Research component integration, Copilotkit implementation, SEO copilotkit implementation, Wix SEO metadata complete, Wix SEO metadata review

backend/api/blog_writer/router.py

@@ -185,10 +185,20 @@ async def get_research_status(task_id: str) -> Dict[str, Any]:
 
 # Outline Endpoints
 @router.post("/outline/start")
-async def start_outline_generation(request: BlogOutlineRequest) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+async def start_outline_generation(
+    request: BlogOutlineRequest,
+    current_user: Dict[str, Any] = Depends(get_current_user)
+) -> Dict[str, Any]:
     """Start an outline generation operation and return a task ID for polling."""
     try:
-        task_id = task_manager.start_outline_task(request)
+        # Extract Clerk user ID (required)
+        if not current_user:
+            raise HTTPException(status_code=401, detail="Authentication required")
+        user_id = str(current_user.get('id'))
+        if not user_id:
+            raise HTTPException(status_code=401, detail="User ID not found in authentication token")
+        
+        task_id = task_manager.start_outline_task(request, user_id)
         return {"task_id": task_id, "status": "started"}
     except Exception as e:
         logger.error(f"Failed to start outline generation: {e}")
@@ -272,12 +282,22 @@ async def generate_section(request: BlogSectionRequest) -> BlogSectionResponse:
 
 
 @router.post("/content/start")
-async def start_content_generation(request: Dict[str, Any]) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+async def start_content_generation(
+    request: Dict[str, Any],
+    current_user: Dict[str, Any] = Depends(get_current_user)
+) -> Dict[str, Any]:
     """Start full content generation and return a task id for polling.
 
     Accepts a payload compatible with MediumBlogGenerateRequest to minimize duplication.
     """
     try:
+        # Extract Clerk user ID (required)
+        if not current_user:
+            raise HTTPException(status_code=401, detail="Authentication required")
+        user_id = str(current_user.get('id'))
+        if not user_id:
+            raise HTTPException(status_code=401, detail="User ID not found in authentication token")
+        
         # Map dict to MediumBlogGenerateRequest for reuse
         from models.blog_models import MediumBlogGenerateRequest, MediumSectionOutline, PersonaInfo
         sections = [MediumSectionOutline(**s) for s in request.get("sections", [])]
@@ -293,7 +313,7 @@ async def start_content_generation(request: Dict[str, Any]) -> Dict[str, Any]:
             globalTargetWords=request.get("globalTargetWords", 1000),
             researchKeywords=request.get("researchKeywords") or request.get("keywords"),
         )
-        task_id = task_manager.start_content_generation_task(req)
+        task_id = task_manager.start_content_generation_task(req, user_id)
         return {"task_id": task_id, "status": "started"}
     except Exception as e:
         logger.error(f"Failed to start content generation: {e}")
@@ -307,6 +327,51 @@ async def content_generation_status(task_id: str) -> Dict[str, Any]:
         status = await task_manager.get_task_status(task_id)
         if status is None:
             raise HTTPException(status_code=404, detail="Task not found")
+        
+        # If task failed with subscription error, return HTTP error so frontend interceptor can catch it
+        if status.get('status') == 'failed' and status.get('error_status') in [429, 402]:
+            error_data = status.get('error_data', {}) or {}
+            error_status = status.get('error_status', 429)
+            
+            if not isinstance(error_data, dict):
+                logger.warning(f"Content generation task {task_id} error_data not dict: {error_data}")
+                error_data = {'error': str(error_data)}
+            
+            # Determine provider and usage info
+            stored_error_message = status.get('error', error_data.get('error'))
+            provider = error_data.get('provider', 'unknown')
+            usage_info = error_data.get('usage_info')
+            
+            if not usage_info:
+                usage_info = {
+                    'provider': provider,
+                    'message': stored_error_message,
+                    'error_type': error_data.get('error_type', 'unknown')
+                }
+                # Include any known fields from error_data
+                for key in ['current_tokens', 'requested_tokens', 'limit', 'current_calls']:
+                    if key in error_data:
+                        usage_info[key] = error_data[key]
+            
+            # Build error message for detail
+            error_msg = error_data.get('message', stored_error_message or 'Subscription limit exceeded')
+            
+            # Log the subscription error with all context
+            logger.warning(f"Content generation task {task_id} failed with subscription error {error_status}: {error_msg}")
+            logger.warning(f"   Provider: {provider}, Usage Info: {usage_info}")
+            
+            # Use JSONResponse to ensure detail is returned as-is, not wrapped in an array
+            from fastapi.responses import JSONResponse
+            return JSONResponse(
+                status_code=error_status,
+                content={
+                    'error': error_data.get('error', stored_error_message or 'Subscription limit exceeded'),
+                    'message': error_msg,
+                    'provider': provider,
+                    'usage_info': usage_info
+                }
+            )
+        
         return status
     except HTTPException:
         raise
@@ -499,14 +564,24 @@ async def get_outline_cache_entries(limit: int = 20):
 # ---------------------------
 
 @router.post("/generate/medium/start")
-async def start_medium_generation(request: MediumBlogGenerateRequest):
+async def start_medium_generation(
+    request: MediumBlogGenerateRequest,
+    current_user: Dict[str, Any] = Depends(get_current_user)
+):
     """Start medium-length blog generation (≤1000 words) and return a task id."""
     try:
+        # Extract Clerk user ID (required)
+        if not current_user:
+            raise HTTPException(status_code=401, detail="Authentication required")
+        user_id = str(current_user.get('id'))
+        if not user_id:
+            raise HTTPException(status_code=401, detail="User ID not found in authentication token")
+        
         # Simple server-side guard
         if (request.globalTargetWords or 1000) > 1000:
             raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail="Global target words exceed 1000; use per-section generation")
 
-        task_id = task_manager.start_medium_generation_task(request)
+        task_id = task_manager.start_medium_generation_task(request, user_id)
         return {"task_id": task_id, "status": "started"}
     except HTTPException:
         raise
@@ -522,6 +597,51 @@ async def medium_generation_status(task_id: str):
         status = await task_manager.get_task_status(task_id)
         if status is None:
             raise HTTPException(status_code=404, detail="Task not found")
+        
+        # If task failed with subscription error, return HTTP error so frontend interceptor can catch it
+        if status.get('status') == 'failed' and status.get('error_status') in [429, 402]:
+            error_data = status.get('error_data', {}) or {}
+            error_status = status.get('error_status', 429)
+            
+            if not isinstance(error_data, dict):
+                logger.warning(f"Medium generation task {task_id} error_data not dict: {error_data}")
+                error_data = {'error': str(error_data)}
+            
+            # Determine provider and usage info
+            stored_error_message = status.get('error', error_data.get('error'))
+            provider = error_data.get('provider', 'unknown')
+            usage_info = error_data.get('usage_info')
+            
+            if not usage_info:
+                usage_info = {
+                    'provider': provider,
+                    'message': stored_error_message,
+                    'error_type': error_data.get('error_type', 'unknown')
+                }
+                # Include any known fields from error_data
+                for key in ['current_tokens', 'requested_tokens', 'limit', 'current_calls']:
+                    if key in error_data:
+                        usage_info[key] = error_data[key]
+            
+            # Build error message for detail
+            error_msg = error_data.get('message', stored_error_message or 'Subscription limit exceeded')
+            
+            # Log the subscription error with all context
+            logger.warning(f"Medium generation task {task_id} failed with subscription error {error_status}: {error_msg}")
+            logger.warning(f"   Provider: {provider}, Usage Info: {usage_info}")
+            
+            # Use JSONResponse to ensure detail is returned as-is, not wrapped in an array
+            from fastapi.responses import JSONResponse
+            return JSONResponse(
+                status_code=error_status,
+                content={
+                    'error': error_data.get('error', stored_error_message or 'Subscription limit exceeded'),
+                    'message': error_msg,
+                    'provider': provider,
+                    'usage_info': usage_info
+                }
+            )
+        
         return status
     except HTTPException:
         raise

backend/api/blog_writer/seo_analysis.py

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ Provides API endpoint for analyzing blog content SEO with parallel processing
 and CopilotKit integration for real-time progress updates.
 """
 
-from fastapi import APIRouter, HTTPException, BackgroundTasks
+from fastapi import APIRouter, HTTPException, BackgroundTasks, Depends
 from pydantic import BaseModel
 from typing import Dict, Any, Optional
 from loguru import logger
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ from datetime import datetime
 
 from services.blog_writer.seo.blog_content_seo_analyzer import BlogContentSEOAnalyzer
 from services.blog_writer.core.blog_writer_service import BlogWriterService
+from middleware.auth_middleware import get_current_user
 
 
 router = APIRouter(prefix="/api/blog-writer/seo", tags=["Blog SEO Analysis"])
@@ -56,7 +57,10 @@ blog_writer_service = BlogWriterService()
 
 
 @router.post("/analyze", response_model=SEOAnalysisResponse)
-async def analyze_blog_seo(request: SEOAnalysisRequest):
+async def analyze_blog_seo(
+    request: SEOAnalysisRequest,
+    current_user: Dict[str, Any] = Depends(get_current_user)
+):
     """
     Analyze blog content for SEO optimization
     
@@ -69,6 +73,7 @@ async def analyze_blog_seo(request: SEOAnalysisRequest):
     
     Args:
         request: SEOAnalysisRequest containing blog content and research data
+        current_user: Authenticated user from middleware
         
     Returns:
         SEOAnalysisResponse with comprehensive analysis results
@@ -76,6 +81,14 @@ async def analyze_blog_seo(request: SEOAnalysisRequest):
     try:
         logger.info(f"Starting SEO analysis for blog content")
         
+        # Extract Clerk user ID (required)
+        if not current_user:
+            raise HTTPException(status_code=401, detail="Authentication required")
+        
+        user_id = str(current_user.get('id', ''))
+        if not user_id:
+            raise HTTPException(status_code=401, detail="Invalid user ID in authentication token")
+        
         # Validate request
         if not request.blog_content or not request.blog_content.strip():
             raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail="Blog content is required")
@@ -91,7 +104,8 @@ async def analyze_blog_seo(request: SEOAnalysisRequest):
         analysis_results = await seo_analyzer.analyze_blog_content(
             blog_content=request.blog_content,
             research_data=request.research_data,
-            blog_title=request.blog_title
+            blog_title=request.blog_title,
+            user_id=user_id
         )
         
         # Check for errors
@@ -131,7 +145,10 @@ async def analyze_blog_seo(request: SEOAnalysisRequest):
 
 
 @router.post("/analyze-with-progress")
-async def analyze_blog_seo_with_progress(request: SEOAnalysisRequest):
+async def analyze_blog_seo_with_progress(
+    request: SEOAnalysisRequest,
+    current_user: Dict[str, Any] = Depends(get_current_user)
+):
     """
     Analyze blog content for SEO with real-time progress updates
     
@@ -140,6 +157,7 @@ async def analyze_blog_seo_with_progress(request: SEOAnalysisRequest):
     
     Args:
         request: SEOAnalysisRequest containing blog content and research data
+        current_user: Authenticated user from middleware
         
     Returns:
         Generator yielding progress updates and final results
@@ -147,6 +165,14 @@ async def analyze_blog_seo_with_progress(request: SEOAnalysisRequest):
     try:
         logger.info(f"Starting SEO analysis with progress for blog content")
         
+        # Extract Clerk user ID (required)
+        if not current_user:
+            raise HTTPException(status_code=401, detail="Authentication required")
+        
+        user_id = str(current_user.get('id', ''))
+        if not user_id:
+            raise HTTPException(status_code=401, detail="Invalid user ID in authentication token")
+        
         # Validate request
         if not request.blog_content or not request.blog_content.strip():
             raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail="Blog content is required")
@@ -209,7 +235,9 @@ async def analyze_blog_seo_with_progress(request: SEOAnalysisRequest):
                 # Perform actual analysis
                 analysis_results = await seo_analyzer.analyze_blog_content(
                     blog_content=request.blog_content,
-                    research_data=request.research_data
+                    research_data=request.research_data,
+                    blog_title=request.blog_title,
+                    user_id=user_id
                 )
                 
                 # Final result

backend/api/blog_writer/task_manager.py

@@ -88,8 +88,12 @@ class TaskManager:
                 response["error"] = task["error"]
                 if "error_status" in task:
                     response["error_status"] = task["error_status"]
+                    logger.info(f"[TaskManager] get_task_status for {task_id}: Including error_status={task['error_status']} in response")
                 if "error_data" in task:
                     response["error_data"] = task["error_data"]
+                    logger.info(f"[TaskManager] get_task_status for {task_id}: Including error_data with keys: {list(task['error_data'].keys()) if isinstance(task['error_data'], dict) else 'not-dict'}")
+                else:
+                    logger.warning(f"[TaskManager] get_task_status for {task_id}: Task failed but no error_data found. Task keys: {list(task.keys())}")
             
             return response
     
@@ -127,29 +131,33 @@ class TaskManager:
             asyncio.create_task(self._run_research_task(task_id, request, user_id))
             return task_id
     
-    def start_outline_task(self, request: BlogOutlineRequest) -> str:
+    def start_outline_task(self, request: BlogOutlineRequest, user_id: str) -> str:
         """Start an outline generation operation and return a task ID."""
         task_id = self.create_task("outline")
         
         # Start the outline generation operation in the background
-        asyncio.create_task(self._run_outline_generation_task(task_id, request))
+        asyncio.create_task(self._run_outline_generation_task(task_id, request, user_id))
         
         return task_id
 
-    def start_medium_generation_task(self, request: MediumBlogGenerateRequest) -> str:
+    def start_medium_generation_task(self, request: MediumBlogGenerateRequest, user_id: str) -> str:
         """Start a medium (≤1000 words) full-blog generation task."""
         task_id = self.create_task("medium_generation")
-        asyncio.create_task(self._run_medium_generation_task(task_id, request))
+        asyncio.create_task(self._run_medium_generation_task(task_id, request, user_id))
         return task_id
 
-    def start_content_generation_task(self, request: MediumBlogGenerateRequest) -> str:
+    def start_content_generation_task(self, request: MediumBlogGenerateRequest, user_id: str) -> str:
         """Start content generation (full blog via sections) with provider parity.
 
         Internally reuses medium generator pipeline for now but tracked under
         distinct task_type 'content_generation' and same polling contract.
+        
+        Args:
+            request: Content generation request
+            user_id: User ID (required for subscription checks and usage tracking)
         """
         task_id = self.create_task("content_generation")
-        asyncio.create_task(self._run_medium_generation_task(task_id, request))
+        asyncio.create_task(self._run_medium_generation_task(task_id, request, user_id))
         return task_id
     
     async def _run_research_task(self, task_id: str, request: BlogResearchRequest, user_id: str):
@@ -205,7 +213,7 @@ class TaskManager:
                     self.task_storage[task_id]["status"] = "failed"
                     self.task_storage[task_id]["error"] = "Research completed with unknown status"
     
-    async def _run_outline_generation_task(self, task_id: str, request: BlogOutlineRequest):
+    async def _run_outline_generation_task(self, task_id: str, request: BlogOutlineRequest, user_id: str):
         """Background task to run outline generation and update status with progress messages."""
         try:
             # Update status to running
@@ -215,21 +223,31 @@ class TaskManager:
             # Send initial progress message
             await self.update_progress(task_id, "🧩 Starting outline generation...")
             
-            # Run the actual outline generation with progress updates
-            result = await self.service.generate_outline_with_progress(request, task_id)
+            # Run the actual outline generation with progress updates (pass user_id for subscription checks)
+            result = await self.service.generate_outline_with_progress(request, task_id, user_id)
             
             # Update status to completed
             await self.update_progress(task_id, f"✅ Outline generated successfully! Created {len(result.outline)} sections with {len(result.title_options)} title options.")
             self.task_storage[task_id]["status"] = "completed"
             self.task_storage[task_id]["result"] = result.dict()
             
+        except HTTPException as http_error:
+            # Handle HTTPException (e.g., 429 subscription limit) - preserve error details for frontend
+            error_detail = http_error.detail
+            error_message = error_detail.get('message', str(error_detail)) if isinstance(error_detail, dict) else str(error_detail)
+            await self.update_progress(task_id, f"❌ {error_message}")
+            self.task_storage[task_id]["status"] = "failed"
+            self.task_storage[task_id]["error"] = error_message
+            # Store HTTP error details for frontend modal
+            self.task_storage[task_id]["error_status"] = http_error.status_code
+            self.task_storage[task_id]["error_data"] = error_detail if isinstance(error_detail, dict) else {"error": str(error_detail)}
         except Exception as e:
             await self.update_progress(task_id, f"❌ Outline generation failed: {str(e)}")
             # Update status to failed
             self.task_storage[task_id]["status"] = "failed"
             self.task_storage[task_id]["error"] = str(e)
 
-    async def _run_medium_generation_task(self, task_id: str, request: MediumBlogGenerateRequest):
+    async def _run_medium_generation_task(self, task_id: str, request: MediumBlogGenerateRequest, user_id: str):
         """Background task to generate a medium blog using a single structured JSON call."""
         try:
             self.task_storage[task_id]["status"] = "running"
@@ -245,6 +263,7 @@ class TaskManager:
             result: MediumBlogGenerateResult = await self.service.generate_medium_blog_with_progress(
                 request,
                 task_id,
+                user_id
             )
 
             if not result or not getattr(result, "sections", None):
@@ -263,10 +282,38 @@ class TaskManager:
             self.task_storage[task_id]["result"] = result.dict()
             await self.update_progress(task_id, f"✅ Generated {len(result.sections)} sections successfully.")
 
-        except Exception as e:
-            await self.update_progress(task_id, f"❌ Medium generation failed: {str(e)}")
+        except HTTPException as http_error:
+            # Handle HTTPException (e.g., 429 subscription limit) - preserve error details for frontend
+            logger.info(f"[TaskManager] Caught HTTPException in medium generation task {task_id}: status={http_error.status_code}, detail={http_error.detail}")
+            error_detail = http_error.detail
+            error_message = error_detail.get('message', str(error_detail)) if isinstance(error_detail, dict) else str(error_detail)
+            await self.update_progress(task_id, f"❌ {error_message}")
             self.task_storage[task_id]["status"] = "failed"
-            self.task_storage[task_id]["error"] = str(e)
+            self.task_storage[task_id]["error"] = error_message
+            # Store HTTP error details for frontend modal
+            self.task_storage[task_id]["error_status"] = http_error.status_code
+            self.task_storage[task_id]["error_data"] = error_detail if isinstance(error_detail, dict) else {"error": str(error_detail)}
+            logger.info(f"[TaskManager] Stored error_status={http_error.status_code} and error_data keys: {list(error_detail.keys()) if isinstance(error_detail, dict) else 'not-dict'}")
+        except Exception as e:
+            # Check if this is an HTTPException that got wrapped (can happen in async tasks)
+            # HTTPException has status_code and detail attributes
+            logger.info(f"[TaskManager] Caught Exception in medium generation task {task_id}: type={type(e).__name__}, has_status_code={hasattr(e, 'status_code')}, has_detail={hasattr(e, 'detail')}")
+            if hasattr(e, 'status_code') and hasattr(e, 'detail'):
+                # This is an HTTPException that was caught as generic Exception
+                logger.info(f"[TaskManager] Detected HTTPException in Exception handler: status={e.status_code}, detail={e.detail}")
+                error_detail = e.detail
+                error_message = error_detail.get('message', str(error_detail)) if isinstance(error_detail, dict) else str(error_detail)
+                await self.update_progress(task_id, f"❌ {error_message}")
+                self.task_storage[task_id]["status"] = "failed"
+                self.task_storage[task_id]["error"] = error_message
+                # Store HTTP error details for frontend modal
+                self.task_storage[task_id]["error_status"] = e.status_code
+                self.task_storage[task_id]["error_data"] = error_detail if isinstance(error_detail, dict) else {"error": str(error_detail)}
+                logger.info(f"[TaskManager] Stored error_status={e.status_code} and error_data keys: {list(error_detail.keys()) if isinstance(error_detail, dict) else 'not-dict'}")
+            else:
+                await self.update_progress(task_id, f"❌ Medium generation failed: {str(e)}")
+                self.task_storage[task_id]["status"] = "failed"
+                self.task_storage[task_id]["error"] = str(e)
 
 
 # Global task manager instance

backend/api/subscription_api.py

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ from functools import lru_cache
 
 from services.database import get_db
 from services.subscription import UsageTrackingService, PricingService
+from services.subscription.schema_utils import ensure_subscription_plan_columns
 from middleware.auth_middleware import get_current_user
 from models.subscription_models import (
     APIProvider, SubscriptionPlan, UserSubscription, UsageSummary,
@@ -79,6 +80,8 @@ async def get_subscription_plans(
     """Get all available subscription plans."""
     
     try:
+        # Ensure required columns exist (handles environments without migrations applied yet)
+        ensure_subscription_plan_columns(db)
         plans = db.query(SubscriptionPlan).filter(
             SubscriptionPlan.is_active == True
         ).order_by(SubscriptionPlan.price_monthly).all()
@@ -137,6 +140,7 @@ async def get_user_subscription(
         raise HTTPException(status_code=403, detail="Access denied")
     
     try:
+        ensure_subscription_plan_columns(db)
         subscription = db.query(UserSubscription).filter(
             UserSubscription.user_id == user_id,
             UserSubscription.is_active == True
@@ -234,6 +238,7 @@ async def get_subscription_status(
         raise HTTPException(status_code=403, detail="Access denied")
 
     try:
+        ensure_subscription_plan_columns(db)
         subscription = db.query(UserSubscription).filter(
             UserSubscription.user_id == user_id,
             UserSubscription.is_active == True
@@ -346,6 +351,7 @@ async def subscribe_to_plan(
         raise HTTPException(status_code=403, detail="Access denied")
 
     try:
+        ensure_subscription_plan_columns(db)
         plan_id = subscription_data.get('plan_id')
         billing_cycle = subscription_data.get('billing_cycle', 'monthly')
 
@@ -427,11 +433,16 @@ async def subscribe_to_plan(
             logger.info(f"   📊 No usage summary found for period {current_period} (will be created on reset)")
 
         # Clear subscription limits cache to force refresh on next check
+        # IMPORTANT: Do this BEFORE resetting usage to ensure cache is cleared first
         try:
             from services.subscription import PricingService
             # Clear cache for this specific user (class-level cache shared across all instances)
             cleared_count = PricingService.clear_user_cache(user_id)
             logger.info(f"   🗑️  Cleared {cleared_count} subscription cache entries for user {user_id}")
+            
+            # Also expire all SQLAlchemy objects to force fresh reads
+            db.expire_all()
+            logger.info(f"   🔄 Expired all SQLAlchemy objects to force fresh reads")
         except Exception as cache_err:
             logger.error(f"   ❌ Failed to clear cache after subscribe: {cache_err}")
 
@@ -441,12 +452,22 @@ async def subscribe_to_plan(
             usage_service = UsageTrackingService(db)
             reset_result = await usage_service.reset_current_billing_period(user_id)
             
-            # Re-query usage summary from DB after reset to get fresh data
+            # Force commit to ensure reset is persisted
+            db.commit()
+            
+            # Expire all SQLAlchemy objects to force fresh reads
+            db.expire_all()
+            
+            # Re-query usage summary from DB after reset to get fresh data (fresh query)
             usage_after = db.query(UsageSummary).filter(
                 UsageSummary.user_id == user_id,
                 UsageSummary.billing_period == current_period
             ).first()
             
+            # Refresh the usage object if found to ensure we have latest data
+            if usage_after:
+                db.refresh(usage_after)
+            
             if reset_result.get('reset'):
                 logger.info(f"   ✅ Usage counters RESET successfully")
                 if usage_after:
@@ -635,6 +656,7 @@ async def get_dashboard_data(
     """Get comprehensive dashboard data for usage monitoring."""
     
     try:
+        ensure_subscription_plan_columns(db)
         # Serve from short TTL cache to avoid hammering DB on bursts
         import time
         now = time.time()

backend/api/wix_routes.py

@@ -535,15 +535,33 @@ async def test_publish_real(payload: Dict[str, Any]) -> Dict[str, Any]:
         if not member_id:
             raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail="Unable to resolve member_id from token")
 
+        # Extract SEO metadata if provided
+        seo_metadata = payload.get("seo_metadata")
+        
+        # Extract category/tag IDs or names
+        # Can be either:
+        # - IDs: List of UUID strings
+        # - Names: List of name strings (will be looked up/created)
+        category_ids = payload.get("category_ids") or payload.get("category_names")
+        tag_ids = payload.get("tag_ids") or payload.get("tag_names")
+        
+        # If SEO metadata has categories/tags but they weren't explicitly provided, use them
+        if seo_metadata:
+            if not category_ids and seo_metadata.get("blog_categories"):
+                category_ids = seo_metadata.get("blog_categories")
+            if not tag_ids and seo_metadata.get("blog_tags"):
+                tag_ids = seo_metadata.get("blog_tags")
+        
         result = wix_service.create_blog_post(
             access_token=access_token,
             title=payload.get("title") or "Untitled",
             content=payload.get("content") or "",
             cover_image_url=payload.get("cover_image_url"),
-            category_ids=payload.get("category_ids") or None,
-            tag_ids=payload.get("tag_ids") or None,
+            category_ids=category_ids,
+            tag_ids=tag_ids,
             publish=bool(payload.get("publish", True)),
             member_id=member_id,
+            seo_metadata=seo_metadata,
         )
 
         return {

backend/app.py

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import asyncio
 from datetime import datetime
 from services.subscription import monitoring_middleware
 
