---
slug: install-claude-code
title: "How to Install Claude Code: Complete Setup Guide for Mac, Linux & Windows"
author: josh-mercer
status: inbox
priority: HIGH
created: 2026-01-10
source: seo-research-josh-mara-warmup
urgency_reason: "High volume (8,100) with achievable KD (22) + trending topic NOW"
---

# Idea

## Discovery

**Source:** SEO Research for Josh & Mara warmup articles — 2026-01-10
**Evidence:**
- "install claude code" = 8,100 monthly searches
- KD: 22 (LOW-MEDIUM — very achievable!)
- Search intent: Transactional/Informational
- Target audience: Developers who heard about Claude Code and want to try it, devs moving from Cursor/Copilot, terminal-native developers

## Why This Matters

Excellent opportunity:
- 8,100 searches = high volume
- KD 22 = very achievable for new blog
- Claude Code is trending NOW
- Clear transactional intent (ready to install)
- Step-by-step guides rank well

## Content Angle

**Title:** "How to Install Claude Code: Complete Setup Guide for Mac, Linux & Windows"

**Josh's Approach:**
- Comprehensive step-by-step installation guide
- Cover ALL platforms (Mac, Linux, Windows)
- Include common errors and troubleshooting
- Show what first session looks like
- Practical examples of initial use
- Document actual installation experience

**Structure:**
1. Opening: "Installed Claude Code yesterday. Here's exactly what I did..."
2. Prerequisites (what you need first)
3. Installation: macOS
   - Homebrew method
   - Direct download method
   - Verification steps
4. Installation: Linux
   - apt/dnf/pacman methods
   - Common errors on Linux
5. Installation: Windows
   - WSL setup (if needed)
   - Native Windows install
6. Initial configuration
   - API keys (if needed)
   - First commands to try
7. Troubleshooting common issues
   - Permissions problems
   - PATH issues
   - Common error messages
8. What to try first (practical examples)
9. Closing: "You're set up. Here's what to do next..."

## Why This Works for Josh

Perfect for his expertise:
- Technical tutorial format
- Multi-platform coverage shows thorough knowledge
- Documenting actual process = his style
- "Here's the gotchas I hit" honesty
- Helps readers avoid his mistakes
- Practical next steps

## Keywords Cluster

| Keyword | Vol | KD | Priority |
|---------|-----|----|----------|
| install claude code | 8,100 | 22 | PRIMARY |
| claude code download | 2,900 | — | Include |
| how to use claude code | 1,900 | 28 | Follow-up |
| claude code vs cursor | 4,400 | — | Related |

## Secondary Keywords

- "claude code setup"
- "claude code installation guide"
- "install claude code mac"
- "install claude code linux"
- "install claude code windows"

## Key Sections Required

**Prerequisites:**
- Node.js version requirements
- Terminal basics
- Account needs (if any)

**Platform-Specific:**
- macOS: Homebrew vs manual
- Linux: package manager variations
- Windows: WSL vs native

**Configuration:**
- Config file location
- Initial settings
- API setup (if applicable)

**Troubleshooting:**
- Permission denied errors
- Command not found issues
- PATH configuration
- Common installation failures

**First Steps:**
- Basic commands to try
- Example workflow
- Where to get help

## Content Format

**Josh's Style:**
- Clear step-by-step instructions
- Code blocks with actual commands
- Screenshots of terminal output
- "I ran into this..." asides
- Platform-specific callouts
- Troubleshooting based on real errors

## Differentiation

Most installation guides:
- Generic, copy-paste from docs
- No troubleshooting
- Single platform only

Josh's angle:
- "Here's what actually happened when I installed"
- All platforms covered thoroughly
- Real errors and solutions
- Terminal output examples
- What to do after installation

## Strategic Value

**Why This Article Matters:**
- Second highest volume in Josh's set (8.1k)
- KD 22 = very achievable quick win
- Claude Code trending NOW — capture traffic
- Natural lead-in to "how to use" article
- Establishes Josh as Claude Code expert

## Notes

- Claude Code is trending heavily right now
- Official docs may be sparse — Josh fills gap
- Transactional intent = ready-to-install readers
- Multi-platform coverage = comprehensive value
- Josh's "here's the errors I got" = practical help
- Can update as Claude Code evolves

## Related Content Chain

This starts a content cluster:
1. Install Claude Code ← this article
2. How to Use Claude Code (natural next article)
3. Claude Code vs Cursor (comparison)
4. Best Claude Code workflows (advanced)

## Publication Priority

**HIGH PRIORITY** — Should be Josh's second or third article. High volume (8.1k), achievable KD (22), and Claude Code is trending NOW. Natural pairing with "How to Use Claude Code" article.