, making it difficult for readers to decide which product is better.

Write any article type with SurgeGraph (and nail them all)

Choosing the right article type can make a world of difference in content quality. It also ensures that your content resonates with your audience and meets your goals.

Whether you’re already a SurgeGraph user or exploring it for the first time, now is the perfect time to start generating articles that deliver the best results: https://surgegraph.io.

If you need more help, email us at hello@surgegraph.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I’m still not sure which article type I should choose for my target keyword.

A simple way to determine the right article type is to perform a quick Google search for your target keyword. Pay attention to the article formats that dominate the search results. Google’s algorithm typically prioritizes content that best satisfies user intent, so following the prevalent format increases your chances of ranking well. For example, if the top results for your search query are listicles, it’s likely a good idea to use the listicle format for your own content.

2. What if my target keyword doesn’t seem to fit any of the article types?

If your keyword doesn’t clearly fit into one of the predefined article types, try experimenting with similar keywords to see how they align with each type. Alternatively, consider the user intent behind the keyword. If it’s informational, a general article or listicle might be best; if it’s commercial, consider a product review or roundup.

3. What happens if I choose the wrong article type?

If you choose the wrong article type, there is a high chance that the final output won’t be that good. Also, the content might not align with the user’s search intent, leading to poor engagement, higher bounce rates, and lower search engine rankings. For example, using a general article type for a product comparison keyword might result in content that doesn’t effectively compare the products, making it less valuable to your audience.

4. Can I change the article type after generating the content?

No, once an article is generated, you can’t change its type. However, you can always generate a new article using a different type that better suits your needs. Feel free to experiment with different formats until you find the one that works best for your target keyword.

5. Can I customize the outline for each article type?

Yes, you can customize the outline for each article type. You can review, add, or reorganize headings, talking points, and other sections to fit your specific needs, ensuring that the final output matches your expectations.

6. I need more help.

Email us at hello@surgegraph.io and we’ll get back to you!