+
 # Import modular utilities
 from alwrity_utils import HealthChecker, RateLimiter, FrontendServing, RouterManager, OnboardingManager
 

backend/database/migrations/006_add_exa_provider.sql

@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+-- Add EXA to subscription plans
+ALTER TABLE subscription_plans 
+ADD COLUMN exa_calls_limit INT DEFAULT 0;
+
+-- Add EXA to usage summaries
+ALTER TABLE usage_summaries 
+ADD COLUMN exa_calls INT DEFAULT 0;
+
+ALTER TABLE usage_summaries 
+ADD COLUMN exa_cost FLOAT DEFAULT 0.0;
+
+-- Update default limits for existing plans
+UPDATE subscription_plans SET exa_calls_limit = 100 WHERE tier = 'free';
+UPDATE subscription_plans SET exa_calls_limit = 500 WHERE tier = 'basic';
+UPDATE subscription_plans SET exa_calls_limit = 2000 WHERE tier = 'pro';
+UPDATE subscription_plans SET exa_calls_limit = 0 WHERE tier = 'enterprise';
+

backend/models/blog_models.py

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 from pydantic import BaseModel, Field
 from typing import List, Optional, Dict, Any
+from enum import Enum
 
 
 class PersonaInfo(BaseModel):
@@ -50,6 +51,51 @@ class GroundingMetadata(BaseModel):
     web_search_queries: List[str] = []
 
 
+class ResearchMode(str, Enum):
+    """Research modes for different depth levels."""
+    BASIC = "basic"
+    COMPREHENSIVE = "comprehensive"
+    TARGETED = "targeted"
+
+
+class SourceType(str, Enum):
+    """Types of sources to include in research."""
+    WEB = "web"
+    ACADEMIC = "academic"
+    NEWS = "news"
+    INDUSTRY = "industry"
+    EXPERT = "expert"
+
+
+class DateRange(str, Enum):
+    """Date range filters for research."""
+    LAST_WEEK = "last_week"
+    LAST_MONTH = "last_month"
+    LAST_3_MONTHS = "last_3_months"
+    LAST_6_MONTHS = "last_6_months"
+    LAST_YEAR = "last_year"
+    ALL_TIME = "all_time"
+
+
+class ResearchProvider(str, Enum):
+    """Research provider options."""
+    GOOGLE = "google"  # Gemini native grounding
+    EXA = "exa"        # Exa neural search
+
+
+class ResearchConfig(BaseModel):
+    """Configuration for research execution."""
+    mode: ResearchMode = ResearchMode.BASIC
+    provider: ResearchProvider = ResearchProvider.GOOGLE
+    date_range: Optional[DateRange] = None
+    source_types: List[SourceType] = []
+    max_sources: int = 10
+    include_statistics: bool = True
+    include_expert_quotes: bool = True
+    include_competitors: bool = True
+    include_trends: bool = True
+
+
 class BlogResearchRequest(BaseModel):
     keywords: List[str]
     topic: Optional[str] = None
@@ -58,6 +104,8 @@ class BlogResearchRequest(BaseModel):
     tone: Optional[str] = None
     word_count_target: Optional[int] = 1500
     persona: Optional[PersonaInfo] = None
+    research_mode: Optional[ResearchMode] = ResearchMode.BASIC
+    config: Optional[ResearchConfig] = None
 
 
 class BlogResearchResponse(BaseModel):

backend/models/subscription_models.py

@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ class APIProvider(enum.Enum):
     METAPHOR = "metaphor"
     FIRECRAWL = "firecrawl"
     STABILITY = "stability"
+    EXA = "exa"
 
 class BillingCycle(enum.Enum):
     MONTHLY = "monthly"
@@ -66,6 +67,7 @@ class SubscriptionPlan(Base):
     metaphor_calls_limit = Column(Integer, default=0)
     firecrawl_calls_limit = Column(Integer, default=0)
     stability_calls_limit = Column(Integer, default=0)  # Image generation
+    exa_calls_limit = Column(Integer, default=0)  # Exa neural search
     
     # Token Limits (for LLM providers)
     gemini_tokens_limit = Column(Integer, default=0)
@@ -182,6 +184,7 @@ class UsageSummary(Base):
     metaphor_calls = Column(Integer, default=0)
     firecrawl_calls = Column(Integer, default=0)
     stability_calls = Column(Integer, default=0)
+    exa_calls = Column(Integer, default=0)
     
     # Token Usage
     gemini_tokens = Column(Integer, default=0)
@@ -199,6 +202,7 @@ class UsageSummary(Base):
     metaphor_cost = Column(Float, default=0.0)
     firecrawl_cost = Column(Float, default=0.0)
     stability_cost = Column(Float, default=0.0)
+    exa_cost = Column(Float, default=0.0)
     
     # Totals
     total_calls = Column(Integer, default=0)

backend/requirements.txt

@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ aiohttp>=3.9.0
 # Data processing
 pandas>=2.0.0
 numpy>=1.24.0
+markdown>=3.5.0
 
 # SEO Analysis dependencies
 advertools>=0.14.0

backend/scripts/update_basic_plan_limits.py

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ Script to update Basic plan subscription limits for testing rate limits and rene
 
 Updates:
 - LLM Calls (all providers): 10 calls (was 500-1000)
-- LLM Tokens (all providers): 2000 tokens (was 200k-1M)
+- LLM Tokens (all providers): 5000 tokens (increased from 2000 to support research workflow)
 - Images: 5 images (was 50)
 
 This script updates the SubscriptionPlan table, which automatically applies to all users
@@ -69,11 +69,11 @@ def update_basic_plan_limits():
             basic_plan.anthropic_calls_limit = 200
             basic_plan.mistral_calls_limit = 500
             
-            # Update all LLM provider token limits to 2000
-            basic_plan.gemini_tokens_limit = 2000
-            basic_plan.openai_tokens_limit = 2000
-            basic_plan.anthropic_tokens_limit = 2000
-            basic_plan.mistral_tokens_limit = 2000
+            # Update all LLM provider token limits to 20000 (increased from 5000 for better stability)
+            basic_plan.gemini_tokens_limit = 20000
+            basic_plan.openai_tokens_limit = 20000
+            basic_plan.anthropic_tokens_limit = 20000
+            basic_plan.mistral_tokens_limit = 20000
             
             # Update image generation limit to 5
             basic_plan.stability_calls_limit = 5
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ def update_basic_plan_limits():
             
             logger.info("\n📝 New Basic plan limits:")
             logger.info(f"  LLM Calls (all providers): 10")
-            logger.info(f"  LLM Tokens (all providers): 2000")
+            logger.info(f"  LLM Tokens (all providers): 20000 (increased from 5000)")
             logger.info(f"  Images: 5")
             
             # Count and get affected users
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ def update_basic_plan_limits():
             
             # New limits - use unified AI text generation limit if available
             new_call_limit = getattr(basic_plan, 'ai_text_generation_calls_limit', None) or basic_plan.gemini_calls_limit
-            new_token_limit = basic_plan.gemini_tokens_limit  # 2000
+            new_token_limit = basic_plan.gemini_tokens_limit  # 5000 (increased from 2000)
             new_image_limit = basic_plan.stability_calls_limit  # 5
             
             for sub in user_subscriptions:
@@ -253,7 +253,7 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
     logger.info("="*60)
     logger.info("This will update Basic plan limits for testing rate limits:")
     logger.info("  - LLM Calls: 10 (all providers)")
-    logger.info("  - LLM Tokens: 2000 (all providers)")
+    logger.info("  - LLM Tokens: 20000 (all providers, increased from 5000)")
     logger.info("  - Images: 5")
     logger.info("="*60)
     

backend/services/blog_writer/content/medium_blog_generator.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import time
 import json
 from typing import Dict, Any, List
 from loguru import logger
+from fastapi import HTTPException
 
 from models.blog_models import (
     MediumBlogGenerateRequest,
@@ -25,8 +26,20 @@ class MediumBlogGenerator:
     def __init__(self):
         self.cache = persistent_content_cache
     
-    async def generate_medium_blog_with_progress(self, req: MediumBlogGenerateRequest, task_id: str) -> MediumBlogGenerateResult:
-        """Use Gemini structured JSON to generate a medium-length blog in one call."""
+    async def generate_medium_blog_with_progress(self, req: MediumBlogGenerateRequest, task_id: str, user_id: str) -> MediumBlogGenerateResult:
+        """Use Gemini structured JSON to generate a medium-length blog in one call.
+        
+        Args:
+            req: Medium blog generation request
+            task_id: Task ID for progress updates
+            user_id: User ID (required for subscription checks and usage tracking)
+            
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If user_id is not provided
+        """
+        if not user_id:
+            raise ValueError("user_id is required for medium blog generation (subscription checks and usage tracking)")
+        
         import time
         start = time.time()
 
@@ -156,7 +169,7 @@ class MediumBlogGenerator:
             - Use language that resonates with {audience}
             - Maintain consistent voice that reflects this persona's expertise
             """
-        
+
         prompt = (
             f"Write blog content for the following sections. Each section should be {req.globalTargetWords or 1000} words total, distributed across all sections.\n\n"
             f"Blog Title: {req.title}\n\n"
@@ -176,11 +189,20 @@ class MediumBlogGenerator:
             f"Sections to write:\n{json.dumps(payload, ensure_ascii=False, indent=2)}"
         )
 
-        ai_resp = llm_text_gen(
-            prompt=prompt,
-            json_struct=schema,
-            system_prompt=system,
-        )
+        try:
+            ai_resp = llm_text_gen(
+                prompt=prompt,
+                json_struct=schema,
+                system_prompt=system,
+                user_id=user_id
+            )
+        except HTTPException:
+            # Re-raise HTTPExceptions (e.g., 429 subscription limit) to preserve error details
+            raise
+        except Exception as llm_error:
+            # Wrap other errors
+            logger.error(f"AI generation failed: {llm_error}")
+            raise Exception(f"AI generation failed: {str(llm_error)}")
 
         # Check for errors in AI response
         if not ai_resp or ai_resp.get("error"):

backend/services/blog_writer/core/blog_writer_service.py

@@ -105,13 +105,20 @@ class BlogWriterService:
         return await self.research_service.research_with_progress(request, task_id, user_id)
     
     # Outline Methods
-    async def generate_outline(self, request: BlogOutlineRequest) -> BlogOutlineResponse:
-        """Generate AI-powered outline from research data."""
-        return await self.outline_service.generate_outline(request)
+    async def generate_outline(self, request: BlogOutlineRequest, user_id: str) -> BlogOutlineResponse:
+        """Generate AI-powered outline from research data.
+        
+        Args:
+            request: Outline generation request with research data
+            user_id: User ID (required for subscription checks and usage tracking)
+        """
+        if not user_id:
+            raise ValueError("user_id is required for outline generation (subscription checks and usage tracking)")
+        return await self.outline_service.generate_outline(request, user_id)
     
-    async def generate_outline_with_progress(self, request: BlogOutlineRequest, task_id: str) -> BlogOutlineResponse:
+    async def generate_outline_with_progress(self, request: BlogOutlineRequest, task_id: str, user_id: str) -> BlogOutlineResponse:
         """Generate outline with real-time progress updates."""
-        return await self.outline_service.generate_outline_with_progress(request, task_id)
+        return await self.outline_service.generate_outline_with_progress(request, task_id, user_id)
     
     async def refine_outline(self, request: BlogOutlineRefineRequest) -> BlogOutlineResponse:
         """Refine outline with HITL operations."""
@@ -334,9 +341,17 @@ class BlogWriterService:
         # TODO: Move to content module
         return BlogPublishResponse(success=True, platform=request.platform, url="https://example.com/post")
 
-    async def generate_medium_blog_with_progress(self, req: MediumBlogGenerateRequest, task_id: str) -> MediumBlogGenerateResult:
-        """Use Gemini structured JSON to generate a medium-length blog in one call."""
-        return await self.medium_blog_generator.generate_medium_blog_with_progress(req, task_id)
+    async def generate_medium_blog_with_progress(self, req: MediumBlogGenerateRequest, task_id: str, user_id: str) -> MediumBlogGenerateResult:
+        """Use Gemini structured JSON to generate a medium-length blog in one call.
+        
+        Args:
+            req: Medium blog generation request
+            task_id: Task ID for progress updates
+            user_id: User ID (required for subscription checks and usage tracking)
+        """
+        if not user_id:
+            raise ValueError("user_id is required for medium blog generation (subscription checks and usage tracking)")
+        return await self.medium_blog_generator.generate_medium_blog_with_progress(req, task_id, user_id)
 
     async def analyze_flow_basic(self, request: Dict[str, Any]) -> Dict[str, Any]:
         """Analyze flow metrics for entire blog using single AI call (cost-effective)."""

backend/services/blog_writer/outline/outline_generator.py

@@ -42,10 +42,20 @@ class OutlineGenerator:
         self.response_processor = ResponseProcessor()
         self.parallel_processor = ParallelProcessor(self.source_mapper, self.grounding_engine)
     
-    async def generate(self, request: BlogOutlineRequest) -> BlogOutlineResponse:
+    async def generate(self, request: BlogOutlineRequest, user_id: str) -> BlogOutlineResponse:
         """
-        Generate AI-powered outline using research results
+        Generate AI-powered outline using research results.
+        
+        Args:
+            request: Outline generation request with research data
+            user_id: User ID (required for subscription checks and usage tracking)
+            
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If user_id is not provided
         """
+        if not user_id:
+            raise ValueError("user_id is required for outline generation (subscription checks and usage tracking)")
+        
         # Extract research insights
         research = request.research
         primary_keywords = research.keyword_analysis.get('primary', [])
@@ -68,15 +78,15 @@ class OutlineGenerator:
         # Define schema with proper property ordering (critical for Gemini API)
         outline_schema = self.prompt_builder.get_outline_schema()
         
-        # Generate outline using structured JSON response with retry logic
-        outline_data = await self.response_processor.generate_with_retry(outline_prompt, outline_schema)
+        # Generate outline using structured JSON response with retry logic (user_id required)
+        outline_data = await self.response_processor.generate_with_retry(outline_prompt, outline_schema, user_id)
         
         # Convert to BlogOutlineSection objects
         outline_sections = self.response_processor.convert_to_sections(outline_data, sources)
         
-        # Run parallel processing for speed optimization
+        # Run parallel processing for speed optimization (user_id required)
         mapped_sections, grounding_insights = await self.parallel_processor.run_parallel_processing_async(
-            outline_sections, research
+            outline_sections, research, user_id
         )
         
         # Enhance sections with grounding insights
@@ -85,9 +95,9 @@ class OutlineGenerator:
             mapped_sections, research.grounding_metadata, grounding_insights
         )
         
-        # Optimize outline for better flow, SEO, and engagement
+        # Optimize outline for better flow, SEO, and engagement (user_id required)
         logger.info("Optimizing outline for better flow and engagement...")
-        optimized_sections = await self.outline_optimizer.optimize(grounding_enhanced_sections, "comprehensive optimization")
+        optimized_sections = await self.outline_optimizer.optimize(grounding_enhanced_sections, "comprehensive optimization", user_id)
         
         # Rebalance word counts for optimal distribution
         target_words = request.word_count or 1500
@@ -118,10 +128,21 @@ class OutlineGenerator:
             research_coverage=research_coverage
         )
     
-    async def generate_with_progress(self, request: BlogOutlineRequest, task_id: str) -> BlogOutlineResponse:
+    async def generate_with_progress(self, request: BlogOutlineRequest, task_id: str, user_id: str) -> BlogOutlineResponse:
         """
         Outline generation method with progress updates for real-time feedback.
+        
+        Args:
+            request: Outline generation request with research data
+            task_id: Task ID for progress updates
+            user_id: User ID (required for subscription checks and usage tracking)
+            
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If user_id is not provided
         """
+        if not user_id:
+            raise ValueError("user_id is required for outline generation (subscription checks and usage tracking)")
+        
         from api.blog_writer.task_manager import task_manager
         
         # Extract research insights
@@ -150,17 +171,17 @@ class OutlineGenerator:
         
         await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "🔄 Making AI request to generate structured outline...")
         
-        # Generate outline using structured JSON response with retry logic
-        outline_data = await self.response_processor.generate_with_retry(outline_prompt, outline_schema, task_id)
+        # Generate outline using structured JSON response with retry logic (user_id required for subscription checks)
+        outline_data = await self.response_processor.generate_with_retry(outline_prompt, outline_schema, user_id, task_id)
         
         await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "📝 Processing outline structure and validating sections...")
         
         # Convert to BlogOutlineSection objects
         outline_sections = self.response_processor.convert_to_sections(outline_data, sources)
         
-        # Run parallel processing for speed optimization
+        # Run parallel processing for speed optimization (user_id required for subscription checks)
         mapped_sections, grounding_insights = await self.parallel_processor.run_parallel_processing(
-            outline_sections, research, task_id
+            outline_sections, research, user_id, task_id
         )
         
         # Enhance sections with grounding insights (depends on both previous tasks)
@@ -169,9 +190,9 @@ class OutlineGenerator:
             mapped_sections, research.grounding_metadata, grounding_insights
         )
         
-        # Optimize outline for better flow, SEO, and engagement
+        # Optimize outline for better flow, SEO, and engagement (user_id required for subscription checks)
         await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "🎯 Optimizing outline for better flow and engagement...")
-        optimized_sections = await self.outline_optimizer.optimize(grounding_enhanced_sections, "comprehensive optimization")
+        optimized_sections = await self.outline_optimizer.optimize(grounding_enhanced_sections, "comprehensive optimization", user_id)
         
         # Rebalance word counts for optimal distribution
         await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "⚖️ Rebalancing word count distribution...")

backend/services/blog_writer/outline/outline_optimizer.py

@@ -13,8 +13,23 @@ from models.blog_models import BlogOutlineSection
 class OutlineOptimizer:
     """Optimizes outlines for better flow, SEO, and engagement."""
     
-    async def optimize(self, outline: List[BlogOutlineSection], focus: str = "general optimization") -> List[BlogOutlineSection]:
-        """Optimize entire outline for better flow, SEO, and engagement."""
+    async def optimize(self, outline: List[BlogOutlineSection], focus: str, user_id: str) -> List[BlogOutlineSection]:
+        """Optimize entire outline for better flow, SEO, and engagement.
+        
+        Args:
+            outline: List of outline sections to optimize
+            focus: Optimization focus (e.g., "general optimization")
+            user_id: User ID (required for subscription checks and usage tracking)
+            
+        Returns:
+            List of optimized outline sections
+            
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If user_id is not provided
+        """
+        if not user_id:
+            raise ValueError("user_id is required for outline optimization (subscription checks and usage tracking)")
+        
         outline_text = "\n".join([f"{i+1}. {s.heading}" for i, s in enumerate(outline)])
         
         optimization_prompt = f"""Optimize this blog outline for better flow, engagement, and SEO:
@@ -67,7 +82,8 @@ Return JSON format:
             optimized_data = llm_text_gen(
                 prompt=optimization_prompt,
                 json_struct=optimization_schema,
-                system_prompt=None
+                system_prompt=None,
+                user_id=user_id
             )
             
             # Handle the new schema format with "outline" wrapper

backend/services/blog_writer/outline/outline_service.py

@@ -29,11 +29,21 @@ class OutlineService:
         self.outline_optimizer = OutlineOptimizer()
         self.section_enhancer = SectionEnhancer()
     
-    async def generate_outline(self, request: BlogOutlineRequest) -> BlogOutlineResponse:
+    async def generate_outline(self, request: BlogOutlineRequest, user_id: str) -> BlogOutlineResponse:
         """
-        Stage 2: Content Planning with AI-generated outline using research results
-        Uses Gemini with research data to create comprehensive, SEO-optimized outline
+        Stage 2: Content Planning with AI-generated outline using research results.
+        Uses Gemini with research data to create comprehensive, SEO-optimized outline.
+        
+        Args:
+            request: Outline generation request with research data
+            user_id: User ID (required for subscription checks and usage tracking)
+            
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If user_id is not provided
         """
+        if not user_id:
+            raise ValueError("user_id is required for outline generation (subscription checks and usage tracking)")
+        
         # Extract cache parameters - use original user keywords for consistent caching
         keywords = request.research.original_keywords or request.research.keyword_analysis.get('primary', [])
         industry = getattr(request.persona, 'industry', 'general') if request.persona else 'general'
@@ -56,9 +66,9 @@ class OutlineService:
             logger.info(f"Using cached outline for keywords: {keywords}")
             return BlogOutlineResponse(**cached_result)
         
-        # Generate new outline if not cached
+        # Generate new outline if not cached (user_id required)
         logger.info(f"Generating new outline for keywords: {keywords}")
-        result = await self.outline_generator.generate(request)
+        result = await self.outline_generator.generate(request, user_id)
         
         # Cache the result
         persistent_outline_cache.cache_outline(
@@ -73,7 +83,7 @@ class OutlineService:
         
         return result
     
-    async def generate_outline_with_progress(self, request: BlogOutlineRequest, task_id: str) -> BlogOutlineResponse:
+    async def generate_outline_with_progress(self, request: BlogOutlineRequest, task_id: str, user_id: str) -> BlogOutlineResponse:
         """
         Outline generation method with progress updates for real-time feedback.
         """
@@ -104,7 +114,7 @@ class OutlineService:
         
         # Generate new outline if not cached
         logger.info(f"Generating new outline for keywords: {keywords} (with progress updates)")
-        result = await self.outline_generator.generate_with_progress(request, task_id)
+        result = await self.outline_generator.generate_with_progress(request, task_id, user_id)
         
         # Cache the result
         persistent_outline_cache.cache_outline(

backend/services/blog_writer/outline/parallel_processor.py

@@ -17,18 +17,25 @@ class ParallelProcessor:
         self.source_mapper = source_mapper
         self.grounding_engine = grounding_engine
     
-    async def run_parallel_processing(self, outline_sections, research, task_id: str = None) -> Tuple[Any, Any]:
+    async def run_parallel_processing(self, outline_sections, research, user_id: str, task_id: str = None) -> Tuple[Any, Any]:
         """
         Run source mapping and grounding insights extraction in parallel.
         
         Args:
             outline_sections: List of outline sections to process
             research: Research data object
+            user_id: User ID (required for subscription checks and usage tracking)
             task_id: Optional task ID for progress updates
             
         Returns:
             Tuple of (mapped_sections, grounding_insights)
+            
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If user_id is not provided
         """
+        if not user_id:
+            raise ValueError("user_id is required for parallel processing (subscription checks and usage tracking)")
+        
         if task_id:
             from api.blog_writer.task_manager import task_manager
             await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "⚡ Running parallel processing for maximum speed...")
@@ -37,7 +44,7 @@ class ParallelProcessor:
         
         # Run these tasks in parallel to save time
         source_mapping_task = asyncio.create_task(
-            self._run_source_mapping(outline_sections, research, task_id)
+            self._run_source_mapping(outline_sections, research, task_id, user_id)
         )
         
         grounding_insights_task = asyncio.create_task(
@@ -52,22 +59,29 @@ class ParallelProcessor:
         
         return mapped_sections, grounding_insights
     
-    async def run_parallel_processing_async(self, outline_sections, research) -> Tuple[Any, Any]:
+    async def run_parallel_processing_async(self, outline_sections, research, user_id: str) -> Tuple[Any, Any]:
         """
         Run parallel processing without progress updates (for non-progress methods).
         
         Args:
             outline_sections: List of outline sections to process
             research: Research data object
+            user_id: User ID (required for subscription checks and usage tracking)
             
         Returns:
             Tuple of (mapped_sections, grounding_insights)
+            
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If user_id is not provided
         """
+        if not user_id:
+            raise ValueError("user_id is required for parallel processing (subscription checks and usage tracking)")
+        
         logger.info("Running parallel processing for maximum speed...")
         
         # Run these tasks in parallel to save time
         source_mapping_task = asyncio.create_task(
-            self._run_source_mapping_async(outline_sections, research)
+            self._run_source_mapping_async(outline_sections, research, user_id)
         )
         
         grounding_insights_task = asyncio.create_task(
@@ -82,12 +96,12 @@ class ParallelProcessor:
         
         return mapped_sections, grounding_insights
     
-    async def _run_source_mapping(self, outline_sections, research, task_id):
+    async def _run_source_mapping(self, outline_sections, research, task_id, user_id: str):
         """Run source mapping in parallel."""
         if task_id:
             from api.blog_writer.task_manager import task_manager
             await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "🔗 Applying intelligent source-to-section mapping...")
-        return self.source_mapper.map_sources_to_sections(outline_sections, research)
+        return self.source_mapper.map_sources_to_sections(outline_sections, research, user_id)
     
     async def _run_grounding_insights_extraction(self, research, task_id):
         """Run grounding insights extraction in parallel."""
@@ -96,10 +110,10 @@ class ParallelProcessor:
             await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "🧠 Extracting grounding metadata insights...")
         return self.grounding_engine.extract_contextual_insights(research.grounding_metadata)
     
-    async def _run_source_mapping_async(self, outline_sections, research):
+    async def _run_source_mapping_async(self, outline_sections, research, user_id: str):
         """Run source mapping in parallel (async version without progress updates)."""
         logger.info("Applying intelligent source-to-section mapping...")
-        return self.source_mapper.map_sources_to_sections(outline_sections, research)
+        return self.source_mapper.map_sources_to_sections(outline_sections, research, user_id)
     
     async def _run_grounding_insights_extraction_async(self, research):
         """Run grounding insights extraction in parallel (async version without progress updates)."""

backend/services/blog_writer/outline/response_processor.py

@@ -18,8 +18,21 @@ class ResponseProcessor:
         """Initialize the response processor."""
         pass
     
-    async def generate_with_retry(self, prompt: str, schema: Dict[str, Any], task_id: str = None) -> Dict[str, Any]:
-        """Generate outline with retry logic for API failures."""
+    async def generate_with_retry(self, prompt: str, schema: Dict[str, Any], user_id: str, task_id: str = None) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        """Generate outline with retry logic for API failures.
+        
+        Args:
+            prompt: The prompt for outline generation
+            schema: JSON schema for structured response
+            user_id: User ID (required for subscription checks and usage tracking)
+            task_id: Optional task ID for progress updates
+            
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If user_id is not provided
+        """
+        if not user_id:
+            raise ValueError("user_id is required for outline generation (subscription checks and usage tracking)")
+        
         from services.llm_providers.main_text_generation import llm_text_gen
         from api.blog_writer.task_manager import task_manager
         
@@ -34,7 +47,8 @@ class ResponseProcessor:
                 outline_data = llm_text_gen(
                     prompt=prompt,
                     json_struct=schema,
-                    system_prompt=None
+                    system_prompt=None,
+                    user_id=user_id
                 )
                 
                 # Log response for debugging

backend/services/blog_writer/outline/section_enhancer.py

@@ -12,8 +12,23 @@ from models.blog_models import BlogOutlineSection
 class SectionEnhancer:
     """Enhances individual outline sections using AI."""
     
-    async def enhance(self, section: BlogOutlineSection, focus: str = "general improvement") -> BlogOutlineSection:
-        """Enhance a section using AI with research context."""
+    async def enhance(self, section: BlogOutlineSection, focus: str, user_id: str) -> BlogOutlineSection:
+        """Enhance a section using AI with research context.
+        
+        Args:
+            section: Outline section to enhance
+            focus: Enhancement focus (e.g., "general improvement")
+            user_id: User ID (required for subscription checks and usage tracking)
+            
+        Returns:
+            Enhanced outline section
+            
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If user_id is not provided
+        """
+        if not user_id:
+            raise ValueError("user_id is required for section enhancement (subscription checks and usage tracking)")
+        
         enhancement_prompt = f"""
         Enhance the following blog section to make it more engaging, comprehensive, and valuable:
         
@@ -61,7 +76,8 @@ class SectionEnhancer:
             enhanced_data = llm_text_gen(
                 prompt=enhancement_prompt,
                 json_struct=enhancement_schema,
-                system_prompt=None
+                system_prompt=None,
+                user_id=user_id
             )
             
             if isinstance(enhanced_data, dict) and 'error' not in enhanced_data:

backend/services/blog_writer/outline/source_mapper.py

@@ -52,7 +52,8 @@ class SourceToSectionMapper:
     def map_sources_to_sections(
         self, 
         sections: List[BlogOutlineSection], 
-        research_data: BlogResearchResponse
+        research_data: BlogResearchResponse,
+        user_id: str
     ) -> List[BlogOutlineSection]:
         """
         Map research sources to outline sections using intelligent algorithms.
@@ -60,10 +61,17 @@ class SourceToSectionMapper:
         Args:
             sections: List of outline sections to map sources to
             research_data: Research data containing sources and metadata
+            user_id: User ID (required for subscription checks and usage tracking)
             
         Returns:
             List of outline sections with intelligently mapped sources
+            
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If user_id is not provided
         """
+        if not user_id:
+            raise ValueError("user_id is required for source mapping (subscription checks and usage tracking)")
+        
         if not sections or not research_data.sources:
             logger.warning("No sections or sources to map")
             return sections
@@ -73,8 +81,8 @@ class SourceToSectionMapper:
         # Step 1: Algorithmic mapping
         mapping_results = self._algorithmic_source_mapping(sections, research_data)
         
-        # Step 2: AI validation and improvement (single prompt)
-        validated_mapping = self._ai_validate_mapping(mapping_results, research_data)
+        # Step 2: AI validation and improvement (single prompt, user_id required for subscription checks)
+        validated_mapping = self._ai_validate_mapping(mapping_results, research_data, user_id)
         
         # Step 3: Apply validated mapping to sections
         mapped_sections = self._apply_mapping_to_sections(sections, validated_mapping)
@@ -261,7 +269,8 @@ class SourceToSectionMapper:
     def _ai_validate_mapping(
         self, 
         mapping_results: Dict[str, List[Tuple[ResearchSource, float]]], 
-        research_data: BlogResearchResponse
+        research_data: BlogResearchResponse,
+        user_id: str
     ) -> Dict[str, List[Tuple[ResearchSource, float]]]:
         """
         Use AI to validate and improve the algorithmic mapping results.
@@ -269,18 +278,25 @@ class SourceToSectionMapper:
         Args:
             mapping_results: Algorithmic mapping results
             research_data: Research data for context
+            user_id: User ID (required for subscription checks and usage tracking)
             
         Returns:
             AI-validated and improved mapping results
+            
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If user_id is not provided
         """
+        if not user_id:
+            raise ValueError("user_id is required for AI validation (subscription checks and usage tracking)")
+        
         try:
             logger.info("Starting AI validation of source-to-section mapping...")
             
             # Build AI validation prompt
             validation_prompt = self._build_validation_prompt(mapping_results, research_data)
             
-            # Get AI validation response
-            validation_response = self._get_ai_validation_response(validation_prompt)
+            # Get AI validation response (user_id required for subscription checks)
+            validation_response = self._get_ai_validation_response(validation_prompt, user_id)
             
             # Parse and apply AI validation results
             validated_mapping = self._parse_validation_response(validation_response, mapping_results, research_data)
@@ -548,23 +564,31 @@ Analyze the mapping and provide your recommendations.
         
         return prompt
     
-    def _get_ai_validation_response(self, prompt: str) -> str:
+    def _get_ai_validation_response(self, prompt: str, user_id: str) -> str:
         """
         Get AI validation response using LLM provider.
         
         Args:
             prompt: Validation prompt
+            user_id: User ID (required for subscription checks and usage tracking)
             
         Returns:
             AI validation response
+            
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If user_id is not provided
         """
+        if not user_id:
+            raise ValueError("user_id is required for AI validation response (subscription checks and usage tracking)")
+        
         try:
             from services.llm_providers.main_text_generation import llm_text_gen
             
             response = llm_text_gen(
                 prompt=prompt,
                 json_struct=None,
-                system_prompt=None
+                system_prompt=None,
+                user_id=user_id
             )
             
             return response

backend/services/blog_writer/research/__init__.py

@@ -13,11 +13,17 @@ from .keyword_analyzer import KeywordAnalyzer
 from .competitor_analyzer import CompetitorAnalyzer
 from .content_angle_generator import ContentAngleGenerator
 from .data_filter import ResearchDataFilter
+from .base_provider import ResearchProvider as BaseResearchProvider
+from .google_provider import GoogleResearchProvider
+from .exa_provider import ExaResearchProvider
 
 __all__ = [
     'ResearchService',
     'KeywordAnalyzer', 
     'CompetitorAnalyzer',
     'ContentAngleGenerator',
-    'ResearchDataFilter'
+    'ResearchDataFilter',
+    'BaseResearchProvider',
+    'GoogleResearchProvider',
+    'ExaResearchProvider',
 ]

backend/services/blog_writer/research/base_provider.py

@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+"""
+Base Research Provider Interface
+
+Abstract base class for research provider implementations.
+Ensures consistency across different research providers (Google, Exa, etc.)
+"""
+
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+from typing import Dict, Any
+
+
+class ResearchProvider(ABC):
+    """Abstract base class for research providers."""
+    
+    @abstractmethod
+    async def search(
+        self,
+        prompt: str,
+        topic: str,
+        industry: str,
+        target_audience: str,
+        config: Any,  # ResearchConfig
+        user_id: str
+    ) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        """Execute research and return raw results."""
+        pass
+    
+    @abstractmethod
+    def get_provider_enum(self):
+        """Return APIProvider enum for subscription tracking."""
+        pass
+    
+    @abstractmethod
+    def estimate_tokens(self) -> int:
+        """Estimate token usage for pre-flight validation."""
+        pass
+

backend/services/blog_writer/research/exa_provider.py

@@ -0,0 +1,188 @@
+"""
+Exa Research Provider
+
+Neural search implementation using Exa API for high-quality, citation-rich research.
+"""
+
+from exa_py import Exa
+import os
+from loguru import logger
+from models.subscription_models import APIProvider
+from .base_provider import ResearchProvider as BaseProvider
+
+
+class ExaResearchProvider(BaseProvider):
+    """Exa neural search provider."""
+    
+    def __init__(self):
+        self.api_key = os.getenv("EXA_API_KEY")
+        if not self.api_key:
+            raise RuntimeError("EXA_API_KEY not configured")
+        self.exa = Exa(self.api_key)
+        logger.info("✅ Exa Research Provider initialized")
+    
+    async def search(self, prompt, topic, industry, target_audience, config, user_id):
+        """Execute Exa neural search and return standardized results."""
+        # Build Exa query
+        query = f"{topic} {industry} {target_audience}"
+        
+        # Map source types to Exa categories
+        category = self._map_source_type_to_category(config.source_types)
+        
+        logger.info(f"[Exa Research] Executing search: {query}")
+        
+        # Execute Exa search
+        results = self.exa.search_and_contents(
+            query,
+            type="auto",
+            category=category,
+            num_results=min(config.max_sources, 25),
+            contents={
+                'text': {'max_characters': 1000},
+                'summary': {'query': f"Key insights about {topic}"},
+                'highlights': {
+                    'num_sentences': 2,
+                    'highlights_per_url': 3
+                }
+            }
+        )
+        
+        # Transform to standardized format
+        sources = self._transform_sources(results.results)
+        content = self._aggregate_content(results.results)
+        search_type = getattr(results, 'resolvedSearchType', 'neural') if hasattr(results, 'resolvedSearchType') else 'neural'
+        
+        # Get cost if available
+        cost = 0.005  # Default Exa cost for 1-25 results
+        if hasattr(results, 'costDollars'):
+            if hasattr(results.costDollars, 'total'):
+                cost = results.costDollars.total
+        
+        logger.info(f"[Exa Research] Search completed: {len(sources)} sources, type: {search_type}")
+        
+        return {
+            'sources': sources,
+            'content': content,
+            'search_type': search_type,
+            'provider': 'exa',
+            'search_queries': [query],
+            'cost': {'total': cost}
+        }
+    
+    def get_provider_enum(self):
+        """Return EXA provider enum for subscription tracking."""
+        return APIProvider.EXA
+    
+    def estimate_tokens(self) -> int:
+        """Estimate token usage for Exa (not token-based)."""
+        return 0  # Exa is per-search, not token-based
+    
+    def _map_source_type_to_category(self, source_types):
+        """Map SourceType enum to Exa category parameter."""
+        if not source_types:
+            return None
+        
+        category_map = {
+            'research paper': 'research paper',
+            'news': 'news',
+            'web': 'personal site',
+            'industry': 'company',
+            'expert': 'linkedin profile'
+        }
+        
+        for st in source_types:
+            if st.value in category_map:
+                return category_map[st.value]
+        
+        return None
+    
+    def _transform_sources(self, results):
+        """Transform Exa results to ResearchSource format."""
+        sources = []
+        for idx, result in enumerate(results):
+            source_type = self._determine_source_type(result.url if hasattr(result, 'url') else '')
+            
+            sources.append({
+                'title': result.title if hasattr(result, 'title') else '',
+                'url': result.url if hasattr(result, 'url') else '',
+                'excerpt': self._get_excerpt(result),
+                'credibility_score': 0.85,  # Exa results are high quality
+                'published_at': result.publishedDate if hasattr(result, 'publishedDate') else None,
+                'index': idx,
+                'source_type': source_type,
+                'content': result.text if hasattr(result, 'text') else '',
+                'highlights': result.highlights if hasattr(result, 'highlights') else [],
+                'summary': result.summary if hasattr(result, 'summary') else ''
+            })
+        
+        return sources
+    
+    def _get_excerpt(self, result):
+        """Extract excerpt from Exa result."""
+        if hasattr(result, 'text') and result.text:
+            return result.text[:500]
+        elif hasattr(result, 'summary') and result.summary:
+            return result.summary
+        return ''
+    
+    def _determine_source_type(self, url):
+        """Determine source type from URL."""
+        if not url:
+            return 'web'
+        
+        url_lower = url.lower()
+        if 'arxiv.org' in url_lower or 'research' in url_lower:
+            return 'academic'
+        elif any(news in url_lower for news in ['cnn.com', 'bbc.com', 'reuters.com', 'theguardian.com']):
+            return 'news'
+        elif 'linkedin.com' in url_lower:
+            return 'expert'
+        else:
+            return 'web'
+    
+    def _aggregate_content(self, results):
+        """Aggregate content from Exa results for LLM analysis."""
+        content_parts = []
+        
+        for idx, result in enumerate(results):
+            if hasattr(result, 'summary') and result.summary:
+                content_parts.append(f"Source {idx + 1}: {result.summary}")
+            elif hasattr(result, 'text') and result.text:
+                content_parts.append(f"Source {idx + 1}: {result.text[:1000]}")
+        
+        return "\n\n".join(content_parts)
+    
+    def track_exa_usage(self, user_id: str, cost: float):
+        """Track Exa API usage after successful call."""
+        from services.database import get_db
+        from services.subscription import PricingService
+        from sqlalchemy import text
+        
+        db = next(get_db())
+        try:
+            pricing_service = PricingService(db)
+            current_period = pricing_service.get_current_billing_period(user_id)
+            
+            # Update exa_calls and exa_cost via SQL UPDATE
+            update_query = text("""
+                UPDATE usage_summaries 
+                SET exa_calls = COALESCE(exa_calls, 0) + 1,
+                    exa_cost = COALESCE(exa_cost, 0) + :cost,
+                    total_calls = total_calls + 1,
+                    total_cost = total_cost + :cost
+                WHERE user_id = :user_id AND billing_period = :period
+            """)
+            db.execute(update_query, {
+                'cost': cost,
+                'user_id': user_id,
+                'period': current_period
+            })
+            db.commit()
+            
+            logger.info(f"[Exa] Tracked usage: user={user_id}, cost=${cost}")
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"[Exa] Failed to track usage: {e}")
+            db.rollback()
+        finally:
+            db.close()
+

backend/services/blog_writer/research/google_provider.py

@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+"""
+Google Research Provider
+
+Wrapper for Gemini native Google Search grounding to match base provider interface.
+"""
+
+from services.llm_providers.gemini_grounded_provider import GeminiGroundedProvider
+from models.subscription_models import APIProvider
+from .base_provider import ResearchProvider as BaseProvider
+from loguru import logger
+
+
+class GoogleResearchProvider(BaseProvider):
+    """Google research provider using Gemini native grounding."""
+    
+    def __init__(self):
+        self.gemini = GeminiGroundedProvider()
+    
+    async def search(self, prompt, topic, industry, target_audience, config, user_id):
+        """Call Gemini grounding with pre-flight validation."""
+        logger.info(f"[Google Research] Executing search for topic: {topic}")
+        
+        result = await self.gemini.generate_grounded_content(
+            prompt=prompt,
+            content_type="research",
+            max_tokens=2000,
+            user_id=user_id,
+            validate_subsequent_operations=True
+        )
+        
+        return result
+    
+    def get_provider_enum(self):
+        """Return GEMINI provider enum for subscription tracking."""
+        return APIProvider.GEMINI
+    
+    def estimate_tokens(self) -> int:
+        """Estimate token usage for Google grounding."""
+        return 1200  # Conservative estimate
+

backend/services/blog_writer/research/research_service.py

@@ -16,6 +16,9 @@ from models.blog_models import (
     GroundingChunk,
     GroundingSupport,
     Citation,
+    ResearchConfig,
+    ResearchMode,
+    ResearchProvider,
 )
 from services.blog_writer.logger_config import blog_writer_logger, log_function_call
 from fastapi import HTTPException
@@ -24,6 +27,7 @@ from .keyword_analyzer import KeywordAnalyzer
 from .competitor_analyzer import CompetitorAnalyzer
 from .content_angle_generator import ContentAngleGenerator
 from .data_filter import ResearchDataFilter
+from .research_strategies import get_strategy_for_mode
 
 
 class ResearchService:
@@ -44,7 +48,6 @@ class ResearchService:
         Includes intelligent caching for exact keyword matches.
         """
         try:
-            from services.llm_providers.gemini_grounded_provider import GeminiGroundedProvider
             from services.cache.research_cache import research_cache
             
             topic = request.topic or ", ".join(request.keywords)
@@ -79,62 +82,104 @@ class ResearchService:
             
             # Cache miss - proceed with API call
             logger.info(f"Cache miss - making API call for keywords: {request.keywords}")
-            blog_writer_logger.log_operation_start("gemini_api_call", api_name="gemini_grounded", operation="research")
-            gemini = GeminiGroundedProvider()
+            blog_writer_logger.log_operation_start("research_api_call", api_name="research", operation="research")
 
-            # Single comprehensive research prompt - Gemini handles Google Search automatically
-            research_prompt = f"""
-            Research the topic "{topic}" in the {industry} industry for {target_audience} audience. Provide a comprehensive analysis including:
-
-            1. Current trends and insights (2024-2025)
-            2. Key statistics and data points with sources
-            3. Industry expert opinions and quotes
-            4. Recent developments and news
-            5. Market analysis and forecasts
-            6. Best practices and case studies
-            7. Keyword analysis: primary, secondary, and long-tail opportunities
-            8. Competitor analysis: top players and content gaps
-            9. Content angle suggestions: 5 compelling angles for blog posts
-
-            Focus on factual, up-to-date information from credible sources.
-            Include specific data points, percentages, and recent developments.
-            Structure your response with clear sections for each analysis area.
-            """
+            # Determine research mode and get appropriate strategy
+            research_mode = request.research_mode or ResearchMode.BASIC
+            config = request.config or ResearchConfig(mode=research_mode, provider=ResearchProvider.GOOGLE)
+            strategy = get_strategy_for_mode(research_mode)
             
-            # Single Gemini call with native Google Search grounding - no fallbacks
-            # Validation is handled inside generate_grounded_content when validate_subsequent_operations=True
-            import time
-            api_start_time = time.time()
-            gemini_result = await gemini.generate_grounded_content(
-                prompt=research_prompt,
-                content_type="research",
-                max_tokens=2000,
-                user_id=user_id,
-                validate_subsequent_operations=True  # Validates Google Grounding + 3 LLM calls
-            )
-            api_duration_ms = (time.time() - api_start_time) * 1000
+            logger.info(f"Research: mode={research_mode.value}, provider={config.provider.value}")
             
-            # Log API call performance
-            blog_writer_logger.log_api_call(
-                "gemini_grounded",
-                "generate_grounded_content",
-                api_duration_ms,
-                token_usage=gemini_result.get("token_usage", {}),
-                content_length=len(gemini_result.get("content", ""))
-            )
+            # Build research prompt based on strategy
+            research_prompt = strategy.build_research_prompt(topic, industry, target_audience, config)
             
-            # Extract sources from grounding metadata
-            sources = self._extract_sources_from_grounding(gemini_result)
+            # Route to appropriate provider
+            if config.provider == ResearchProvider.EXA:
+                # Exa research workflow
+                from .exa_provider import ExaResearchProvider
+                from services.subscription.preflight_validator import validate_exa_research_operations
+                from services.database import get_db
+                from services.subscription import PricingService
+                import os
+                import time
+                
+                # Pre-flight validation
+                db_val = next(get_db())
+                try:
+                    pricing_service = PricingService(db_val)
+                    gpt_provider = os.getenv("GPT_PROVIDER", "google")
+                    validate_exa_research_operations(pricing_service, user_id, gpt_provider)
+                finally:
+                    db_val.close()
+                
+                # Execute Exa search
+                api_start_time = time.time()
+                try:
+                    exa_provider = ExaResearchProvider()
+                    raw_result = await exa_provider.search(
+                        research_prompt, topic, industry, target_audience, config, user_id
+                    )
+                    api_duration_ms = (time.time() - api_start_time) * 1000
+                    
+                    # Track usage
+                    cost = raw_result.get('cost', {}).get('total', 0.005) if isinstance(raw_result.get('cost'), dict) else 0.005
+                    exa_provider.track_exa_usage(user_id, cost)
+                    
+                    # Log API call performance
+                    blog_writer_logger.log_api_call(
+                        "exa_search",
+                        "search_and_contents",
+                        api_duration_ms,
+                        token_usage={},
+                        content_length=len(raw_result.get('content', ''))
+                    )
+                    
+                    # Extract content for downstream analysis
+                    content = raw_result.get('content', '')
+                    sources = raw_result.get('sources', [])
+                    search_widget = ""  # Exa doesn't provide search widgets
+                    search_queries = raw_result.get('search_queries', [])
+                    grounding_metadata = None  # Exa doesn't provide grounding metadata
+                    
+                except RuntimeError as e:
+                    if "EXA_API_KEY not configured" in str(e):
+                        logger.warning("Exa not configured, falling back to Google")
+                        config.provider = ResearchProvider.GOOGLE
+                        # Continue to Google flow below
+                        raw_result = None
+                    else:
+                        raise
+                
+            if config.provider != ResearchProvider.EXA:
+                # Google research (existing flow) or fallback from Exa
+                from .google_provider import GoogleResearchProvider
+                import time
+                
+                api_start_time = time.time()
+                google_provider = GoogleResearchProvider()
+                gemini_result = await google_provider.search(
+                    research_prompt, topic, industry, target_audience, config, user_id
+                )
+                api_duration_ms = (time.time() - api_start_time) * 1000
+                
+                # Log API call performance
+                blog_writer_logger.log_api_call(
+                    "gemini_grounded",
+                    "generate_grounded_content",
+                    api_duration_ms,
+                    token_usage=gemini_result.get("token_usage", {}),
+                    content_length=len(gemini_result.get("content", ""))
+                )
+                
+                # Extract sources and content
+                sources = self._extract_sources_from_grounding(gemini_result)
+                content = gemini_result.get("content", "")
+                search_widget = gemini_result.get("search_widget", "") or ""
+                search_queries = gemini_result.get("search_queries", []) or []
+                grounding_metadata = self._extract_grounding_metadata(gemini_result)
             
-            # Extract grounding metadata for detailed UI display
-            grounding_metadata = self._extract_grounding_metadata(gemini_result)
-            
-            # Extract search widget and queries for UI display
-            search_widget = gemini_result.get("search_widget", "") or ""
-            search_queries = gemini_result.get("search_queries", []) or []
-            
-            # Parse the comprehensive response for different analysis components
-            content = gemini_result.get("content", "")
+            # Continue with common analysis (same for both providers)
             keyword_analysis = self.keyword_analyzer.analyze(content, request.keywords, user_id=user_id)
             competitor_analysis = self.competitor_analyzer.analyze(content, user_id=user_id)
             suggested_angles = self.content_angle_generator.generate(content, topic, industry, user_id=user_id)
@@ -261,7 +306,6 @@ class ResearchService:
         Research method with progress updates for real-time feedback.
         """
         try:
-            from services.llm_providers.gemini_grounded_provider import GeminiGroundedProvider
             from services.cache.research_cache import research_cache
             from services.cache.persistent_research_cache import persistent_research_cache
             from api.blog_writer.task_manager import task_manager
@@ -293,66 +337,100 @@ class ResearchService:
                 logger.info(f"Returning cached research result for keywords: {request.keywords}")
                 return BlogResearchResponse(**cached_result)
             
-            # User ID validation (validation logic is now in Google Grounding provider)
+            # User ID validation
             if not user_id:
                 await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "❌ Error: User ID is required for research operation")
                 raise ValueError("user_id is required for research operation. Please provide Clerk user ID.")
             
-            # Cache miss - proceed with API call
-            await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "🌐 Cache miss - connecting to Google Search grounding...")
-            logger.info(f"Cache miss - making API call for keywords: {request.keywords}")
-            gemini = GeminiGroundedProvider()
-
-            # Single comprehensive research prompt - Gemini handles Google Search automatically
-            research_prompt = f"""
-            Research the topic "{topic}" in the {industry} industry for {target_audience} audience. Provide a comprehensive analysis including:
-
-            1. Current trends and insights (2024-2025)
-            2. Key statistics and data points with sources
-            3. Industry expert opinions and quotes
-            4. Recent developments and news
-            5. Market analysis and forecasts
-            6. Best practices and case studies
-            7. Keyword analysis: primary, secondary, and long-tail opportunities
-            8. Competitor analysis: top players and content gaps
-            9. Content angle suggestions: 5 compelling angles for blog posts
-
-            Focus on factual, up-to-date information from credible sources.
-            Include specific data points, percentages, and recent developments.
-            Structure your response with clear sections for each analysis area.
-            """
+            # Determine research mode and get appropriate strategy
+            research_mode = request.research_mode or ResearchMode.BASIC
+            config = request.config or ResearchConfig(mode=research_mode, provider=ResearchProvider.GOOGLE)
+            strategy = get_strategy_for_mode(research_mode)
             
-            await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "🤖 Making AI request to Gemini with Google Search grounding...")
-            # Single Gemini call with native Google Search grounding - no fallbacks
-            # Validation is handled inside generate_grounded_content when validate_subsequent_operations=True
-            try:
-                gemini_result = await gemini.generate_grounded_content(
-                    prompt=research_prompt,
-                    content_type="research",
-                    max_tokens=2000,
-                    user_id=user_id,
-                    validate_subsequent_operations=True  # Validates Google Grounding + 3 LLM calls
-                )
-            except HTTPException as http_error:
-                # Re-raise HTTPException so it can be properly handled by task manager
-                logger.error(f"Subscription limit exceeded for research: {http_error.detail}")
-                await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, f"❌ Subscription limit exceeded: {http_error.detail.get('message', str(http_error.detail)) if isinstance(http_error.detail, dict) else str(http_error.detail)}")
-                raise  # Re-raise HTTPException to preserve status code and error details
+            logger.info(f"Research: mode={research_mode.value}, provider={config.provider.value}")
             
-            await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "📊 Processing research results and extracting insights...")
-            # Extract sources from grounding metadata
-            sources = self._extract_sources_from_grounding(gemini_result)
+            # Build research prompt based on strategy
+            research_prompt = strategy.build_research_prompt(topic, industry, target_audience, config)
             
-            # Extract grounding metadata for detailed UI display
-            grounding_metadata = self._extract_grounding_metadata(gemini_result)
-            
-            # Extract search widget and queries for UI display
-            search_widget = gemini_result.get("search_widget", "") or ""
-            search_queries = gemini_result.get("search_queries", []) or []
+            # Route to appropriate provider
+            if config.provider == ResearchProvider.EXA:
+                # Exa research workflow
+                from .exa_provider import ExaResearchProvider
+                from services.subscription.preflight_validator import validate_exa_research_operations
+                from services.database import get_db
+                from services.subscription import PricingService
+                import os
+                
+                await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "🌐 Connecting to Exa neural search...")
+                
+                # Pre-flight validation
+                db_val = next(get_db())
+                try:
+                    pricing_service = PricingService(db_val)
+                    gpt_provider = os.getenv("GPT_PROVIDER", "google")
+                    validate_exa_research_operations(pricing_service, user_id, gpt_provider)
+                except HTTPException as http_error:
+                    logger.error(f"Subscription limit exceeded for Exa research: {http_error.detail}")
+                    await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, f"❌ Subscription limit exceeded: {http_error.detail.get('message', str(http_error.detail)) if isinstance(http_error.detail, dict) else str(http_error.detail)}")
+                    raise
+                finally:
+                    db_val.close()
+                
+                # Execute Exa search
+                await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "🤖 Executing Exa neural search...")
+                try:
+                    exa_provider = ExaResearchProvider()
+                    raw_result = await exa_provider.search(
+                        research_prompt, topic, industry, target_audience, config, user_id
+                    )
+                    
+                    # Track usage
+                    cost = raw_result.get('cost', {}).get('total', 0.005) if isinstance(raw_result.get('cost'), dict) else 0.005
+                    exa_provider.track_exa_usage(user_id, cost)
+                    
+                    # Extract content for downstream analysis
+                    content = raw_result.get('content', '')
+                    sources = raw_result.get('sources', [])
+                    search_widget = ""  # Exa doesn't provide search widgets
+                    search_queries = raw_result.get('search_queries', [])
+                    grounding_metadata = None  # Exa doesn't provide grounding metadata
+                    
+                except RuntimeError as e:
+                    if "EXA_API_KEY not configured" in str(e):
+                        logger.warning("Exa not configured, falling back to Google")
+                        await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "⚠️ Exa not configured, falling back to Google Search")
+                        config.provider = ResearchProvider.GOOGLE
+                        # Continue to Google flow below
+                    else:
+                        raise
+                
+            if config.provider != ResearchProvider.EXA:
+                # Google research (existing flow)
+                from .google_provider import GoogleResearchProvider
+                
+                await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "🌐 Connecting to Google Search grounding...")
+                google_provider = GoogleResearchProvider()
+                
+                await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "🤖 Making AI request to Gemini with Google Search grounding...")
+                try:
+                    gemini_result = await google_provider.search(
+                        research_prompt, topic, industry, target_audience, config, user_id
+                    )
+                except HTTPException as http_error:
+                    logger.error(f"Subscription limit exceeded for Google research: {http_error.detail}")
+                    await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, f"❌ Subscription limit exceeded: {http_error.detail.get('message', str(http_error.detail)) if isinstance(http_error.detail, dict) else str(http_error.detail)}")
+                    raise
+                
+                await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "📊 Processing research results and extracting insights...")
+                # Extract sources and content
+                sources = self._extract_sources_from_grounding(gemini_result)
+                content = gemini_result.get("content", "")
+                search_widget = gemini_result.get("search_widget", "") or ""
+                search_queries = gemini_result.get("search_queries", []) or []
+                grounding_metadata = self._extract_grounding_metadata(gemini_result)
             
+            # Continue with common analysis (same for both providers)
             await task_manager.update_progress(task_id, "🔍 Analyzing keywords and content angles...")
-            # Parse the comprehensive response for different analysis components
-            content = gemini_result.get("content", "")
             keyword_analysis = self.keyword_analyzer.analyze(content, request.keywords, user_id=user_id)
             competitor_analysis = self.competitor_analyzer.analyze(content, user_id=user_id)
             suggested_angles = self.content_angle_generator.generate(content, topic, industry, user_id=user_id)

backend/services/blog_writer/research/research_strategies.py

@@ -0,0 +1,234 @@
+"""
+Research Strategy Pattern Implementation
+
+Different strategies for executing research based on depth and focus.
+"""
+
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+from typing import Dict, Any
+from loguru import logger
+
+from models.blog_models import BlogResearchRequest, ResearchMode, ResearchConfig
+from .keyword_analyzer import KeywordAnalyzer
+from .competitor_analyzer import CompetitorAnalyzer
+from .content_angle_generator import ContentAngleGenerator
+
+
+class ResearchStrategy(ABC):
+    """Base class for research strategies."""
+    
+    def __init__(self):
+        self.keyword_analyzer = KeywordAnalyzer()
+        self.competitor_analyzer = CompetitorAnalyzer()
+        self.content_angle_generator = ContentAngleGenerator()
+    
+    @abstractmethod
+    def build_research_prompt(
+        self, 
+        topic: str, 
+        industry: str, 
+        target_audience: str,
+        config: ResearchConfig
+    ) -> str:
+        """Build the research prompt for the strategy."""
+        pass
+    
+    @abstractmethod
+    def get_mode(self) -> ResearchMode:
+        """Return the research mode this strategy handles."""
+        pass
+
+
+class BasicResearchStrategy(ResearchStrategy):
+    """Basic research strategy - keyword focused, minimal analysis."""
+    
+    def get_mode(self) -> ResearchMode:
+        return ResearchMode.BASIC
+    
+    def build_research_prompt(
+        self,
+        topic: str,
+        industry: str,
+        target_audience: str,
+        config: ResearchConfig
+    ) -> str:
+        """Build basic research prompt focused on keywords and quick insights."""
+        prompt = f"""You are a professional blog content strategist researching for a {industry} blog targeting {target_audience}.
+
+Research Topic: "{topic}"
+
+Provide analysis in this EXACT format:
+
+## CURRENT TRENDS (2024-2025)
+- [Trend 1 with specific data and source URL]
+- [Trend 2 with specific data and source URL]
+- [Trend 3 with specific data and source URL]
+
+## KEY STATISTICS
+- [Statistic 1: specific number/percentage with source URL]
+- [Statistic 2: specific number/percentage with source URL]
+- [Statistic 3: specific number/percentage with source URL]
+- [Statistic 4: specific number/percentage with source URL]
+- [Statistic 5: specific number/percentage with source URL]
+
+## PRIMARY KEYWORDS
+1. "{topic}" (main keyword)
+2. [Variation 1]
+3. [Variation 2]
+
+## SECONDARY KEYWORDS
+[5 related keywords for blog content]
+
+## CONTENT ANGLES (Top 5)
+1. [Angle 1: specific unique approach]
+2. [Angle 2: specific unique approach]
+3. [Angle 3: specific unique approach]
+4. [Angle 4: specific unique approach]
+5. [Angle 5: specific unique approach]
+
+REQUIREMENTS:
+- Cite EVERY claim with authoritative source URLs
+- Use 2024-2025 data when available
+- Include specific numbers, dates, examples
+- Focus on actionable blog insights for {target_audience}"""
+        return prompt.strip()
+
+
+class ComprehensiveResearchStrategy(ResearchStrategy):
+    """Comprehensive research strategy - full analysis with all components."""
+    
+    def get_mode(self) -> ResearchMode:
+        return ResearchMode.COMPREHENSIVE
+    
+    def build_research_prompt(
+        self,
+        topic: str,
+        industry: str,
+        target_audience: str,
+        config: ResearchConfig
+    ) -> str:
+        """Build comprehensive research prompt with all analysis components."""
+        date_filter = f"\nDate Focus: {config.date_range.value.replace('_', ' ')}" if config.date_range else ""
+        source_filter = f"\nPriority Sources: {', '.join([s.value for s in config.source_types])}" if config.source_types else ""
+        
+        prompt = f"""You are a senior blog content strategist conducting comprehensive research for a {industry} blog targeting {target_audience}.
+
+Research Topic: "{topic}"{date_filter}{source_filter}
+
+Provide COMPLETE analysis in this EXACT format:
+
+## TRENDS AND INSIGHTS (2024-2025)
+[5-7 trends with specific data, numbers, and source URLs]
+
+## KEY STATISTICS
+[7-10 statistics with exact numbers, percentages, dates, and source URLs]
+
+## EXPERT OPINIONS
+[4-5 expert quotes with full attribution and source URLs]
+
+## RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
+[5-7 recent news/developments with dates and source URLs]
+
+## MARKET ANALYSIS
+[3-5 market insights with data points and source URLs]
+
+## BEST PRACTICES & CASE STUDIES
+[3-5 examples with specific outcomes/metrics and source URLs]
+
+## KEYWORD ANALYSIS
+Primary Keywords: [3 main variations]
+Secondary Keywords: [7-10 related keywords]
+Long-Tail Opportunities: [5-7 specific search phrases]
+
+## COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
+Top Competitors: [5 competitors with brief descriptions]
+Content Gaps: [5 topics competitors are missing]
+Competitive Advantages: [5 unique angles we can own]
+
+## CONTENT ANGLES (Exactly 5)
+1. [Unique angle with reasoning and target benefit]
+2. [Unique angle with reasoning and target benefit]
+3. [Unique angle with reasoning and target benefit]
+4. [Unique angle with reasoning and target benefit]
+5. [Unique angle with reasoning and target benefit]
+
+VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
+- Minimum 2 authoritative sources per major claim
+- Prioritize: Industry publications > Research papers > News > Blogs
+- 2024-2025 data strongly preferred
+- All numbers must include context (timeframe, sample size, methodology)
+- Every recommendation must be actionable for {target_audience}"""
+        return prompt.strip()
+
+
+class TargetedResearchStrategy(ResearchStrategy):
+    """Targeted research strategy - focused on specific aspects."""
+    
+    def get_mode(self) -> ResearchMode:
+        return ResearchMode.TARGETED
+    
+    def build_research_prompt(
+        self,
+        topic: str,
+        industry: str,
+        target_audience: str,
+        config: ResearchConfig
+    ) -> str:
+        """Build targeted research prompt based on config preferences."""
+        sections = []
+        
+        if config.include_trends:
+            sections.append("""## CURRENT TRENDS
+[3-5 trends with data and source URLs]""")
+        
+        if config.include_statistics:
+            sections.append("""## KEY STATISTICS
+[5-7 statistics with numbers and source URLs]""")
+        
+        if config.include_expert_quotes:
+            sections.append("""## EXPERT OPINIONS
+[3-4 expert quotes with attribution and source URLs]""")
+        
+        if config.include_competitors:
+            sections.append("""## COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
+Top Competitors: [3-5]
+Content Gaps: [3-5]""")
+        
+        # Always include keywords and angles
+        sections.append("""## KEYWORD ANALYSIS
+Primary: [2-3 variations]
+Secondary: [5-7 keywords]
+Long-Tail: [3-5 phrases]""")
+        
+        sections.append("""## CONTENT ANGLES (3-5)
+[Unique blog angles with reasoning]""")
+        
+        sections_str = "\n\n".join(sections)
+        
+        prompt = f"""You are a blog content strategist conducting targeted research for a {industry} blog targeting {target_audience}.
+
+Research Topic: "{topic}"
+
+Provide focused analysis in this EXACT format:
+
+{sections_str}
+
+REQUIREMENTS:
+- Cite all claims with authoritative source URLs
+- Include specific numbers, dates, examples
+- Focus on actionable insights for {target_audience}
+- Use 2024-2025 data when available"""
+        return prompt.strip()
+
+
+def get_strategy_for_mode(mode: ResearchMode) -> ResearchStrategy:
+    """Factory function to get the appropriate strategy for a mode."""
+    strategy_map = {
+        ResearchMode.BASIC: BasicResearchStrategy,
+        ResearchMode.COMPREHENSIVE: ComprehensiveResearchStrategy,
+        ResearchMode.TARGETED: TargetedResearchStrategy,
+    }
+    
+    strategy_class = strategy_map.get(mode, BasicResearchStrategy)
+    return strategy_class()
+

backend/services/integrations/wix/__init__.py

@@ -2,4 +2,14 @@
 Wix integration modular services package.
 """
 
+from services.integrations.wix.seo import build_seo_data
+from services.integrations.wix.ricos_converter import markdown_to_html, convert_via_wix_api
+from services.integrations.wix.blog_publisher import create_blog_post
+
+__all__ = [
+    'build_seo_data',
+    'markdown_to_html',
+    'convert_via_wix_api',
+    'create_blog_post',
+]
 

backend/services/integrations/wix/blog.py

@@ -20,6 +20,40 @@ class WixBlogService:
         return h
 
     def create_draft_post(self, access_token: str, payload: Dict[str, Any], extra_headers: Optional[Dict[str, str]] = None) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        # Log the exact payload being sent for debugging
+        import json
+        logger.warning(f"📤 Sending to Wix Blog API:")
+        logger.warning(f"  Endpoint: {self.base_url}/blog/v3/draft-posts")
+        logger.warning(f"  Payload top-level keys: {list(payload.keys())}")
+        if 'draftPost' in payload:
+            dp = payload['draftPost']
+            logger.warning(f"  draftPost keys: {list(dp.keys())}")
+            if 'richContent' in dp:
+                rc = dp['richContent']
+                logger.warning(f"  richContent keys: {list(rc.keys()) if isinstance(rc, dict) else 'N/A'}")
+                if isinstance(rc, dict) and 'nodes' in rc:
+                    nodes = rc['nodes']
+                    logger.warning(f"  richContent.nodes count: {len(nodes) if isinstance(nodes, list) else 'N/A'}")
+                    # Inspect first LIST_ITEM node if any
+                    for i, node in enumerate(nodes[:10]):
+                        if isinstance(node, dict) and node.get('type') == 'LIST_ITEM':
+                            logger.warning(f"  Found LIST_ITEM at index {i}:")
+                            logger.warning(f"    Keys: {list(node.keys())}")
+                            logger.warning(f"    Has listItemData: {'listItemData' in node}")
+                            if 'listItemData' in node:
+                                logger.warning(f"    listItemData type: {type(node['listItemData'])}, value: {node['listItemData']}")
+                            if 'nodes' in node:
+                                nested = node['nodes']
+                                logger.warning(f"    Nested nodes count: {len(nested) if isinstance(nested, list) else 'N/A'}")
+                                for j, n_node in enumerate(nested[:3]):
+                                    if isinstance(n_node, dict):
+                                        logger.warning(f"      Nested node {j}: type={n_node.get('type')}, keys={list(n_node.keys())}")
+                                        if n_node.get('type') == 'PARAGRAPH' and 'paragraphData' in n_node:
+                                            logger.warning(f"        paragraphData type: {type(n_node['paragraphData'])}, value: {n_node['paragraphData']}")
+                            break  # Only inspect first LIST_ITEM
+        
+        logger.warning(f"  Full Payload JSON (first 8000 chars):\n{json.dumps(payload, indent=2, ensure_ascii=False)[:8000]}...")
+        
         response = requests.post(f"{self.base_url}/blog/v3/draft-posts", headers=self.headers(access_token, extra_headers), json=payload)
         response.raise_for_status()
         return response.json()

backend/services/integrations/wix/blog_publisher.py

@@ -0,0 +1,716 @@
+"""
+Blog Post Publisher for Wix
+
+Handles blog post creation, validation, and publishing to Wix.
+"""
+
+import json
+import uuid
+import requests
+import jwt
+from typing import Dict, Any, Optional, List
+from loguru import logger
+from services.integrations.wix.blog import WixBlogService
+from services.integrations.wix.content import convert_content_to_ricos
+from services.integrations.wix.ricos_converter import convert_via_wix_api
+from services.integrations.wix.seo import build_seo_data
+
+
+def validate_ricos_content(ricos_content: Dict[str, Any]) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """
+    Validate and normalize Ricos document structure.
+    
+    Args:
+        ricos_content: Ricos document dict
+        
+    Returns:
+        Validated and normalized Ricos document
+    """
+    # Validate Ricos document structure before using
+    if not ricos_content or not isinstance(ricos_content, dict):
+        logger.error("Invalid Ricos content - not a dict")
+        raise ValueError("Failed to convert content to valid Ricos format")
+    
+    if 'type' not in ricos_content:
+        ricos_content['type'] = 'DOCUMENT'
+        logger.debug("Added missing richContent type 'DOCUMENT'")
+    if ricos_content.get('type') != 'DOCUMENT':
+        logger.warning(f"richContent type expected 'DOCUMENT', got {ricos_content.get('type')}, correcting")
+        ricos_content['type'] = 'DOCUMENT'
+
+    if 'id' not in ricos_content or not isinstance(ricos_content.get('id'), str):
+        ricos_content['id'] = str(uuid.uuid4())
+        logger.debug("Added missing richContent id")
+
+    if 'nodes' not in ricos_content:
+        logger.warning("Ricos document missing 'nodes' field, adding empty nodes array")
+        ricos_content['nodes'] = []
+    
+    logger.debug(f"Ricos document structure: nodes={len(ricos_content.get('nodes', []))}")
+
+    # Validate richContent is a proper object with nodes array
+    # Per Wix API: richContent must be a RichContent object with nodes array
+    if not isinstance(ricos_content, dict):
+        raise ValueError(f"richContent must be a dict object, got {type(ricos_content)}")
+    
+    # Ensure nodes array exists and is valid
+    if 'nodes' not in ricos_content:
+        logger.warning("richContent missing 'nodes', adding empty array")
+        ricos_content['nodes'] = []
+    
+    if not isinstance(ricos_content['nodes'], list):
+        raise ValueError(f"richContent.nodes must be a list, got {type(ricos_content['nodes'])}")
+    
+    # Recursive function to validate and fix nodes at any depth
+    def validate_node_recursive(node: Dict[str, Any], path: str = "root") -> None:
+        """
+        Recursively validate a node and all its nested children, ensuring:
+        1. All required data fields exist for each node type
+        2. All 'nodes' arrays are proper lists
+        3. No None values in critical fields
+        """
+        if not isinstance(node, dict):
+            logger.error(f"{path}: Node is not a dict: {type(node)}")
+            return
+        
+        # Ensure type and id exist
+        if 'type' not in node:
+            logger.error(f"{path}: Missing 'type' field - REQUIRED")
+            node['type'] = 'PARAGRAPH'  # Default fallback
+        if 'id' not in node:
+            node['id'] = str(uuid.uuid4())
+            logger.debug(f"{path}: Added missing 'id'")
+        
+        node_type = node.get('type')
+        
+        # CRITICAL: Per Wix API schema, data fields like paragraphData, bulletedListData, etc.
+        # are OPTIONAL and should be OMITTED entirely when empty, not included as {}
+        # Only validate fields that have required properties
+        
+        # Special handling: Remove listItemData if it exists (not in Wix API schema)
+        if node_type == 'LIST_ITEM' and 'listItemData' in node:
+            logger.debug(f"{path}: Removing incorrect listItemData field from LIST_ITEM")
+            del node['listItemData']
+        
+        # Only validate HEADING nodes - they require headingData with level property
+        if node_type == 'HEADING':
+            if 'headingData' not in node or not isinstance(node.get('headingData'), dict):
+                logger.warning(f"{path} (HEADING): Missing headingData, adding default level 1")
+                node['headingData'] = {'level': 1}
+            elif 'level' not in node['headingData']:
+                logger.warning(f"{path} (HEADING): Missing level in headingData, adding default")
+                node['headingData']['level'] = 1
+        
+        # TEXT nodes must have textData
+        if node_type == 'TEXT':
+            if 'textData' not in node or not isinstance(node.get('textData'), dict):
+                logger.error(f"{path} (TEXT): Missing/invalid textData - node will be problematic")
+                node['textData'] = {'text': '', 'decorations': []}
+        
+        # LINK and IMAGE nodes must have their data fields
+        if node_type == 'LINK' and ('linkData' not in node or not isinstance(node.get('linkData'), dict)):
+            logger.error(f"{path} (LINK): Missing/invalid linkData - node will be problematic")
+        if node_type == 'IMAGE' and ('imageData' not in node or not isinstance(node.get('imageData'), dict)):
+            logger.error(f"{path} (IMAGE): Missing/invalid imageData - node will be problematic")
+        
+        # Remove None values from any data fields that exist (Wix API rejects None)
+        for data_field in ['headingData', 'paragraphData', 'blockquoteData', 'bulletedListData', 
+                          'orderedListData', 'textData', 'linkData', 'imageData']:
+            if data_field in node and isinstance(node[data_field], dict):
+                data_value = node[data_field]
+                keys_to_remove = [k for k, v in data_value.items() if v is None]
+                if keys_to_remove:
+                    logger.debug(f"{path} ({node_type}): Removing None values from {data_field}: {keys_to_remove}")
+                    for key in keys_to_remove:
+                        del data_value[key]
+        
+        # Ensure 'nodes' field exists for container nodes
+        container_types = ['HEADING', 'PARAGRAPH', 'BLOCKQUOTE', 'LIST_ITEM', 'LINK', 
+                          'BULLETED_LIST', 'ORDERED_LIST']
+        if node_type in container_types:
+            if 'nodes' not in node:
+                logger.warning(f"{path} ({node_type}): Missing 'nodes' field, adding empty array")
+                node['nodes'] = []
+            elif not isinstance(node['nodes'], list):
+                logger.error(f"{path} ({node_type}): Invalid 'nodes' field (not a list), fixing")
+                node['nodes'] = []
+            
+            # Recursively validate all nested nodes
+            for nested_idx, nested_node in enumerate(node['nodes']):
+                nested_path = f"{path}.nodes[{nested_idx}]"
+                validate_node_recursive(nested_node, nested_path)
+    
+    # Validate all top-level nodes recursively
+    for idx, node in enumerate(ricos_content['nodes']):
+        validate_node_recursive(node, f"nodes[{idx}]")
+    
+    # Ensure documentStyle exists and is a dict (required by Wix API when provided)
+    if 'metadata' not in ricos_content or not isinstance(ricos_content.get('metadata'), dict):
+        ricos_content['metadata'] = {'version': 1, 'id': str(uuid.uuid4())}
+        logger.debug("Added default metadata to richContent")
+    else:
+        ricos_content['metadata'].setdefault('version', 1)
+        ricos_content['metadata'].setdefault('id', str(uuid.uuid4()))
+    
+    if 'documentStyle' not in ricos_content or not isinstance(ricos_content.get('documentStyle'), dict):
+        ricos_content['documentStyle'] = {
+            'paragraph': {
+                'decorations': [],
+                'nodeStyle': {},
+                'lineHeight': '1.5'
+            }
+        }
+        logger.debug("Added default documentStyle to richContent")
+    
+    logger.debug(f"✅ Validated richContent: {len(ricos_content['nodes'])} nodes, has_metadata={bool(ricos_content.get('metadata'))}, has_documentStyle={bool(ricos_content.get('documentStyle'))}")
+    
+    return ricos_content
+
+
+def validate_payload_no_none(obj, path=""):
+    """Recursively validate that no None values exist in the payload"""
+    if obj is None:
+        raise ValueError(f"Found None value at path: {path}")
+    if isinstance(obj, dict):
+        for key, value in obj.items():
+            validate_payload_no_none(value, f"{path}.{key}" if path else key)
+    elif isinstance(obj, list):
+        for idx, item in enumerate(obj):
+            validate_payload_no_none(item, f"{path}[{idx}]" if path else f"[{idx}]")
+
+
+def create_blog_post(
+    blog_service: WixBlogService,
+    access_token: str,
+    title: str,
+    content: str,
+    member_id: str,
+    cover_image_url: str = None,
+    category_ids: List[str] = None,
+    tag_ids: List[str] = None,
+    publish: bool = True,
+    seo_metadata: Dict[str, Any] = None,
+    import_image_func = None,
+    lookup_categories_func = None,
+    lookup_tags_func = None,
+    base_url: str = 'https://www.wixapis.com'
+) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """
+    Create and optionally publish a blog post on Wix
+    
+    Args:
+        blog_service: WixBlogService instance
+        access_token: Valid access token
+        title: Blog post title
+        content: Blog post content (markdown)
+        member_id: Required for third-party apps - the member ID of the post author
+        cover_image_url: Optional cover image URL
+        category_ids: Optional list of category IDs or names
+        tag_ids: Optional list of tag IDs or names
+        publish: Whether to publish immediately or save as draft
+        seo_metadata: Optional SEO metadata dict
+        import_image_func: Function to import images (optional)
+        lookup_categories_func: Function to lookup/create categories (optional)
+        lookup_tags_func: Function to lookup/create tags (optional)
+        base_url: Wix API base URL
+        
+    Returns:
+        Created blog post information
+    """
+    if not member_id:
+        raise ValueError("memberId is required for third-party apps creating blog posts")
+    
+    headers = {
+        'Authorization': f'Bearer {access_token}',
+        'Content-Type': 'application/json'
+    }
+    
+    # Build valid Ricos rich content
+    # Ensure content is not empty
+    if not content or not content.strip():
+        content = "This is a post from ALwrity."
+        logger.warning("⚠️ Content was empty, using default text")
+    
+    # Try Wix API first (more reliable), fall back to custom parser
+    ricos_content = None
+    try:
+        logger.warning("🔄 Attempting to convert markdown to Ricos via Wix API...")
+        ricos_content = convert_via_wix_api(content, access_token, base_url)
+        logger.warning(f"✅ Wix API conversion successful. Ricos document has {len(ricos_content.get('nodes', []))} nodes")
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.warning(f"⚠️ Wix Ricos API conversion failed: {e}. Falling back to custom parser...")
+        # Fall back to custom parser
+        ricos_content = convert_content_to_ricos(content, None)
+        logger.warning(f"✅ Custom parser conversion complete. Ricos document has {len(ricos_content.get('nodes', []))} nodes")
+    
+    # Validate Ricos content
+    ricos_content = validate_ricos_content(ricos_content)
+    
+    # Minimal payload per Wix docs: title, memberId, and richContent
+    # CRITICAL: Only include fields that have valid values (no None, no empty strings for required fields)
+    blog_data = {
+        'draftPost': {
+            'title': str(title).strip() if title else "Untitled",
+            'memberId': str(member_id).strip(),  # Required for third-party apps (validated above)
+            'richContent': ricos_content,  # Must be a valid Ricos document object
+        },
+        'publish': bool(publish),
+        'fieldsets': ['URL']  # Simplified fieldsets
+    }
+    
+    # Add excerpt only if content exists and is not empty (avoid None or empty strings)
+    excerpt = (content or '').strip()[:200] if content else None
+    if excerpt and len(excerpt) > 0:
+        blog_data['draftPost']['excerpt'] = str(excerpt)
+    
+    # Add cover image if provided
+    if cover_image_url and import_image_func:
+        try:
+            media_id = import_image_func(access_token, cover_image_url, f'Cover: {title}')
+            # Ensure media_id is a string and not None
+            if media_id and isinstance(media_id, str):
+                blog_data['draftPost']['media'] = {
+                    'wixMedia': {
+                        'image': {'id': str(media_id).strip()}
+                    },
+                    'displayed': True,
+                    'custom': True
+                }
+            else:
+                logger.warning(f"Invalid media_id type or value: {type(media_id)}, skipping media")
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.warning(f"Failed to import cover image: {e}")
+    
+    # Handle categories - can be either IDs (list of strings) or names (for lookup)
+    category_ids_to_use = None
+    if category_ids:
+        # Check if these are IDs (UUIDs) or names
+        if isinstance(category_ids, list) and len(category_ids) > 0:
+            # Assume IDs if first item looks like UUID (has hyphens and is long)
+            first_item = str(category_ids[0])
+            if '-' in first_item and len(first_item) > 30:
+                category_ids_to_use = category_ids
+            elif lookup_categories_func:
+                # These are names, need to lookup/create
+                extra_headers = {}
+                if 'wix-site-id' in headers:
+                    extra_headers['wix-site-id'] = headers['wix-site-id']
+                category_ids_to_use = lookup_categories_func(
+                    access_token, category_ids, extra_headers if extra_headers else None
+                )
+    
+    # Handle tags - can be either IDs (list of strings) or names (for lookup)
+    tag_ids_to_use = None
+    if tag_ids:
+        # Check if these are IDs (UUIDs) or names
+        if isinstance(tag_ids, list) and len(tag_ids) > 0:
+            # Assume IDs if first item looks like UUID (has hyphens and is long)
+            first_item = str(tag_ids[0])
+            if '-' in first_item and len(first_item) > 30:
+                tag_ids_to_use = tag_ids
+            elif lookup_tags_func:
+                # These are names, need to lookup/create
+                extra_headers = {}
+                if 'wix-site-id' in headers:
+                    extra_headers['wix-site-id'] = headers['wix-site-id']
+                tag_ids_to_use = lookup_tags_func(
+                    access_token, tag_ids, extra_headers if extra_headers else None
+                )
+    
+    # Add categories if we have IDs (must be non-empty list of strings)
+    # CRITICAL: Wix API rejects empty arrays or arrays with None/empty strings
+    if category_ids_to_use and isinstance(category_ids_to_use, list) and len(category_ids_to_use) > 0:
+        # Filter out None, empty strings, and ensure all are valid UUID strings
+        valid_category_ids = [str(cid).strip() for cid in category_ids_to_use if cid and str(cid).strip()]
+        if valid_category_ids:
+            blog_data['draftPost']['categoryIds'] = valid_category_ids
+            logger.debug(f"Added {len(valid_category_ids)} category IDs")
+        else:
+            logger.warning("All category IDs were invalid, not including categoryIds in payload")
+    
+    # Add tags if we have IDs (must be non-empty list of strings)
+    # CRITICAL: Wix API rejects empty arrays or arrays with None/empty strings
+    if tag_ids_to_use and isinstance(tag_ids_to_use, list) and len(tag_ids_to_use) > 0:
+        # Filter out None, empty strings, and ensure all are valid UUID strings
+        valid_tag_ids = [str(tid).strip() for tid in tag_ids_to_use if tid and str(tid).strip()]
+        if valid_tag_ids:
+            blog_data['draftPost']['tagIds'] = valid_tag_ids
+            logger.debug(f"Added {len(valid_tag_ids)} tag IDs")
+        else:
+            logger.warning("All tag IDs were invalid, not including tagIds in payload")
+    
+    # Build SEO data from metadata if provided
+    # TESTING: Skip SEO data temporarily to confirm richContent fix
+    test_skip_seo = True
+    if test_skip_seo:
+        logger.warning("🧪 TESTING: Skipping SEO data to isolate richContent vs seoData issue")
+        seo_data = None
+    elif seo_metadata:
+        logger.warning(f"📊 Building SEO data from metadata. Keys: {list(seo_metadata.keys())}")
+        seo_data = build_seo_data(seo_metadata, title)
+        if seo_data:
+            # Log detailed SEO structure
+            logger.warning(f"📋 SEO data built: {len(seo_data.get('tags', []))} tags, {len(seo_data.get('settings', {}).get('keywords', []))} keywords")
+            
+            # Log each SEO tag for debugging (key ones only to avoid too much output)
+            if seo_data.get('tags'):
+                for idx, tag in enumerate(seo_data['tags'][:3]):  # First 3 tags only
+                    tag_type = tag.get('type')
+                    if tag_type == 'title':
+                        logger.warning(f"  SEO tag {idx+1}: type={tag_type}, children={str(tag.get('children', ''))[:50]}...")
+                    else:
+                        props = tag.get('props', {})
+                        content_preview = str(props.get('content', props.get('href', props.get('name', ''))))[:50]
+                        logger.warning(f"  SEO tag {idx+1}: type={tag_type}, props={list(props.keys())}, content={content_preview}...")
+                if len(seo_data['tags']) > 3:
+                    logger.warning(f"  ... and {len(seo_data['tags']) - 3} more SEO tags")
+            
+            blog_data['draftPost']['seoData'] = seo_data
+            logger.warning(f"✅ Added seoData to blog post with {len(seo_data.get('tags', []))} tags")
+        else:
+            logger.warning("⚠️ SEO data was empty after building - check build_seo_data function")
+        
+        # Add SEO slug if provided (separate field from seoData)
+        if seo_metadata and seo_metadata.get('url_slug'):
+            blog_data['draftPost']['seoSlug'] = str(seo_metadata.get('url_slug')).strip()
+            logger.warning(f"✅ Added SEO slug: {blog_data['draftPost']['seoSlug']}")
+    
+    if test_skip_seo:
+        logger.warning("⚠️ SEO data skipped for testing - will add back once richContent is confirmed working")
+    elif not seo_metadata:
+        logger.warning("⚠️ No SEO metadata provided to create_blog_post")
+    
+    # Log the payload structure for debugging (without sensitive data)
+    logger.warning(f"📝 Creating blog post with title: '{title}'")
+    logger.warning(f"📋 Draft post fields: {list(blog_data['draftPost'].keys())}")
+    
+    # Detailed SEO logging
+    if 'seoData' in blog_data['draftPost']:
+        seo_data_debug = blog_data['draftPost']['seoData']
+        logger.warning(f"📊 SEO data in payload: {len(seo_data_debug.get('tags', []))} tags, {len(seo_data_debug.get('settings', {}).get('keywords', []))} keywords")
+        
+        # Log sample SEO tags (first 2 only to avoid too much output)
+        if seo_data_debug.get('tags'):
+            logger.warning("📋 SEO Tags sample:")
+            for i, tag in enumerate(seo_data_debug['tags'][:2]):  # First 2 tags
+                logger.warning(f"  Tag {i+1}: type={tag.get('type')}, custom={tag.get('custom')}, disabled={tag.get('disabled')}")
+            if len(seo_data_debug['tags']) > 2:
+                logger.warning(f"  ... and {len(seo_data_debug['tags']) - 2} more tags")
+        
+        if seo_data_debug.get('settings', {}).get('keywords'):
+            keywords_list = [k.get('term') for k in seo_data_debug['settings']['keywords'][:3]]
+            logger.warning(f"🔑 Keywords: {keywords_list}")
+        
+        # Log FULL seoData structure for debugging
+        import json
+        try:
+            seo_json = json.dumps(seo_data_debug, indent=2, ensure_ascii=False)
+            logger.warning(f"📄 FULL seoData JSON:\n{seo_json[:2000]}...")  # First 2000 chars
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"Failed to serialize seoData: {e}")
+    else:
+        logger.warning("⚠️ No seoData in draft post payload!")
+    
+    try:
+        # Add wix-site-id header if we can extract it from token
+        extra_headers = {}
+        try:
+            token_str = str(access_token)
+            if token_str and token_str.startswith('OauthNG.JWS.'):
+                jwt_part = token_str[12:]
+                payload = jwt.decode(jwt_part, options={"verify_signature": False, "verify_aud": False})
+                data_payload = payload.get('data', {})
+                if isinstance(data_payload, str):
+                    try:
+                        data_payload = json.loads(data_payload)
+                    except:
+                        pass
+                instance_data = data_payload.get('instance', {})
+                meta_site_id = instance_data.get('metaSiteId')
+                if isinstance(meta_site_id, str) and meta_site_id:
+                    extra_headers['wix-site-id'] = meta_site_id
+                    headers['wix-site-id'] = meta_site_id
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.debug(f"Could not extract site ID from token: {e}")
+        
+        # Make the API call
+        logger.warning(f"🚀 Calling Wix API: POST /blog/v3/draft-posts")
+        logger.warning(f"📦 Payload: title='{blog_data['draftPost'].get('title')}', has_seoData={'seoData' in blog_data['draftPost']}, has_richContent={'richContent' in blog_data['draftPost']}")
+        
+        # Validate payload structure before sending
+        draft_post = blog_data.get('draftPost', {})
+        if not isinstance(draft_post, dict):
+            raise ValueError("draftPost must be a dict object")
+        
+        # Validate richContent structure
+        if 'richContent' in draft_post:
+            rc = draft_post['richContent']
+            if not isinstance(rc, dict):
+                raise ValueError(f"richContent must be a dict, got {type(rc)}")
+            if 'nodes' not in rc:
+                raise ValueError("richContent missing 'nodes' field")
+            if not isinstance(rc['nodes'], list):
+                raise ValueError(f"richContent.nodes must be a list, got {type(rc['nodes'])}")
+            logger.debug(f"✅ richContent validation passed: {len(rc.get('nodes', []))} nodes")
+        
+        # Validate seoData structure if present
+        if 'seoData' in draft_post:
+            seo = draft_post['seoData']
+            if not isinstance(seo, dict):
+                raise ValueError(f"seoData must be a dict, got {type(seo)}")
+            if 'tags' in seo and not isinstance(seo['tags'], list):
+                raise ValueError(f"seoData.tags must be a list, got {type(seo.get('tags'))}")
+            if 'settings' in seo and not isinstance(seo['settings'], dict):
+                raise ValueError(f"seoData.settings must be a dict, got {type(seo.get('settings'))}")
+            logger.debug(f"✅ seoData validation passed: {len(seo.get('tags', []))} tags")
+        
+        # Final validation: Ensure no None values in any nested objects
+        # Wix API rejects None values and expects proper types
+        try:
+            validate_payload_no_none(blog_data, "blog_data")
+            logger.debug("✅ Payload validation passed: No None values found")
+        except ValueError as e:
+            logger.error(f"❌ Payload validation failed: {e}")
+            raise
+        
+        # Log full payload structure for debugging (sanitized)
+        logger.warning(f"📦 Full payload structure validation:")
+        logger.warning(f"  - draftPost type: {type(draft_post)}")
+        logger.warning(f"  - draftPost keys: {list(draft_post.keys())}")
+        logger.warning(f"  - richContent type: {type(draft_post.get('richContent'))}")
+        if 'richContent' in draft_post:
+            rc = draft_post['richContent']
+            logger.warning(f"  - richContent keys: {list(rc.keys()) if isinstance(rc, dict) else 'N/A'}")
+            logger.warning(f"  - richContent.nodes type: {type(rc.get('nodes'))}, count: {len(rc.get('nodes', []))}")
+            logger.warning(f"  - richContent.metadata type: {type(rc.get('metadata'))}")
+            logger.warning(f"  - richContent.documentStyle type: {type(rc.get('documentStyle'))}")
+        logger.warning(f"  - seoData type: {type(draft_post.get('seoData'))}")
+        if 'seoData' in draft_post:
+            seo = draft_post['seoData']
+            logger.warning(f"  - seoData keys: {list(seo.keys()) if isinstance(seo, dict) else 'N/A'}")
+            logger.warning(f"  - seoData.tags type: {type(seo.get('tags'))}, count: {len(seo.get('tags', []))}")
+            logger.warning(f"  - seoData.settings type: {type(seo.get('settings'))}")
+        if 'categoryIds' in draft_post:
+            logger.warning(f"  - categoryIds type: {type(draft_post.get('categoryIds'))}, count: {len(draft_post.get('categoryIds', []))}")
+        if 'tagIds' in draft_post:
+            logger.warning(f"  - tagIds type: {type(draft_post.get('tagIds'))}, count: {len(draft_post.get('tagIds', []))}")
+        
+        # Log a sample of the payload JSON to see exact structure (first 2000 chars)
+        try:
+            import json
+            payload_json = json.dumps(blog_data, indent=2, ensure_ascii=False)
+            logger.warning(f"📄 Payload JSON preview (first 3000 chars):\n{payload_json[:3000]}...")
+            
+            # Also log a deep structure inspection of richContent.nodes (first few nodes)
+            if 'richContent' in blog_data['draftPost']:
+                nodes = blog_data['draftPost']['richContent'].get('nodes', [])
+                if nodes:
+                    logger.warning(f"🔍 Inspecting first 5 richContent.nodes:")
+                    for i, node in enumerate(nodes[:5]):
+                        logger.warning(f"  Node {i+1}: type={node.get('type')}, keys={list(node.keys())}")
+                        # Check for any None values in node
+                        for key, value in node.items():
+                            if value is None:
+                                logger.error(f"    ⚠️ Node {i+1}.{key} is None!")
+                            elif isinstance(value, dict):
+                                for k, v in value.items():
+                                    if v is None:
+                                        logger.error(f"    ⚠️ Node {i+1}.{key}.{k} is None!")
+                        # Deep check: if it's a list-type node, inspect list items
+                        if node.get('type') in ['BULLETED_LIST', 'ORDERED_LIST']:
+                            list_items = node.get('nodes', [])
+                            if list_items:
+                                logger.warning(f"    List has {len(list_items)} items, checking first LIST_ITEM:")
+                                first_item = list_items[0]
+                                logger.warning(f"      LIST_ITEM keys: {list(first_item.keys())}")
+                                # Verify listItemData is NOT present (correct per Wix API spec)
+                                if 'listItemData' in first_item:
+                                    logger.error(f"      ❌ LIST_ITEM incorrectly has listItemData!")
+                                else:
+                                    logger.debug(f"      ✅ LIST_ITEM correctly has no listItemData")
+                                # Check nested PARAGRAPH nodes
+                                nested_nodes = first_item.get('nodes', [])
+                                if nested_nodes:
+                                    logger.warning(f"      LIST_ITEM has {len(nested_nodes)} nested nodes")
+                                    for n_idx, n_node in enumerate(nested_nodes[:2]):
+                                        logger.warning(f"        Nested node {n_idx+1}: type={n_node.get('type')}, keys={list(n_node.keys())}")
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.warning(f"Could not serialize payload for logging: {e}")
+        
+        # Note: All node validation is done by validate_ricos_content() which runs earlier
+        # The recursive validation ensures all required data fields are present at any depth
+        
+        # Final deep validation: Serialize and deserialize to catch any JSON-serialization issues
+        # This will raise an error if there are any objects that can't be serialized
+        try:
+            import json
+            test_json = json.dumps(blog_data, ensure_ascii=False)
+            test_parsed = json.loads(test_json)
+            logger.debug("✅ Payload JSON serialization test passed")
+        except (TypeError, ValueError) as e:
+            logger.error(f"❌ Payload JSON serialization failed: {e}")
+            raise ValueError(f"Payload contains non-serializable data: {e}")
+        
+        # Final check: Ensure documentStyle and metadata are valid objects (not None, not empty strings)
+        rc = blog_data['draftPost']['richContent']
+        if 'documentStyle' in rc:
+            doc_style = rc['documentStyle']
+            if doc_style is None or doc_style == "":
+                logger.warning("⚠️ documentStyle is None or empty string, removing it")
+                del rc['documentStyle']
+            elif not isinstance(doc_style, dict):
+                logger.warning(f"⚠️ documentStyle is not a dict ({type(doc_style)}), removing it")
+                del rc['documentStyle']
+        
+        if 'metadata' in rc:
+            metadata = rc['metadata']
+            if metadata is None or metadata == "":
+                logger.warning("⚠️ metadata is None or empty string, removing it")
+                del rc['metadata']
+            elif not isinstance(metadata, dict):
+                logger.warning(f"⚠️ metadata is not a dict ({type(metadata)}), removing it")
+                del rc['metadata']
+        
+        # Check for any None values in critical nested structures
+        def check_none_in_dict(d, path=""):
+            """Recursively check for None values that shouldn't be there"""
+            issues = []
+            if isinstance(d, dict):
+                for key, value in d.items():
+                    current_path = f"{path}.{key}" if path else key
+                    if value is None:
+                        # Some fields can legitimately be None, but most shouldn't
+                        if key not in ['decorations', 'nodeStyle', 'props']:
+                            issues.append(current_path)
+                    elif isinstance(value, dict):
+                        issues.extend(check_none_in_dict(value, current_path))
+                    elif isinstance(value, list):
+                        for i, item in enumerate(value):
+                            if item is None:
+                                issues.append(f"{current_path}[{i}]")
+                            elif isinstance(item, dict):
+                                issues.extend(check_none_in_dict(item, f"{current_path}[{i}]"))
+            return issues
+        
+        none_issues = check_none_in_dict(blog_data['draftPost']['richContent'])
+        if none_issues:
+            logger.error(f"❌ Found None values in richContent at: {none_issues[:10]}")  # Limit to first 10
+            # Remove None values from critical paths
+            for issue_path in none_issues[:5]:  # Fix first 5
+                parts = issue_path.split('.')
+                try:
+                    obj = blog_data['draftPost']['richContent']
+                    for part in parts[:-1]:
+                        if '[' in part:
+                            key, idx = part.split('[')
+                            idx = int(idx.rstrip(']'))
+                            obj = obj[key][idx]
+                        else:
+                            obj = obj[part]
+                    final_key = parts[-1]
+                    if '[' in final_key:
+                        key, idx = final_key.split('[')
+                        idx = int(idx.rstrip(']'))
+                        obj[key][idx] = {}
+                    else:
+                        obj[final_key] = {}
+                    logger.warning(f"Fixed None value at {issue_path}")
+                except:
+                    pass
+        
+        # Log the final payload structure one more time before sending
+        logger.warning(f"📤 Final payload ready - draftPost keys: {list(blog_data['draftPost'].keys())}")
+        logger.warning(f"📤 RichContent nodes count: {len(blog_data['draftPost']['richContent'].get('nodes', []))}")
+        logger.warning(f"📤 RichContent has metadata: {bool(blog_data['draftPost']['richContent'].get('metadata'))}")
+        logger.warning(f"📤 RichContent has documentStyle: {bool(blog_data['draftPost']['richContent'].get('documentStyle'))}")
+        
+        # Try sending WITHOUT SEO data first to isolate the issue
+        test_without_seo = False  # Disabled - listItemData issue fixed
+        if test_without_seo and 'seoData' in blog_data['draftPost']:
+            logger.warning("🧪 TESTING WITHOUT SEO DATA to isolate issue...")
+            # Clone the payload without SEO data
+            test_payload_no_seo = {
+                'draftPost': {
+                    'title': blog_data['draftPost']['title'],
+                    'memberId': blog_data['draftPost']['memberId'],
+                    'richContent': blog_data['draftPost']['richContent'],
+                    'excerpt': blog_data['draftPost'].get('excerpt', '')
+                },
+                'publish': False,
+                'fieldsets': ['URL']
+            }
+            try:
+                logger.warning("🧪 Attempting without SEO data...")
+                test_result = blog_service.create_draft_post(access_token, test_payload_no_seo, extra_headers or None)
+                logger.warning(f"✅ WITHOUT SEO DATA SUCCEEDED! Post ID: {test_result.get('draftPost', {}).get('id')}")
+                logger.error("⚠️⚠️⚠️ ISSUE IS WITH SEO DATA STRUCTURE!")
+                # If this succeeds, don't send the full payload, just return this result
+                return test_result
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.warning(f"❌ WITHOUT SEO DATA ALSO FAILED: {e}")
+                logger.warning("⚠️ Issue is NOT with SEO data, continuing with full payload...")
+        
+        # Try sending with minimal structure first to isolate the issue
+        # Create a test payload with just required fields
+        minimal_test = False  # Set to True to test with minimal payload
+        if minimal_test:
+            logger.warning("🧪 TESTING WITH MINIMAL PAYLOAD (title + memberId + simple richContent)")
+            test_payload = {
+                'draftPost': {
+                    'title': blog_data['draftPost']['title'],
+                    'memberId': blog_data['draftPost']['memberId'],
+                    'richContent': {
+                        'nodes': [
+                            {
+                                'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
+                                'type': 'PARAGRAPH',
+                                'nodes': [
+                                    {
+                                        'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
+                                        'type': 'TEXT',
+                                        'textData': {
+                                            'text': 'Test paragraph',
+                                            'decorations': []
+                                        }
+                                    }
+                                ],
+                                'paragraphData': {}
+                            }
+                        ],
+                        'metadata': {'version': 1, 'id': str(uuid.uuid4())},
+                        'documentStyle': {}
+                    }
+                },
+                'publish': False,
+                'fieldsets': ['URL']
+            }
+            logger.warning("🧪 Attempting minimal payload first...")
+            try:
+                test_result = blog_service.create_draft_post(access_token, test_payload, extra_headers or None)
+                logger.warning(f"✅ MINIMAL PAYLOAD SUCCEEDED! Post ID: {test_result.get('draftPost', {}).get('id')}")
+                logger.warning("⚠️ Issue is with complex content, not basic structure")
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.error(f"❌ MINIMAL PAYLOAD ALSO FAILED: {e}")
+                logger.error("⚠️ Issue is with basic structure or permissions")
+        
+        result = blog_service.create_draft_post(access_token, blog_data, extra_headers or None)
+        
+        # Log response
+        draft_post = result.get('draftPost', {})
+        logger.warning(f"✅ Blog post created successfully! Post ID: {draft_post.get('id', 'N/A')}")
+        
+        # Check if SEO data was preserved in response
+        if 'seoData' in draft_post:
+            seo_response = draft_post['seoData']
+            logger.warning(f"✅ SEO data confirmed in response: {len(seo_response.get('tags', []))} tags, {len(seo_response.get('settings', {}).get('keywords', []))} keywords")
+        else:
+            logger.warning("⚠️ No seoData in response - it may have been filtered out by Wix API")
+            logger.warning(f"📋 Response fields: {list(draft_post.keys())}")
+        
+        return result
+    except requests.RequestException as e:
+        logger.error(f"Failed to create blog post: {e}")
+        if hasattr(e, 'response') and e.response is not None:
+            logger.error(f"Response body: {e.response.text}")
+        raise
+

backend/services/integrations/wix/content.py

@@ -1,58 +1,460 @@
+import re
+import uuid
 from typing import Any, Dict, List
 
 
+def parse_markdown_inline(text: str) -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
+    """
+    Parse inline markdown formatting (bold, italic, links) into Ricos text nodes.
+    Returns a list of text nodes with decorations.
+    Handles: **bold**, *italic*, [links](url), `code`, and combinations.
+    """
+    if not text:
+        return [{
+            'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
+            'type': 'TEXT',
+            'textData': {'text': '', 'decorations': []}
+        }]
+    
+    nodes = []
+    
+    # Process text character by character to handle nested/adjacent formatting
+    # This is more robust than regex for complex cases
+    i = 0
+    current_text = ''
+    current_decorations = []
+    
+    while i < len(text):
+        # Check for bold **text** (must come before single * check)
+        if i < len(text) - 1 and text[i:i+2] == '**':
+            # Save any accumulated text
+            if current_text:
+                nodes.append({
+                    'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
+                    'type': 'TEXT',
+                    'textData': {
+                        'text': current_text,
+                        'decorations': current_decorations.copy()
+                    }
+                })
+                current_text = ''
+            
+            # Find closing **
+            end_bold = text.find('**', i + 2)
+            if end_bold != -1:
+                bold_text = text[i + 2:end_bold]
+                # Recursively parse the bold text for nested formatting
+                bold_nodes = parse_markdown_inline(bold_text)
+                # Add BOLD decoration to all text nodes within
+                for node in bold_nodes:
+                    if node['type'] == 'TEXT':
+                        node_decorations = node['textData'].get('decorations', []).copy()
+                        if 'BOLD' not in node_decorations:
+                            node_decorations.append('BOLD')
+                        node['textData']['decorations'] = node_decorations
+                    nodes.append(node)
+                i = end_bold + 2
+                continue
+        
+        # Check for link [text](url)
+        elif text[i] == '[':
+            # Save any accumulated text
+            if current_text:
+                nodes.append({
+                    'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
+                    'type': 'TEXT',
+                    'textData': {
+                        'text': current_text,
+                        'decorations': current_decorations.copy()
+                    }
+                })
+                current_text = ''
+                current_decorations = []
+            
+            # Find matching ]
+            link_end = text.find(']', i)
+            if link_end != -1 and link_end < len(text) - 1 and text[link_end + 1] == '(':
+                link_text = text[i + 1:link_end]
+                url_start = link_end + 2
+                url_end = text.find(')', url_start)
+                if url_end != -1:
+                    url = text[url_start:url_end]
+                    # Create link node
+                    link_node_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
+                    text_node_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
+                    link_text_nodes = parse_markdown_inline(link_text)
+                    # Wrap link text in LINK node
+                    nodes.append({
+                        'id': link_node_id,
+                        'type': 'LINK',
+                        'nodes': link_text_nodes if link_text_nodes else [{
+                            'id': text_node_id,
+                            'type': 'TEXT',
+                            'textData': {'text': link_text, 'decorations': []}
+                        }],
+                        'linkData': {
+                            'link': {
+                                'url': url,
+                                'target': '_blank'
+                            }
+                        }
+                    })
+                    i = url_end + 1
+                    continue
+        
+        # Check for code `text`
+        elif text[i] == '`':
+            # Save any accumulated text
+            if current_text:
+                nodes.append({
+                    'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
+                    'type': 'TEXT',
+                    'textData': {
+                        'text': current_text,
+                        'decorations': current_decorations.copy()
+                    }
+                })
+                current_text = ''
+                current_decorations = []
+            
+            # Find closing `
+            code_end = text.find('`', i + 1)
+            if code_end != -1:
+                code_text = text[i + 1:code_end]
+                nodes.append({
+                    'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
+                    'type': 'TEXT',
+                    'textData': {
+                        'text': code_text,
+                        'decorations': ['CODE']
+                    }
+                })
+                i = code_end + 1
+                continue
+        
+        # Check for italic *text* (only if not part of **)
+        elif text[i] == '*' and (i == 0 or text[i-1] != '*') and (i == len(text) - 1 or text[i+1] != '*'):
+            # Save any accumulated text
+            if current_text:
+                nodes.append({
+                    'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
+                    'type': 'TEXT',
+                    'textData': {
+                        'text': current_text,
+                        'decorations': current_decorations.copy()
+                    }
+                })
+                current_text = ''
+                current_decorations = []
+            
+            # Find closing * (but not **)
+            italic_end = text.find('*', i + 1)
+            if italic_end != -1:
+                # Make sure it's not part of **
+                if italic_end == len(text) - 1 or text[italic_end + 1] != '*':
+                    italic_text = text[i + 1:italic_end]
+                    italic_nodes = parse_markdown_inline(italic_text)
+                    # Add ITALIC decoration
+                    for node in italic_nodes:
+                        if node['type'] == 'TEXT':
+                            node_decorations = node['textData'].get('decorations', []).copy()
+                            if 'ITALIC' not in node_decorations:
+                                node_decorations.append('ITALIC')
+                            node['textData']['decorations'] = node_decorations
+                        nodes.append(node)
+                    i = italic_end + 1
+                    continue
+        
+        # Regular character
+        current_text += text[i]
+        i += 1
+    
+    # Add any remaining text
+    if current_text:
+        nodes.append({
+            'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
+            'type': 'TEXT',
+            'textData': {
+                'text': current_text,
+                'decorations': current_decorations.copy()
+            }
+        })
+    
+    # If no nodes created, return single plain text node
+    if not nodes:
+        nodes.append({
+            'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
+            'type': 'TEXT',
+            'textData': {
+                'text': text,
+                'decorations': []
+            }
+        })
+    
+    return nodes
+
+
 def convert_content_to_ricos(content: str, images: List[str] = None) -> Dict[str, Any]:
     """
-    Convert simple markdown-like text into minimal valid Ricos JSON.
+    Convert markdown content into valid Ricos JSON format.
+    Supports headings, paragraphs, lists, bold, italic, links, and images.
     """
-    paragraphs = content.split('\n\n')
+    if not content:
+        content = "This is a post from ALwrity."
+    
     nodes = []
-
-    import uuid
-
-    for paragraph in paragraphs:
-        text = paragraph.strip()
-        if not text:
+    lines = content.split('\n')
+    
+    i = 0
+    while i < len(lines):
+        line = lines[i].strip()
+        
+        if not line:
+            i += 1
             continue
+        
         node_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
-        text_node_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
-
-        if text.startswith('#'):
-            level = len(text) - len(text.lstrip('#'))
-            heading_text = text.lstrip('# ').strip()
+        
+        # Check for headings
+        if line.startswith('#'):
+            level = len(line) - len(line.lstrip('#'))
+            heading_text = line.lstrip('# ').strip()
+            text_nodes = parse_markdown_inline(heading_text)
             nodes.append({
                 'id': node_id,
                 'type': 'HEADING',
-                'nodes': [{
-                    'id': text_node_id,
-                    'type': 'TEXT',
-                    'textData': {
-                        'text': heading_text,
-                        'decorations': []
-                    }
-                }],
-                'headingData': { 'level': min(level, 6) }
+                'nodes': text_nodes,
+                'headingData': {'level': min(level, 6)}
             })
-        else:
-            nodes.append({
-                'id': node_id,
+            i += 1
+        
+        # Check for blockquotes
+        elif line.startswith('>'):
+            quote_text = line.lstrip('> ').strip()
+            # Continue reading consecutive blockquote lines
+            quote_lines = [quote_text]
+            i += 1
+            while i < len(lines) and lines[i].strip().startswith('>'):
+                quote_lines.append(lines[i].strip().lstrip('> ').strip())
+                i += 1
+            quote_content = ' '.join(quote_lines)
+            text_nodes = parse_markdown_inline(quote_content)
+            # CRITICAL: TEXT nodes must be wrapped in PARAGRAPH nodes within BLOCKQUOTE
+            paragraph_node = {
+                'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
                 'type': 'PARAGRAPH',
-                'nodes': [{
-                    'id': text_node_id,
-                    'type': 'TEXT',
-                    'textData': {
-                        'text': text,
-                        'decorations': []
-                    }
-                }],
+                'nodes': text_nodes,
                 'paragraphData': {}
-            })
-
+            }
+            blockquote_node = {
+                'id': node_id,
+                'type': 'BLOCKQUOTE',
+                'nodes': [paragraph_node],
+                'blockquoteData': {}
+            }
+            nodes.append(blockquote_node)
+        
+        # Check for unordered lists (handle both '- ' and '* ' markers)
+        elif (line.startswith('- ') or line.startswith('* ') or 
+             (line.startswith('-') and len(line) > 1 and line[1] != '-') or
+             (line.startswith('*') and len(line) > 1 and line[1] != '*')):
+            list_items = []
+            list_marker = '- ' if line.startswith('-') else '* '
+            # Process list items
+            while i < len(lines):
+                current_line = lines[i].strip()
+                # Check if this is a list item
+                is_list_item = (current_line.startswith('- ') or current_line.startswith('* ') or
+                               (current_line.startswith('-') and len(current_line) > 1 and current_line[1] != '-') or
+                               (current_line.startswith('*') and len(current_line) > 1 and current_line[1] != '*'))
+                
+                if not is_list_item:
+                    break
+                
+                # Extract item text (handle both '- ' and '-item' formats)
+                if current_line.startswith('- ') or current_line.startswith('* '):
+                    item_text = current_line[2:].strip()
+                elif current_line.startswith('-'):
+                    item_text = current_line[1:].strip()
+                elif current_line.startswith('*'):
+                    item_text = current_line[1:].strip()
+                else:
+                    item_text = current_line
+                
+                list_items.append(item_text)
+                i += 1
+                
+                # Check for nested items (indented with 2+ spaces)
+                while i < len(lines):
+                    next_line = lines[i]
+                    # Must be indented and be a list marker
+                    if next_line.startswith('  ') and (next_line.strip().startswith('- ') or 
+                                                      next_line.strip().startswith('* ') or
+                                                      (next_line.strip().startswith('-') and len(next_line.strip()) > 1) or
+                                                      (next_line.strip().startswith('*') and len(next_line.strip()) > 1)):
+                        nested_text = next_line.strip()
+                        if nested_text.startswith('- ') or nested_text.startswith('* '):
+                            nested_text = nested_text[2:].strip()
+                        elif nested_text.startswith('-'):
+                            nested_text = nested_text[1:].strip()
+                        elif nested_text.startswith('*'):
+                            nested_text = nested_text[1:].strip()
+                        list_items.append(nested_text)
+                        i += 1
+                    else:
+                        break
+            
+            # Build list items with proper formatting
+            # CRITICAL: TEXT nodes must be wrapped in PARAGRAPH nodes within LIST_ITEM
+            # NOTE: LIST_ITEM nodes do NOT have a data field per Wix API schema
+            # Wix API: omit empty data objects, don't include them as {}
+            list_node_items = []
+            for item_text in list_items:
+                item_node_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
+                text_nodes = parse_markdown_inline(item_text)
+                paragraph_node = {
+                    'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
+                    'type': 'PARAGRAPH',
+                    'nodes': text_nodes,
+                    'paragraphData': {}
+                }
+                list_item_node = {
+                    'id': item_node_id,
+                    'type': 'LIST_ITEM',
+                    'nodes': [paragraph_node]
+                }
+                list_node_items.append(list_item_node)
+            
+            bulleted_list_node = {
+                'id': node_id,
+                'type': 'BULLETED_LIST',
+                'nodes': list_node_items,
+                'bulletedListData': {}
+            }
+            nodes.append(bulleted_list_node)
+        
+        # Check for ordered lists
+        elif re.match(r'^\d+\.\s+', line):
+            list_items = []
+            while i < len(lines) and re.match(r'^\d+\.\s+', lines[i].strip()):
+                item_text = re.sub(r'^\d+\.\s+', '', lines[i].strip())
+                list_items.append(item_text)
+                i += 1
+                # Check for nested items
+                while i < len(lines) and lines[i].strip().startswith('  ') and re.match(r'^\s+\d+\.\s+', lines[i].strip()):
+                    nested_text = re.sub(r'^\s+\d+\.\s+', '', lines[i].strip())
+                    list_items.append(nested_text)
+                    i += 1
+            
+            # CRITICAL: TEXT nodes must be wrapped in PARAGRAPH nodes within LIST_ITEM
+            # NOTE: LIST_ITEM nodes do NOT have a data field per Wix API schema
+            # Wix API: omit empty data objects, don't include them as {}
+            list_node_items = []
+            for item_text in list_items:
+                item_node_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
+                text_nodes = parse_markdown_inline(item_text)
+                paragraph_node = {
+                    'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
+                    'type': 'PARAGRAPH',
+                    'nodes': text_nodes,
+                    'paragraphData': {}
+                }
+                list_item_node = {
+                    'id': item_node_id,
+                    'type': 'LIST_ITEM',
+                    'nodes': [paragraph_node]
+                }
+                list_node_items.append(list_item_node)
+            
+            ordered_list_node = {
+                'id': node_id,
+                'type': 'ORDERED_LIST',
+                'nodes': list_node_items,
+                'orderedListData': {}
+            }
+            nodes.append(ordered_list_node)
+        
+        # Check for images
+        elif line.startswith('!['):
+            img_match = re.match(r'!\[([^\]]*)\]\(([^)]+)\)', line)
+            if img_match:
+                alt_text = img_match.group(1)
+                img_url = img_match.group(2)
+                nodes.append({
+                    'id': node_id,
+                    'type': 'IMAGE',
+                    'nodes': [],
+                    'imageData': {
+                        'image': {
+                            'src': {'url': img_url},
+                            'altText': alt_text
+                        },
+                        'containerData': {
+                            'alignment': 'CENTER',
+                            'width': {'size': 'CONTENT'}
+                        }
+                    }
+                })
+            i += 1
+        
+        # Regular paragraph
+        else:
+            # Collect consecutive non-empty lines as paragraph content
+            para_lines = [line]
+            i += 1
+            while i < len(lines):
+                next_line = lines[i].strip()
+                if not next_line:
+                    break
+                # Stop if next line is a special markdown element
+                if (next_line.startswith('#') or 
+                    next_line.startswith('- ') or 
+                    next_line.startswith('* ') or
+                    next_line.startswith('>') or
+                    next_line.startswith('![') or
+                    re.match(r'^\d+\.\s+', next_line)):
+                    break
+                para_lines.append(next_line)
+                i += 1
+            
+            para_text = ' '.join(para_lines)
+            text_nodes = parse_markdown_inline(para_text)
+            
+            # Only add paragraph if there are text nodes
+            if text_nodes:
+                paragraph_node = {
+                    'id': node_id,
+                    'type': 'PARAGRAPH',
+                    'nodes': text_nodes,
+                    'paragraphData': {}
+                }
+                nodes.append(paragraph_node)
+    
+    # Ensure at least one node exists
+    # Wix API: omit empty data objects, don't include them as {}
+    if not nodes:
+        fallback_paragraph = {
+            'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
+            'type': 'PARAGRAPH',
+            'nodes': [{
+                'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
+                'type': 'TEXT',
+                'textData': {
+                    'text': content[:500] if content else "This is a post from ALwrity.",
+                    'decorations': []
+                }
+            }],
+            'paragraphData': {}
+        }
+        nodes.append(fallback_paragraph)
+    
     return {
+        'type': 'DOCUMENT',
+        'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
         'nodes': nodes,
-        'metadata': { 'version': 1, 'id': str(uuid.uuid4()) },
+        'metadata': {'version': 1, 'id': str(uuid.uuid4())},
         'documentStyle': {
-            'paragraph': { 'decorations': [], 'nodeStyle': {}, 'lineHeight': '1.5' }
+            'paragraph': {'decorations': [], 'nodeStyle': {}, 'lineHeight': '1.5'}
         }
     }
 

backend/services/integrations/wix/media.py

@@ -7,6 +7,12 @@ class WixMediaService:
         self.base_url = base_url
 
     def import_image(self, access_token: str, image_url: str, display_name: str) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        """
+        Import external image to Wix Media Manager.
+        
+        Official endpoint: https://www.wixapis.com/site-media/v1/files/import
+        Reference: https://dev.wix.com/docs/rest/assets/media/media-manager/files/import-file
+        """
         headers = {
             'Authorization': f'Bearer {access_token}',
             'Content-Type': 'application/json',
@@ -16,7 +22,9 @@ class WixMediaService:
             'mediaType': 'IMAGE',
             'displayName': display_name,
         }
-        response = requests.post(f"{self.base_url}/media/v1/files/import", headers=headers, json=payload)
+        # Correct endpoint per Wix API documentation
+        endpoint = f"{self.base_url}/site-media/v1/files/import"
+        response = requests.post(endpoint, headers=headers, json=payload)
         response.raise_for_status()
         return response.json()
 

backend/services/integrations/wix/ricos_converter.py

@@ -0,0 +1,277 @@
+"""
+Ricos Document Converter for Wix
+
+Converts markdown content to Wix Ricos JSON format using either:
+1. Wix's official Ricos Documents API (preferred)
+2. Custom markdown parser (fallback)
+"""
+
+import json
+import requests
+import jwt
+from typing import Dict, Any, Optional
+from loguru import logger
+
+
+def markdown_to_html(markdown_content: str) -> str:
+    """
+    Convert markdown content to HTML.
+    Uses a simple markdown parser for basic conversion.
+    
+    Args:
+        markdown_content: Markdown content to convert
+        
+    Returns:
+        HTML string
+    """
+    try:
+        # Try using markdown library if available
+        import markdown
+        html = markdown.markdown(markdown_content, extensions=['fenced_code', 'tables'])
+        return html
+    except ImportError:
+        # Fallback: Simple regex-based conversion for basic markdown
+        logger.warning("markdown library not available, using basic markdown-to-HTML conversion")
+        import re
+        
+        if not markdown_content or not markdown_content.strip():
+            return "<p>This is a post from ALwrity.</p>"
+        
+        lines = markdown_content.split('\n')
+        result = []
+        in_list = False
+        list_type = None  # 'ul' or 'ol'
+        in_code_block = False
+        code_block_content = []
+        
+        i = 0
+        while i < len(lines):
+            line = lines[i].strip()
+            
+            # Handle code blocks first
+            if line.startswith('```'):
+                if not in_code_block:
+                    in_code_block = True
+                    code_block_content = []
+                    i += 1
+                    continue
+                else:
+                    in_code_block = False
+                    result.append(f'<pre><code>{"\n".join(code_block_content)}</code></pre>')
+                    code_block_content = []
+                    i += 1
+                    continue
+            
+            if in_code_block:
+                code_block_content.append(lines[i])
+                i += 1
+                continue
+            
+            # Close any open lists
+            if in_list and not (line.startswith('- ') or line.startswith('* ') or re.match(r'^\d+\.\s+', line)):
+                result.append(f'</{list_type}>')
+                in_list = False
+                list_type = None
+            
+            if not line:
+                i += 1
+                continue
+            
+            # Headers
+            if line.startswith('###'):
+                result.append(f'<h3>{line[3:].strip()}</h3>')
+            elif line.startswith('##'):
+                result.append(f'<h2>{line[2:].strip()}</h2>')
+            elif line.startswith('#'):
+                result.append(f'<h1>{line[1:].strip()}</h1>')
+            # Lists
+            elif line.startswith('- ') or line.startswith('* '):
+                if not in_list or list_type != 'ul':
+                    if in_list:
+                        result.append(f'</{list_type}>')
+                    result.append('<ul>')
+                    in_list = True
+                    list_type = 'ul'
+                # Process inline formatting in list item
+                item_text = line[2:].strip()
+                item_text = re.sub(r'\*\*(.*?)\*\*', r'<strong>\1</strong>', item_text)
+                item_text = re.sub(r'\*(.*?)\*', r'<em>\1</em>', item_text)
+                result.append(f'<li>{item_text}</li>')
+            elif re.match(r'^\d+\.\s+', line):
+                if not in_list or list_type != 'ol':
+                    if in_list:
+                        result.append(f'</{list_type}>')
+                    result.append('<ol>')
+                    in_list = True
+                    list_type = 'ol'
+                # Process inline formatting in list item
+                match = re.match(r'^\d+\.\s+(.*)', line)
+                if match:
+                    item_text = match.group(1)
+                    item_text = re.sub(r'\*\*(.*?)\*\*', r'<strong>\1</strong>', item_text)
+                    item_text = re.sub(r'\*(.*?)\*', r'<em>\1</em>', item_text)
+                    result.append(f'<li>{item_text}</li>')
+            # Blockquotes
+            elif line.startswith('>'):
+                quote_text = line[1:].strip()
+                quote_text = re.sub(r'\*\*(.*?)\*\*', r'<strong>\1</strong>', quote_text)
+                quote_text = re.sub(r'\*(.*?)\*', r'<em>\1</em>', quote_text)
+                result.append(f'<blockquote><p>{quote_text}</p></blockquote>')
+            # Regular paragraphs
+            else:
+                para_text = line
+                # Process inline formatting
+                para_text = re.sub(r'\*\*(.*?)\*\*', r'<strong>\1</strong>', para_text)
+                para_text = re.sub(r'\*(.*?)\*', r'<em>\1</em>', para_text)
+                para_text = re.sub(r'\[([^\]]+)\]\(([^\)]+)\)', r'<a href="\2">\1</a>', para_text)
+                para_text = re.sub(r'`([^`]+)`', r'<code>\1</code>', para_text)
+                result.append(f'<p>{para_text}</p>')
+            
+            i += 1
+        
+        # Close any open lists
+        if in_list:
+            result.append(f'</{list_type}>')
+        
+        # Ensure we have at least one paragraph
+        if not result:
+            result.append('<p>This is a post from ALwrity.</p>')
+        
+        html = '\n'.join(result)
+        
+        logger.debug(f"Converted {len(markdown_content)} chars markdown to {len(html)} chars HTML")
+        return html
+
+
+def convert_via_wix_api(markdown_content: str, access_token: str, base_url: str = 'https://www.wixapis.com') -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """
+    Convert markdown to Ricos using Wix's official Ricos Documents API.
+    Uses HTML format for better reliability (per Wix documentation, HTML is fully supported).
+    
+    Reference: https://dev.wix.com/docs/api-reference/assets/rich-content/ricos-documents/convert-to-ricos-document
+    
+    Args:
+        markdown_content: Markdown content to convert (will be converted to HTML)
+        access_token: Wix access token
+        base_url: Wix API base URL (default: https://www.wixapis.com)
+        
+    Returns:
+        Ricos JSON document
+    """
+    # Validate content is not empty
+    markdown_stripped = markdown_content.strip() if markdown_content else ""
+    if not markdown_stripped:
+        logger.error("Markdown content is empty or whitespace-only")
+        raise ValueError("Content cannot be empty for Wix Ricos API conversion")
+    
+    logger.debug(f"Converting markdown to HTML: input_length={len(markdown_stripped)} chars")
+    
+    # Convert markdown to HTML for better reliability with Wix API
+    # HTML format is more structured and less prone to parsing errors
+    html_content = markdown_to_html(markdown_stripped)
+    
+    # Validate HTML content is not empty - CRITICAL for Wix API
+    html_stripped = html_content.strip() if html_content else ""
+    if not html_stripped or len(html_stripped) == 0:
+        logger.error(f"HTML conversion produced empty content! Markdown length: {len(markdown_stripped)}")
+        logger.error(f"Markdown sample: {markdown_stripped[:500]}...")
+        logger.error(f"HTML result: '{html_content}' (type: {type(html_content)})")
+        # Fallback: use a minimal valid HTML if conversion failed
+        html_content = "<p>Content from ALwrity blog writer.</p>"
+        logger.warning("Using fallback HTML due to empty conversion result")
+    else:
+        html_content = html_stripped
+    
+    logger.debug(f"✅ Converted markdown to HTML: {len(html_content)} chars, preview: {html_content[:200]}...")
+    
+    headers = {
+        'Authorization': f'Bearer {access_token}',
+        'Content-Type': 'application/json'
+    }
+    
+    # Add wix-site-id if available from token
+    try:
+        token_str = str(access_token)
+        if token_str and token_str.startswith('OauthNG.JWS.'):
+            jwt_part = token_str[12:]
+            payload = jwt.decode(jwt_part, options={"verify_signature": False, "verify_aud": False})
+            data_payload = payload.get('data', {})
+            if isinstance(data_payload, str):
+                try:
+                    data_payload = json.loads(data_payload)
+                except:
+                    pass
+            instance_data = data_payload.get('instance', {})
+            meta_site_id = instance_data.get('metaSiteId')
+            if isinstance(meta_site_id, str) and meta_site_id:
+                headers['wix-site-id'] = meta_site_id
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.debug(f"Could not extract site ID from token: {e}")
+    
+    # Call Wix Ricos Documents API: Convert to Ricos Document
+    # Official endpoint: https://www.wixapis.com/ricos/v1/ricos-document/convert/to-ricos
+    # Reference: https://dev.wix.com/docs/rest/assets/rich-content/ricos-documents/convert-to-ricos-document
+    endpoint = f"{base_url}/ricos/v1/ricos-document/convert/to-ricos"
+    
+    # Ensure HTML content is not empty or just whitespace
+    html_stripped = html_content.strip() if html_content else ""
+    if not html_stripped or len(html_stripped) == 0:
+        logger.error(f"HTML content is empty after conversion. Markdown length: {len(markdown_content)}")
+        logger.error(f"Markdown preview (first 500 chars): {markdown_content[:500] if markdown_content else 'N/A'}")
+        raise ValueError(f"HTML content cannot be empty. Original markdown had {len(markdown_content)} characters.")
+    
+    # Payload structure per Wix API: html/markdown/plainText field at root, optional plugins
+    payload = {
+        'html': html_stripped,  # Direct field, not nested in options
+        'plugins': []  # Optional: empty array uses default plugins
+    }
+    
+    logger.warning(f"📤 Sending to Wix Ricos API: html_length={len(payload['html'])}, plugins_count={len(payload['plugins'])}")
+    logger.debug(f"HTML preview (first 300 chars): {html_stripped[:300]}...")
+    
+    try:
+        # Log the exact payload being sent (for debugging)
+        logger.warning(f"📤 Wix Ricos API Request:")
+        logger.warning(f"  Endpoint: {endpoint}")
+        logger.warning(f"  Payload keys: {list(payload.keys())}")
+        logger.warning(f"  HTML length: {len(payload.get('html', ''))}")
+        logger.warning(f"  Plugins: {payload.get('plugins', [])}")
+        logger.debug(f"  Full payload (first 500 chars of HTML): {str(payload)[:500]}")
+        
+        response = requests.post(
+            endpoint,
+            headers=headers,
+            json=payload,
+            timeout=30
+        )
+        response.raise_for_status()
+        result = response.json()
+        
+        # Extract the ricos document from response
+        # Response structure: { "document": { "nodes": [...], "metadata": {...}, "documentStyle": {...} } }
+        ricos_document = result.get('document')
+        if not ricos_document:
+            # Fallback: try other possible response fields
+            ricos_document = result.get('ricosDocument') or result.get('ricos') or result
+        
+        if not ricos_document:
+            logger.error(f"Unexpected response structure from Wix API: {list(result.keys())}")
+            logger.error(f"Response: {result}")
+            raise ValueError("Wix API did not return a valid Ricos document")
+        
+        logger.warning(f"✅ Successfully converted HTML to Ricos via Wix API: {len(ricos_document.get('nodes', []))} nodes")
+        return ricos_document
+        
+    except requests.RequestException as e:
+        logger.error(f"❌ Wix Ricos API conversion failed: {e}")
+        if hasattr(e, 'response') and e.response is not None:
+            logger.error(f"  Response status: {e.response.status_code}")
+            logger.error(f"  Response headers: {dict(e.response.headers)}")
+            try:
+                error_body = e.response.json()
+                logger.error(f"  Response JSON: {error_body}")
+            except:
+                logger.error(f"  Response text: {e.response.text}")
+            logger.error(f"  Request payload was: {json.dumps(payload, indent=2)[:1000]}...")  # First 1000 chars
+        raise
+

backend/services/integrations/wix/seo.py

@@ -0,0 +1,300 @@
+"""
+SEO Data Builder for Wix Blog Posts
+
+Builds Wix-compatible seoData objects from ALwrity SEO metadata.
+"""
+
+from typing import Dict, Any, Optional
+from loguru import logger
+
+
+def build_seo_data(seo_metadata: Dict[str, Any], default_title: str = None) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
+    """
+    Build Wix seoData object from our SEO metadata format.
+    
+    Args:
+        seo_metadata: SEO metadata dict with fields like:
+            - seo_title: SEO optimized title
+            - meta_description: Meta description
+            - focus_keyword: Main keyword
+            - blog_tags: List of tag strings (for keywords)
+            - open_graph: Open Graph data dict
+            - canonical_url: Canonical URL
+        default_title: Fallback title if seo_title not provided
+        
+    Returns:
+        Wix seoData object with settings.keywords and tags array, or None if empty
+    """
+    seo_data = {
+        'settings': {
+            'keywords': []
+        },
+        'tags': []
+    }
+    
+    # Build keywords array
+    keywords_list = []
+    
+    # Add main keyword (focus_keyword) if provided
+    focus_keyword = seo_metadata.get('focus_keyword')
+    if focus_keyword:
+        keywords_list.append({
+            'term': str(focus_keyword),
+            'isMain': True
+        })
+    
+    # Add additional keywords from blog_tags or other sources
+    blog_tags = seo_metadata.get('blog_tags', [])
+    if isinstance(blog_tags, list):
+        for tag in blog_tags:
+            tag_str = str(tag).strip()
+            if tag_str and tag_str != focus_keyword:  # Don't duplicate main keyword
+                keywords_list.append({
+                    'term': tag_str,
+                    'isMain': False
+                })
+    
+    # Add social hashtags as keywords if available
+    social_hashtags = seo_metadata.get('social_hashtags', [])
+    if isinstance(social_hashtags, list):
+        for hashtag in social_hashtags:
+            # Remove # if present
+            hashtag_str = str(hashtag).strip().lstrip('#')
+            if hashtag_str and hashtag_str != focus_keyword:
+                keywords_list.append({
+                    'term': hashtag_str,
+                    'isMain': False
+                })
+    
+    seo_data['settings']['keywords'] = keywords_list
+    
+    # Validate keywords list is not empty (or ensure at least one keyword exists)
+    if not seo_data['settings']['keywords']:
+        logger.warning("No keywords found in SEO metadata, adding empty keywords array")
+    
+    # Build tags array (meta tags, Open Graph, etc.)
+    tags_list = []
+    
+    # Meta description
+    meta_description = seo_metadata.get('meta_description')
+    if meta_description:
+        tags_list.append({
+            'type': 'meta',
+            'props': {
+                'name': 'description',
+                'content': str(meta_description)
+            },
+            'custom': True,
+            'disabled': False
+        })
+    
+    # SEO title - 'title' type uses 'children' field, not 'props.content'
+    seo_title = seo_metadata.get('seo_title') or default_title
+    if seo_title:
+        tags_list.append({
+            'type': 'title',
+            'children': str(seo_title),  # Title tags use 'children', not 'props.content'
+            'custom': True,
+            'disabled': False
+        })
+    
+    # Open Graph tags
+    open_graph = seo_metadata.get('open_graph', {})
+    if isinstance(open_graph, dict):
+        # OG Title
+        og_title = open_graph.get('title') or seo_title
+        if og_title:
+            tags_list.append({
+                'type': 'meta',
+                'props': {
+                    'property': 'og:title',
+                    'content': str(og_title)
+                },
+                'custom': True,
+                'disabled': False
+            })
+        
+        # OG Description
+        og_description = open_graph.get('description') or meta_description
+        if og_description:
+            tags_list.append({
+                'type': 'meta',
+                'props': {
+                    'property': 'og:description',
+                    'content': str(og_description)
+                },
+                'custom': True,
+                'disabled': False
+            })
+        
+        # OG Image
+        og_image = open_graph.get('image')
+        if og_image:
+            # Skip base64 images for OG tags (Wix needs URLs)
+            if isinstance(og_image, str) and (og_image.startswith('http://') or og_image.startswith('https://')):
+                tags_list.append({
+                    'type': 'meta',
+                    'props': {
+                        'property': 'og:image',
+                        'content': og_image
+                    },
+                    'custom': True,
+                    'disabled': False
+                })
+        
+        # OG Type
+        tags_list.append({
+            'type': 'meta',
+            'props': {
+                'property': 'og:type',
+                'content': 'article'
+            },
+            'custom': True,
+            'disabled': False
+        })
+        
+        # OG URL (canonical or provided URL)
+        og_url = open_graph.get('url') or seo_metadata.get('canonical_url')
+        if og_url:
+            tags_list.append({
+                'type': 'meta',
+                'props': {
+                    'property': 'og:url',
+                    'content': str(og_url)
+                },
+                'custom': True,
+                'disabled': False
+            })
+    
+    # Twitter Card tags
+    twitter_card = seo_metadata.get('twitter_card', {})
+    if isinstance(twitter_card, dict):
+        twitter_title = twitter_card.get('title') or seo_title
+        if twitter_title:
+            tags_list.append({
+                'type': 'meta',
+                'props': {
+                    'name': 'twitter:title',
+                    'content': str(twitter_title)
+                },
+                'custom': True,
+                'disabled': False
+            })
+        
+        twitter_description = twitter_card.get('description') or meta_description
+        if twitter_description:
+            tags_list.append({
+                'type': 'meta',
+                'props': {
+                    'name': 'twitter:description',
+                    'content': str(twitter_description)
+                },
+                'custom': True,
+                'disabled': False
+            })
+        
+        twitter_image = twitter_card.get('image')
+        if twitter_image and isinstance(twitter_image, str) and (twitter_image.startswith('http://') or twitter_image.startswith('https://')):
+            tags_list.append({
+                'type': 'meta',
+                'props': {
+                    'name': 'twitter:image',
+                    'content': twitter_image
+                },
+                'custom': True,
+                'disabled': False
+            })
+        
+        twitter_card_type = twitter_card.get('card', 'summary_large_image')
+        tags_list.append({
+            'type': 'meta',
+            'props': {
+                'name': 'twitter:card',
+                'content': str(twitter_card_type)
+            },
+            'custom': True,
+            'disabled': False
+        })
+    
+    # Canonical URL as link tag
+    canonical_url = seo_metadata.get('canonical_url')
+    if canonical_url:
+        tags_list.append({
+            'type': 'link',
+            'props': {
+                'rel': 'canonical',
+                'href': str(canonical_url)
+            },
+            'custom': True,
+            'disabled': False
+        })
+    
+    # Validate all tags have required fields before adding
+    validated_tags = []
+    for tag in tags_list:
+        if not isinstance(tag, dict):
+            logger.warning(f"Skipping invalid tag (not a dict): {type(tag)}")
+            continue
+        # Ensure required fields exist
+        if 'type' not in tag:
+            logger.warning("Skipping tag missing 'type' field")
+            continue
+        # Ensure 'custom' and 'disabled' fields exist
+        if 'custom' not in tag:
+            tag['custom'] = True
+        if 'disabled' not in tag:
+            tag['disabled'] = False
+        # Validate tag structure based on type
+        tag_type = tag.get('type')
+        if tag_type == 'title':
+            if 'children' not in tag or not tag['children']:
+                logger.warning("Skipping title tag with missing/invalid 'children' field")
+                continue
+        elif tag_type == 'meta':
+            if 'props' not in tag or not isinstance(tag['props'], dict):
+                logger.warning("Skipping meta tag with missing/invalid 'props' field")
+                continue
+            if 'name' not in tag['props'] and 'property' not in tag['props']:
+                logger.warning("Skipping meta tag with missing 'name' or 'property' in props")
+                continue
+            # Ensure 'content' exists and is not empty
+            if 'content' not in tag['props'] or not str(tag['props'].get('content', '')).strip():
+                logger.warning(f"Skipping meta tag with missing/empty 'content': {tag.get('props', {})}")
+                continue
+        elif tag_type == 'link':
+            if 'props' not in tag or not isinstance(tag['props'], dict):
+                logger.warning("Skipping link tag with missing/invalid 'props' field")
+                continue
+            # Ensure 'href' exists and is not empty for link tags
+            if 'href' not in tag['props'] or not str(tag['props'].get('href', '')).strip():
+                logger.warning(f"Skipping link tag with missing/empty 'href': {tag.get('props', {})}")
+                continue
+        validated_tags.append(tag)
+    
+    seo_data['tags'] = validated_tags
+    
+    # Final validation: ensure seoData structure is complete
+    if not isinstance(seo_data['settings'], dict):
+        logger.error("seoData.settings is not a dict, creating default")
+        seo_data['settings'] = {'keywords': []}
+    if not isinstance(seo_data['settings'].get('keywords'), list):
+        logger.error("seoData.settings.keywords is not a list, creating empty list")
+        seo_data['settings']['keywords'] = []
+    if not isinstance(seo_data['tags'], list):
+        logger.error("seoData.tags is not a list, creating empty list")
+        seo_data['tags'] = []
+    
+    # CRITICAL: Per Wix API patterns, omit empty structures instead of including them as {}
+    # If keywords is empty, omit settings entirely
+    if not seo_data['settings'].get('keywords'):
+        logger.debug("No keywords found, omitting settings from seoData")
+        seo_data.pop('settings', None)
+    
+    logger.debug(f"Built SEO data: {len(validated_tags)} tags, {len(keywords_list)} keywords")
+    
+    # Only return seoData if we have at least keywords or tags
+    if keywords_list or validated_tags:
+        return seo_data
+    
+    return None
+

backend/services/llm_providers/main_text_generation.py

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import json
 from typing import Optional, Dict, Any
 from datetime import datetime
 from loguru import logger
+from fastapi import HTTPException
 from ..onboarding.api_key_manager import APIKeyManager
 
 from .gemini_provider import gemini_text_response, gemini_structured_json_response
@@ -129,11 +130,16 @@ def llm_text_gen(prompt: str, system_prompt: Optional[str] = None, json_struct:
                 pricing_service = PricingService(db)
                 
                 # Estimate tokens from prompt (input tokens)
-                # Note: We estimate output tokens conservatively (assume response is similar length to prompt)
-                # This prevents underestimating total token usage
+                # CRITICAL: Use worst-case scenario (input + max_tokens) for validation to prevent abuse
+                # This ensures we block requests that would exceed limits even if response is longer than expected
                 input_tokens = int(len(prompt.split()) * 1.3)
-                # Conservative estimate: assume output tokens ≈ input tokens * 1.0 (can be up to max_tokens)
-                estimated_output_tokens = min(input_tokens, max_tokens) if max_tokens else int(input_tokens * 0.8)
+                # Worst-case estimate: assume maximum possible output tokens (max_tokens if specified)
+                # This prevents abuse where actual response tokens exceed the estimate
+                if max_tokens:
+                    estimated_output_tokens = max_tokens  # Use maximum allowed output tokens
+                else:
+                    # If max_tokens not specified, use conservative estimate (input * 1.5)
+                    estimated_output_tokens = int(input_tokens * 1.5)
                 estimated_total_tokens = input_tokens + estimated_output_tokens
                 
                 # Check limits using sync method from pricing service (strict enforcement)
@@ -146,7 +152,14 @@ def llm_text_gen(prompt: str, system_prompt: Optional[str] = None, json_struct:
                 
                 if not can_proceed:
                     logger.warning(f"[llm_text_gen] Subscription limit exceeded for user {user_id}: {message}")
-                    raise RuntimeError(f"Subscription limit exceeded: {message}")
+                    # Raise HTTPException(429) with usage info so frontend can display subscription modal
+                    error_detail = {
+                        'error': message,
+                        'message': message,
+                        'provider': actual_provider_name or provider_enum.value,
+                        'usage_info': usage_info if usage_info else {}
+                    }
+                    raise HTTPException(status_code=429, detail=error_detail)
                 
                 # Get current usage for limit checking only
                 current_period = pricing_service.get_current_billing_period(user_id) or datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m")
@@ -159,6 +172,9 @@ def llm_text_gen(prompt: str, system_prompt: Optional[str] = None, json_struct:
                 
             finally:
                 db.close()
+        except HTTPException:
+            # Re-raise HTTPExceptions (e.g., 429 subscription limit) - preserve error details
+            raise
         except RuntimeError:
             # Re-raise subscription limit errors
             raise
@@ -244,7 +260,8 @@ def llm_text_gen(prompt: str, system_prompt: Optional[str] = None, json_struct:
                     db_track = next(get_db())
                     try:
                         # Estimate tokens from prompt and response
-                        tokens_input = estimated_tokens  # Already calculated above
+                        # Recalculate input tokens from prompt (consistent with pre-flight estimation)
+                        tokens_input = int(len(prompt.split()) * 1.3)
                         tokens_output = int(len(str(response_text).split()) * 1.3)  # Estimate output tokens
                         tokens_total = tokens_input + tokens_output
                         
@@ -259,45 +276,186 @@ def llm_text_gen(prompt: str, system_prompt: Optional[str] = None, json_struct:
                         
                         logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] Looking for usage summary: user_id={user_id}, period={current_period}")
                         
+                        # Get limits once for safety check (to prevent exceeding limits even if actual usage > estimate)
+                        provider_name = provider_enum.value
+                        limits = pricing.get_user_limits(user_id)
+                        token_limit = 0
+                        if limits and limits.get('limits'):
+                            token_limit = limits['limits'].get(f"{provider_name}_tokens", 0) or 0
+                        
+                        # CRITICAL: Use raw SQL to read current values directly from DB, bypassing SQLAlchemy cache
+                        # This ensures we always get the absolute latest committed values, even across different sessions
+                        from sqlalchemy import text
+                        current_calls_before = 0
+                        current_tokens_before = 0
+                        record_count = 0  # Initialize to ensure it's always defined
+                        
+                        # CRITICAL: First check if record exists using COUNT query
+                        try:
+                            check_query = text("SELECT COUNT(*) FROM usage_summaries WHERE user_id = :user_id AND billing_period = :period")
+                            record_count = db_track.execute(check_query, {'user_id': user_id, 'period': current_period}).scalar()
+                            logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] 🔍 DEBUG: Record count check - found {record_count} record(s) for user={user_id}, period={current_period}")
+                        except Exception as count_error:
+                            logger.error(f"[llm_text_gen] ❌ COUNT query failed: {count_error}", exc_info=True)
+                            record_count = 0
+                        
+                        if record_count and record_count > 0:
+                            # Record exists - read current values with raw SQL
+                            try:
+                                # Validate provider_name to prevent SQL injection (whitelist approach)
+                                valid_providers = ['gemini', 'openai', 'anthropic', 'mistral']
+                                if provider_name not in valid_providers:
+                                    raise ValueError(f"Invalid provider_name for SQL query: {provider_name}")
+                                
+                                # Read current values directly from database using raw SQL
+                                # CRITICAL: This bypasses SQLAlchemy's session cache and gets absolute latest values
+                                sql_query = text(f"""
+                                    SELECT {provider_name}_calls, {provider_name}_tokens 
+                                    FROM usage_summaries 
+                                    WHERE user_id = :user_id AND billing_period = :period 
+                                    LIMIT 1
+                                """)
+                                logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] 🔍 Executing raw SQL for EXISTING record: SELECT {provider_name}_calls, {provider_name}_tokens WHERE user_id={user_id}, period={current_period}")
+                                result = db_track.execute(sql_query, {'user_id': user_id, 'period': current_period}).first()
+                                if result:
+                                    raw_calls = result[0] if result[0] is not None else 0
+                                    raw_tokens = result[1] if result[1] is not None else 0
+                                    current_calls_before = raw_calls
+                                    current_tokens_before = raw_tokens
+                                    logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] ✅ Raw SQL SUCCESS: Found EXISTING record - calls={current_calls_before}, tokens={current_tokens_before} (provider={provider_name}, column={provider_name}_calls/{provider_name}_tokens)")
+                                    logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] 🔍 Raw SQL returned row: {result}, extracted calls={raw_calls}, tokens={raw_tokens}")
+                                else:
+                                    logger.error(f"[llm_text_gen] ❌ CRITICAL BUG: Record EXISTS (count={record_count}) but SELECT query returned None! Query: {sql_query}")
+                                    # Fallback: Use ORM to get values
+                                    summary_fallback = db_track.query(UsageSummary).filter(
+                                        UsageSummary.user_id == user_id,
+                                        UsageSummary.billing_period == current_period
+                                    ).first()
+                                    if summary_fallback:
+                                        db_track.refresh(summary_fallback)
+                                        current_calls_before = getattr(summary_fallback, f"{provider_name}_calls", 0) or 0
+                                        current_tokens_before = getattr(summary_fallback, f"{provider_name}_tokens", 0) or 0
+                                        logger.warning(f"[llm_text_gen] ⚠️ Using ORM fallback: calls={current_calls_before}, tokens={current_tokens_before}")
+                            except Exception as sql_error:
+                                logger.error(f"[llm_text_gen] ❌ Raw SQL query failed: {sql_error}", exc_info=True)
+                                # Fallback: Use ORM to get values
+                                summary_fallback = db_track.query(UsageSummary).filter(
+                                    UsageSummary.user_id == user_id,
+                                    UsageSummary.billing_period == current_period
+                                ).first()
+                                if summary_fallback:
+                                    db_track.refresh(summary_fallback)
+                                    current_calls_before = getattr(summary_fallback, f"{provider_name}_calls", 0) or 0
+                                    current_tokens_before = getattr(summary_fallback, f"{provider_name}_tokens", 0) or 0
+                        else:
+                            logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] ℹ️ No record exists yet (will create new) - user={user_id}, period={current_period}")
+                        
+                        # Get or create usage summary object (needed for ORM update)
                         summary = db_track.query(UsageSummary).filter(
                             UsageSummary.user_id == user_id,
                             UsageSummary.billing_period == current_period
                         ).first()
                         
                         if not summary:
-                            logger.info(f"[llm_text_gen] Creating new usage summary for user {user_id}, period {current_period}")
+                            logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] Creating NEW usage summary for user {user_id}, period {current_period}")
                             summary = UsageSummary(
                                 user_id=user_id,
                                 billing_period=current_period
                             )
                             db_track.add(summary)
                             db_track.flush()  # Ensure summary is persisted before updating
+                            # New record - values are already 0, no need to set
+                            logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] ✅ New summary created - starting from 0")
+                        else:
+                            # CRITICAL: Update the ORM object with values from raw SQL query
+                            # This ensures the ORM object reflects the actual database state before we increment
+                            logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] 🔄 Existing summary found - syncing with raw SQL values: calls={current_calls_before}, tokens={current_tokens_before}")
+                            setattr(summary, f"{provider_name}_calls", current_calls_before)
+                            if provider_enum in [APIProvider.GEMINI, APIProvider.OPENAI, APIProvider.ANTHROPIC, APIProvider.MISTRAL]:
+                                setattr(summary, f"{provider_name}_tokens", current_tokens_before)
+                            logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] ✅ Synchronized ORM object: {provider_name}_calls={current_calls_before}, {provider_name}_tokens={current_tokens_before}")
                         
-                        # Get "before" state for unified log
-                        provider_name = provider_enum.value
-                        current_calls_before = getattr(summary, f"{provider_name}_calls", 0) or 0
+                        logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] Current {provider_name}_calls from DB (raw SQL): {current_calls_before}")
                         
                         # Update provider-specific counters (sync operation)
                         new_calls = current_calls_before + 1
-                        setattr(summary, f"{provider_name}_calls", new_calls)
-                        logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] Updated {provider_name}_calls: {current_calls_before} -> {new_calls}")
                         
-                        # Update token usage for LLM providers
+                        # CRITICAL: Use direct SQL UPDATE instead of ORM setattr for dynamic attributes
+                        # SQLAlchemy doesn't detect changes when using setattr() on dynamic attributes
+                        # Using raw SQL UPDATE ensures the change is persisted
+                        from sqlalchemy import text
+                        update_calls_query = text(f"""
+                            UPDATE usage_summaries 
+                            SET {provider_name}_calls = :new_calls 
+                            WHERE user_id = :user_id AND billing_period = :period
+                        """)
+                        db_track.execute(update_calls_query, {
+                            'new_calls': new_calls,
+                            'user_id': user_id,
+                            'period': current_period
+                        })
+                        logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] Updated {provider_name}_calls via SQL: {current_calls_before} -> {new_calls}")
+                        
+                        # Update token usage for LLM providers with safety check
+                        # CRITICAL: Use current_tokens_before from raw SQL query (NOT from ORM object)
+                        # The ORM object may have stale values, but raw SQL always has the latest committed values
                         if provider_enum in [APIProvider.GEMINI, APIProvider.OPENAI, APIProvider.ANTHROPIC, APIProvider.MISTRAL]:
-                            current_tokens_before = getattr(summary, f"{provider_name}_tokens", 0) or 0
-                            new_tokens = current_tokens_before + tokens_total
-                            setattr(summary, f"{provider_name}_tokens", new_tokens)
-                            logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] Updated {provider_name}_tokens: {current_tokens_before} -> {new_tokens}")
+                            logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] Current {provider_name}_tokens from DB (raw SQL): {current_tokens_before}")
+                            
+                            # SAFETY CHECK: Prevent exceeding token limit even if actual usage exceeds estimate
+                            # This prevents abuse where actual response tokens exceed pre-flight validation estimate
+                            projected_new_tokens = current_tokens_before + tokens_total
+                            
+                            # If limit is set (> 0) and would be exceeded, cap at limit
+                            if token_limit > 0 and projected_new_tokens > token_limit:
+                                logger.warning(
+                                    f"[llm_text_gen] ⚠️ ACTUAL token usage ({tokens_total}) exceeded estimate. "
+                                    f"Would exceed limit: {projected_new_tokens} > {token_limit}. "
+                                    f"Capping tracked tokens at limit to prevent abuse."
+                                )
+                                # Cap at limit to prevent abuse
+                                new_tokens = token_limit
+                                # Adjust tokens_total for accurate total tracking
+                                tokens_total = token_limit - current_tokens_before
+                                if tokens_total < 0:
+                                    tokens_total = 0
+                            else:
+                                new_tokens = projected_new_tokens
+                            
+                            # CRITICAL: Use direct SQL UPDATE instead of ORM setattr for dynamic attributes
+                            update_tokens_query = text(f"""
+                                UPDATE usage_summaries 
+                                SET {provider_name}_tokens = :new_tokens 
+                                WHERE user_id = :user_id AND billing_period = :period
+                            """)
+                            db_track.execute(update_tokens_query, {
+                                'new_tokens': new_tokens,
+                                'user_id': user_id,
+                                'period': current_period
+                            })
+                            logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] Updated {provider_name}_tokens via SQL: {current_tokens_before} -> {new_tokens}")
                         else:
                             current_tokens_before = 0
                             new_tokens = 0
                         
-                        # Update totals
+                        # Update totals using SQL UPDATE
                         old_total_calls = summary.total_calls or 0
                         old_total_tokens = summary.total_tokens or 0
-                        summary.total_calls = old_total_calls + 1
-                        summary.total_tokens = old_total_tokens + tokens_total
-                        logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] Updated totals: calls {old_total_calls} -> {summary.total_calls}, tokens {old_total_tokens} -> {summary.total_tokens}")
+                        new_total_calls = old_total_calls + 1
+                        new_total_tokens = old_total_tokens + tokens_total
+                        
+                        update_totals_query = text("""
+                            UPDATE usage_summaries 
+                            SET total_calls = :total_calls, total_tokens = :total_tokens 
+                            WHERE user_id = :user_id AND billing_period = :period
+                        """)
+                        db_track.execute(update_totals_query, {
+                            'total_calls': new_total_calls,
+                            'total_tokens': new_total_tokens,
+                            'user_id': user_id,
+                            'period': current_period
+                        })
+                        logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] Updated totals via SQL: calls {old_total_calls} -> {new_total_calls}, tokens {old_total_tokens} -> {new_total_tokens}")
                         
                         # Get plan details for unified log
                         limits = pricing.get_user_limits(user_id)
@@ -310,12 +468,52 @@ def llm_text_gen(prompt: str, system_prompt: Optional[str] = None, json_struct:
                         current_images_before = getattr(summary, "stability_calls", 0) or 0
                         image_limit = limits['limits'].get("stability_calls", 0) if limits else 0
                         
-                        db_track.commit()
-                        logger.info(f"[llm_text_gen] ✅ Successfully tracked usage: user {user_id} -> provider {provider_name} -> {new_calls} calls, {new_tokens} tokens")
+                        # CRITICAL DEBUG: Print diagnostic info BEFORE commit (always visible, flushed immediately)
+                        import sys
+                        debug_msg = f"[DEBUG] BEFORE COMMIT - Record count: {record_count}, Raw SQL values: calls={current_calls_before}, tokens={current_tokens_before}, Provider: {provider_name}, Period: {current_period}, New calls will be: {new_calls}, New tokens will be: {new_tokens}"
+                        print(debug_msg, flush=True)
+                        sys.stdout.flush()
+                        logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] {debug_msg}")
+                        
+                        # CRITICAL: Flush before commit to ensure changes are immediately visible to other sessions
+                        db_track.flush()  # Flush to ensure changes are in DB (not just in transaction)
+                        db_track.commit()  # Commit transaction to make changes visible to other sessions
+                        logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] ✅ Successfully tracked usage: user {user_id} -> provider {provider_name} -> {new_calls} calls, {new_tokens} tokens (COMMITTED to DB)")
+                        logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] Database state after commit: {provider_name}_calls={new_calls}, {provider_name}_tokens={new_tokens} (should be visible to next session)")
+                        
+                        # CRITICAL: Verify commit worked by reading back from DB immediately after commit
+                        try:
+                            verify_query = text(f"SELECT {provider_name}_calls, {provider_name}_tokens FROM usage_summaries WHERE user_id = :user_id AND billing_period = :period LIMIT 1")
+                            verify_result = db_track.execute(verify_query, {'user_id': user_id, 'period': current_period}).first()
+                            if verify_result:
+                                verified_calls = verify_result[0] if verify_result[0] is not None else 0
+                                verified_tokens = verify_result[1] if verify_result[1] is not None else 0
+                                logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] ✅ VERIFICATION AFTER COMMIT: Read back calls={verified_calls}, tokens={verified_tokens} (expected: calls={new_calls}, tokens={new_tokens})")
+                                if verified_calls != new_calls or verified_tokens != new_tokens:
+                                    logger.error(f"[llm_text_gen] ❌ CRITICAL: COMMIT VERIFICATION FAILED! Expected calls={new_calls}, tokens={new_tokens}, but DB has calls={verified_calls}, tokens={verified_tokens}")
+                                    # Force another commit attempt
+                                    db_track.commit()
+                                    verify_result2 = db_track.execute(verify_query, {'user_id': user_id, 'period': current_period}).first()
+                                    if verify_result2:
+                                        verified_calls2 = verify_result2[0] if verify_result2[0] is not None else 0
+                                        verified_tokens2 = verify_result2[1] if verify_result2[1] is not None else 0
+                                        logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] 🔄 After second commit attempt: calls={verified_calls2}, tokens={verified_tokens2}")
+                                else:
+                                    logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] ✅ COMMIT VERIFICATION PASSED: Values match expected values")
+                            else:
+                                logger.error(f"[llm_text_gen] ❌ CRITICAL: COMMIT VERIFICATION FAILED! Record not found after commit!")
+                        except Exception as verify_error:
+                            logger.error(f"[llm_text_gen] ❌ Error verifying commit: {verify_error}", exc_info=True)
                         
                         # UNIFIED SUBSCRIPTION LOG - Shows before/after state in one message
                         # Use actual_provider_name (e.g., "huggingface") instead of enum value (e.g., "mistral")
                         # Include image stats in the log
+                        # DEBUG: Log the actual values being used
+                        logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] 📊 FINAL VALUES FOR LOG: calls_before={current_calls_before}, calls_after={new_calls}, tokens_before={current_tokens_before}, tokens_after={new_tokens}, provider={provider_name}, enum={provider_enum}")
+                        
+                        # CRITICAL DEBUG: Print diagnostic info to stdout (always visible)
+                        print(f"[DEBUG] Record count: {record_count}, Raw SQL values: calls={current_calls_before}, tokens={current_tokens_before}, Provider: {provider_name}")
+                        
                         print(f"""
 [SUBSCRIPTION] LLM Text Generation
 ├─ User: {user_id}
@@ -407,7 +605,8 @@ def llm_text_gen(prompt: str, system_prompt: Optional[str] = None, json_struct:
                             db_track = next(get_db())
                             try:
                                 # Estimate tokens from prompt and response
-                                tokens_input = estimated_tokens
+                                # Recalculate input tokens from prompt (consistent with pre-flight estimation)
+                                tokens_input = int(len(prompt.split()) * 1.3)
                                 tokens_output = int(len(str(response_text).split()) * 1.3)
                                 tokens_total = tokens_input + tokens_output
                                 
@@ -418,6 +617,49 @@ def llm_text_gen(prompt: str, system_prompt: Optional[str] = None, json_struct:
                                 pricing = PricingService(db_track)
                                 current_period = pricing.get_current_billing_period(user_id) or datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m")
                                 
+                                # Get limits once for safety check (to prevent exceeding limits even if actual usage > estimate)
+                                provider_name = provider_enum.value
+                                limits = pricing.get_user_limits(user_id)
+                                token_limit = 0
+                                if limits and limits.get('limits'):
+                                    token_limit = limits['limits'].get(f"{provider_name}_tokens", 0) or 0
+                                
+                                # CRITICAL: Use raw SQL to read current values directly from DB, bypassing SQLAlchemy cache
+                                from sqlalchemy import text
+                                current_calls_before = 0
+                                current_tokens_before = 0
+                                
+                                try:
+                                    # Validate provider_name to prevent SQL injection
+                                    valid_providers = ['gemini', 'openai', 'anthropic', 'mistral']
+                                    if provider_name not in valid_providers:
+                                        raise ValueError(f"Invalid provider_name for SQL query: {provider_name}")
+                                    
+                                    # Read current values directly from database using raw SQL
+                                    sql_query = text(f"""
+                                        SELECT {provider_name}_calls, {provider_name}_tokens 
+                                        FROM usage_summaries 
+                                        WHERE user_id = :user_id AND billing_period = :period 
+                                        LIMIT 1
+                                    """)
+                                    result = db_track.execute(sql_query, {'user_id': user_id, 'period': current_period}).first()
+                                    if result:
+                                        current_calls_before = result[0] if result[0] is not None else 0
+                                        current_tokens_before = result[1] if result[1] is not None else 0
+                                        logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] Raw SQL read current values (fallback): calls={current_calls_before}, tokens={current_tokens_before}")
+                                except Exception as sql_error:
+                                    logger.warning(f"[llm_text_gen] Raw SQL query failed (fallback), falling back to ORM: {sql_error}")
+                                    # Fallback to ORM query if raw SQL fails
+                                    summary = db_track.query(UsageSummary).filter(
+                                        UsageSummary.user_id == user_id,
+                                        UsageSummary.billing_period == current_period
+                                    ).first()
+                                    if summary:
+                                        db_track.refresh(summary)
+                                        current_calls_before = getattr(summary, f"{provider_name}_calls", 0) or 0
+                                        current_tokens_before = getattr(summary, f"{provider_name}_tokens", 0) or 0
+                                
+                                # Get or create usage summary object (needed for ORM update)
                                 summary = db_track.query(UsageSummary).filter(
                                     UsageSummary.user_id == user_id,
                                     UsageSummary.billing_period == current_period
@@ -430,41 +672,68 @@ def llm_text_gen(prompt: str, system_prompt: Optional[str] = None, json_struct:
                                     )
                                     db_track.add(summary)
                                     db_track.flush()  # Ensure summary is persisted before updating
+                                else:
+                                    # CRITICAL: Update the ORM object with values from raw SQL query
+                                    # This ensures the ORM object reflects the actual database state before we increment
+                                    setattr(summary, f"{provider_name}_calls", current_calls_before)
+                                    if provider_enum in [APIProvider.GEMINI, APIProvider.OPENAI, APIProvider.ANTHROPIC, APIProvider.MISTRAL]:
+                                        setattr(summary, f"{provider_name}_tokens", current_tokens_before)
+                                    logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] Synchronized summary object with raw SQL values (fallback): calls={current_calls_before}, tokens={current_tokens_before}")
                                 
-                                # Get "before" state for unified log
-                                provider_name = provider_enum.value
-                                current_calls_before = getattr(summary, f"{provider_name}_calls", 0) or 0
+                                # Get "before" state for unified log (from raw SQL query)
+                                logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] Current {provider_name}_calls from DB (fallback, raw SQL): {current_calls_before}")
                                 
                                 # Update provider-specific counters (sync operation)
                                 new_calls = current_calls_before + 1
                                 setattr(summary, f"{provider_name}_calls", new_calls)
                                 
-                                # Update token usage for LLM providers
+                                # Update token usage for LLM providers with safety check
+                                # Use current_tokens_before from raw SQL query (most reliable)
                                 if provider_enum in [APIProvider.GEMINI, APIProvider.OPENAI, APIProvider.ANTHROPIC, APIProvider.MISTRAL]:
-                                    current_tokens_before = getattr(summary, f"{provider_name}_tokens", 0) or 0
-                                    new_tokens = current_tokens_before + tokens_total
+                                    logger.debug(f"[llm_text_gen] Current {provider_name}_tokens from DB (fallback, raw SQL): {current_tokens_before}")
+                                    
+                                    # SAFETY CHECK: Prevent exceeding token limit even if actual usage exceeds estimate
+                                    # This prevents abuse where actual response tokens exceed pre-flight validation estimate
+                                    projected_new_tokens = current_tokens_before + tokens_total
+                                    
+                                    # If limit is set (> 0) and would be exceeded, cap at limit
+                                    if token_limit > 0 and projected_new_tokens > token_limit:
+                                        logger.warning(
+                                            f"[llm_text_gen] ⚠️ ACTUAL token usage ({tokens_total}) exceeded estimate in fallback provider. "
+                                            f"Would exceed limit: {projected_new_tokens} > {token_limit}. "
+                                            f"Capping tracked tokens at limit to prevent abuse."
+                                        )
+                                        # Cap at limit to prevent abuse
+                                        new_tokens = token_limit
+                                        # Adjust tokens_total for accurate total tracking
+                                        tokens_total = token_limit - current_tokens_before
+                                        if tokens_total < 0:
+                                            tokens_total = 0
+                                    else:
+                                        new_tokens = projected_new_tokens
+                                    
                                     setattr(summary, f"{provider_name}_tokens", new_tokens)
                                 else:
                                     current_tokens_before = 0
                                     new_tokens = 0
                                 
-                                # Update totals
+                                # Update totals (using potentially capped tokens_total from safety check)
                                 summary.total_calls = (summary.total_calls or 0) + 1
                                 summary.total_tokens = (summary.total_tokens or 0) + tokens_total
                                 
-                                # Get plan details for unified log
-                                limits = pricing.get_user_limits(user_id)
+                                # Get plan details for unified log (limits already retrieved above)
                                 plan_name = limits.get('plan_name', 'unknown') if limits else 'unknown'
                                 tier = limits.get('tier', 'unknown') if limits else 'unknown'
                                 call_limit = limits['limits'].get(f"{provider_name}_calls", 0) if limits else 0
-                                token_limit = limits['limits'].get(f"{provider_name}_tokens", 0) if limits else 0
                                 
                                 # Get image stats for unified log
                                 current_images_before = getattr(summary, "stability_calls", 0) or 0
                                 image_limit = limits['limits'].get("stability_calls", 0) if limits else 0
                                 
-                                db_track.commit()
-                                logger.info(f"[llm_text_gen] ✅ Successfully tracked fallback usage: user {user_id} -> provider {provider_name} -> {new_calls} calls, {new_tokens} tokens")
+                                # CRITICAL: Flush before commit to ensure changes are immediately visible to other sessions
+                                db_track.flush()  # Flush to ensure changes are in DB (not just in transaction)
+                                db_track.commit()  # Commit transaction to make changes visible to other sessions
+                                logger.info(f"[llm_text_gen] ✅ Successfully tracked fallback usage: user {user_id} -> provider {provider_name} -> {new_calls} calls, {new_tokens} tokens (committed)")
                                 
                                 # UNIFIED SUBSCRIPTION LOG for fallback
                                 # Use actual_provider_name (e.g., "huggingface") instead of enum value (e.g., "mistral")

backend/services/subscription/limit_validation.py

@@ -0,0 +1,725 @@
+"""
+Limit Validation Module
+Handles subscription limit checking and validation logic.
+Extracted from pricing_service.py for better modularity.
+"""
+
+from typing import Dict, Any, Optional, List, Tuple, TYPE_CHECKING
+from datetime import datetime, timedelta
+from sqlalchemy import text
+from loguru import logger
+
+from models.subscription_models import (
+    UserSubscription, UsageSummary, SubscriptionPlan, 
+    APIProvider, SubscriptionTier
+)
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from .pricing_service import PricingService
+
+
+class LimitValidator:
+    """Validates subscription limits for API usage."""
+    
+    def __init__(self, pricing_service: 'PricingService'):
+        """
+        Initialize limit validator with reference to PricingService.
+        
+        Args:
+            pricing_service: Instance of PricingService to access helper methods and cache
+        """
+        self.pricing_service = pricing_service
+        self.db = pricing_service.db
+    
+    def check_usage_limits(self, user_id: str, provider: APIProvider, 
+                          tokens_requested: int = 0, actual_provider_name: Optional[str] = None) -> Tuple[bool, str, Dict[str, Any]]:
+        """Check if user can make an API call within their limits.
+        
+        Args:
+            user_id: User ID
+            provider: APIProvider enum (may be MISTRAL for HuggingFace)
+            tokens_requested: Estimated tokens for the request
+            actual_provider_name: Optional actual provider name (e.g., "huggingface" when provider is MISTRAL)
+        
+        Returns:
+            (can_proceed, error_message, usage_info)
+        """
+        try:
+            # Use actual_provider_name if provided, otherwise use enum value
+            # This fixes cases where HuggingFace maps to MISTRAL enum but should show as "huggingface" in errors
+            display_provider_name = actual_provider_name or provider.value
+            
+            logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] Starting limit check for user {user_id}, provider {display_provider_name}, tokens {tokens_requested}")
+            
+            # Short TTL cache to reduce DB reads under sustained traffic
+            cache_key = f"{user_id}:{provider.value}"
+            now = datetime.utcnow()
+            cached = self.pricing_service._limits_cache.get(cache_key)
+            if cached and cached.get('expires_at') and cached['expires_at'] > now:
+                logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] Using cached result for {user_id}:{provider.value}")
+                return tuple(cached['result'])  # type: ignore
+
+            # Get user subscription first to check expiration
+            subscription = self.db.query(UserSubscription).filter(
+                UserSubscription.user_id == user_id,
+                UserSubscription.is_active == True
+            ).first()
+            
+            if subscription:
+                logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] Found subscription for user {user_id}: plan_id={subscription.plan_id}, period_end={subscription.current_period_end}")
+            else:
+                logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] No active subscription found for user {user_id}")
+            
+            # Check subscription expiration (STRICT: deny if expired)
+            if subscription:
+                if subscription.current_period_end < now:
+                    logger.warning(f"[Subscription Check] Subscription expired for user {user_id}: period_end={subscription.current_period_end}, now={now}")
+                    # Subscription expired - check if auto_renew is enabled
+                    if not getattr(subscription, 'auto_renew', False):
+                        # Expired and no auto-renew - deny access
+                        logger.warning(f"[Subscription Check] Subscription expired for user {user_id}, auto_renew=False, denying access")
+                        result = (False, "Subscription expired. Please renew your subscription to continue using the service.", {
+                            'expired': True,
+                            'period_end': subscription.current_period_end.isoformat()
+                        })
+                        self.pricing_service._limits_cache[cache_key] = {
+                            'result': result,
+                            'expires_at': now + timedelta(seconds=30)
+                        }
+                        return result
+                    else:
+                        # Try to auto-renew
+                        if not self.pricing_service._ensure_subscription_current(subscription):
+                            # Auto-renew failed - deny access
+                            result = (False, "Subscription expired and auto-renewal failed. Please renew manually.", {
+                                'expired': True,
+                                'auto_renew_failed': True
+                            })
+                            self.pricing_service._limits_cache[cache_key] = {
+                                'result': result,
+                                'expires_at': now + timedelta(seconds=30)
+                            }
+                            return result
+
+            # Get user limits with error handling (STRICT: fail on errors)
+            # CRITICAL: Expire SQLAlchemy objects to ensure we get fresh plan data after renewal
+            try:
+                # Force expire subscription and plan objects to avoid stale cache
+                if subscription and subscription.plan_id:
+                    plan_obj = self.db.query(SubscriptionPlan).filter(SubscriptionPlan.id == subscription.plan_id).first()
+                    if plan_obj:
+                        self.db.expire(plan_obj)
+                        logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] Expired plan object to ensure fresh limits after renewal")
+                
+                limits = self.pricing_service.get_user_limits(user_id)
+                if limits:
+                    logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] Retrieved limits for user {user_id}: plan={limits.get('plan_name')}, tier={limits.get('tier')}")
+                    # Log token limits for debugging
+                    token_limits = limits.get('limits', {})
+                    logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] Token limits: gemini={token_limits.get('gemini_tokens')}, mistral={token_limits.get('mistral_tokens')}, openai={token_limits.get('openai_tokens')}, anthropic={token_limits.get('anthropic_tokens')}")
+                else:
+                    logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] No limits found for user {user_id}, checking free tier")
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.error(f"[Subscription Check] Error getting user limits for {user_id}: {e}", exc_info=True)
+                # STRICT: Fail closed - deny request if we can't check limits
+                return False, f"Failed to retrieve subscription limits: {str(e)}", {}
+            
+            if not limits:
+                # No subscription found - check for free tier
+                free_plan = self.db.query(SubscriptionPlan).filter(
+                    SubscriptionPlan.tier == SubscriptionTier.FREE,
+                    SubscriptionPlan.is_active == True
+                ).first()
+                if free_plan:
+                    logger.info(f"[Subscription Check] Assigning free tier to user {user_id}")
+                    limits = self.pricing_service._plan_to_limits_dict(free_plan)
+                else:
+                    # No subscription and no free tier - deny access
+                    logger.warning(f"[Subscription Check] No subscription or free tier found for user {user_id}, denying access")
+                    return False, "No subscription plan found. Please subscribe to a plan.", {}
+            
+            # Get current usage for this billing period with error handling
+            # CRITICAL: Use fresh queries to avoid SQLAlchemy cache after renewal
+            try:
+                current_period = self.pricing_service.get_current_billing_period(user_id) or datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m")
+                
+                # Expire all objects to force fresh read from DB (critical after renewal)
+                self.db.expire_all()
+                
+                # Use raw SQL query first to bypass ORM cache, fallback to ORM if SQL fails
+                usage = None
+                try:
+                    from sqlalchemy import text
+                    sql_query = text("SELECT * FROM usage_summaries WHERE user_id = :user_id AND billing_period = :period LIMIT 1")
+                    result = self.db.execute(sql_query, {'user_id': user_id, 'period': current_period}).first()
+                    if result:
+                        # Map result to UsageSummary object
+                        usage = self.db.query(UsageSummary).filter(
+                            UsageSummary.user_id == user_id,
+                            UsageSummary.billing_period == current_period
+                        ).first()
+                        if usage:
+                            self.db.refresh(usage)  # Ensure fresh data
+                except Exception as sql_error:
+                    logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] Raw SQL query failed, using ORM: {sql_error}")
+                    # Fallback to ORM query
+                    usage = self.db.query(UsageSummary).filter(
+                        UsageSummary.user_id == user_id,
+                        UsageSummary.billing_period == current_period
+                    ).first()
+                    if usage:
+                        self.db.refresh(usage)  # Ensure fresh data
+                
+                if not usage:
+                    # First usage this period, create summary
+                    try:
+                        usage = UsageSummary(
+                            user_id=user_id,
+                            billing_period=current_period
+                        )
+                        self.db.add(usage)
+                        self.db.commit()
+                    except Exception as create_error:
+                        logger.error(f"Error creating usage summary: {create_error}")
+                        self.db.rollback()
+                        # STRICT: Fail closed on DB error
+                        return False, f"Failed to create usage summary: {str(create_error)}", {}
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.error(f"Error getting usage summary for {user_id}: {e}")
+                self.db.rollback()
+                # STRICT: Fail closed on DB error
+                return False, f"Failed to retrieve usage summary: {str(e)}", {}
+            
+            # Check call limits with error handling
+            # NOTE: call_limit = 0 means UNLIMITED (Enterprise plans)
+            try:
+                # Use display_provider_name for error messages, but provider.value for DB queries
+                provider_name = provider.value  # For DB field names (e.g., "mistral_calls", "mistral_tokens")
+                
+                # For LLM text generation providers, check against unified total_calls limit
+                llm_providers = ['gemini', 'openai', 'anthropic', 'mistral']
+                is_llm_provider = provider_name in llm_providers
+                
+                if is_llm_provider:
+                    # Use unified AI text generation limit (total_calls across all LLM providers)
+                    ai_text_gen_limit = limits['limits'].get('ai_text_generation_calls', 0) or 0
+                    
+                    # If unified limit not set, fall back to provider-specific limit for backwards compatibility
+                    if ai_text_gen_limit == 0:
+                        ai_text_gen_limit = limits['limits'].get(f"{provider_name}_calls", 0) or 0
+                    
+                    # Calculate total LLM provider calls (sum of gemini + openai + anthropic + mistral)
+                    current_total_llm_calls = (
+                        (usage.gemini_calls or 0) +
+                        (usage.openai_calls or 0) +
+                        (usage.anthropic_calls or 0) +
+                        (usage.mistral_calls or 0)
+                    )
+                    
+                    # Only enforce limit if limit > 0 (0 means unlimited for Enterprise)
+                    if ai_text_gen_limit > 0 and current_total_llm_calls >= ai_text_gen_limit:
+                        logger.error(f"[Subscription Check] AI text generation call limit exceeded for user {user_id}: {current_total_llm_calls}/{ai_text_gen_limit} (provider: {display_provider_name})")
+                        result = (False, f"AI text generation call limit reached. Used {current_total_llm_calls} of {ai_text_gen_limit} total AI text generation calls this billing period.", {
+                            'current_calls': current_total_llm_calls,
+                            'limit': ai_text_gen_limit,
+                            'usage_percentage': (current_total_llm_calls / ai_text_gen_limit) * 100 if ai_text_gen_limit > 0 else 0,
+                            'provider': display_provider_name,  # Use display name for consistency
+                            'usage_info': {
+                                'provider': display_provider_name,  # Use display name for user-facing info
+                                'current_calls': current_total_llm_calls,
+                                'limit': ai_text_gen_limit,
+                                'type': 'ai_text_generation',
+                                'breakdown': {
+                                    'gemini': usage.gemini_calls or 0,
+                                    'openai': usage.openai_calls or 0,
+                                    'anthropic': usage.anthropic_calls or 0,
+                                    'mistral': usage.mistral_calls or 0  # DB field name (not display name)
+                                }
+                            }
+                        })
+                        self.pricing_service._limits_cache[cache_key] = {
+                            'result': result,
+                            'expires_at': now + timedelta(seconds=30)
+                        }
+                        return result
+                    else:
+                        logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] AI text generation limit check passed for user {user_id}: {current_total_llm_calls}/{ai_text_gen_limit if ai_text_gen_limit > 0 else 'unlimited'} (provider: {display_provider_name})")
+                else:
+                    # For non-LLM providers, check provider-specific limit
+                    current_calls = getattr(usage, f"{provider_name}_calls", 0) or 0
+                    call_limit = limits['limits'].get(f"{provider_name}_calls", 0) or 0
+                    
+                    # Only enforce limit if limit > 0 (0 means unlimited for Enterprise)
+                    if call_limit > 0 and current_calls >= call_limit:
+                        logger.error(f"[Subscription Check] Call limit exceeded for user {user_id}, provider {display_provider_name}: {current_calls}/{call_limit}")
+                        result = (False, f"API call limit reached for {display_provider_name}. Used {current_calls} of {call_limit} calls this billing period.", {
+                            'current_calls': current_calls,
+                            'limit': call_limit,
+                            'usage_percentage': 100.0,
+                            'provider': display_provider_name  # Use display name for consistency
+                        })
+                        self.pricing_service._limits_cache[cache_key] = {
+                            'result': result,
+                            'expires_at': now + timedelta(seconds=30)
+                        }
+                        return result
+                    else:
+                        logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] Call limit check passed for user {user_id}, provider {display_provider_name}: {current_calls}/{call_limit if call_limit > 0 else 'unlimited'}")
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.error(f"Error checking call limits: {e}")
+                # Continue to next check
+            
+            # Check token limits for LLM providers with error handling
+            # NOTE: token_limit = 0 means UNLIMITED (Enterprise plans)
+            try:
+                if provider in [APIProvider.GEMINI, APIProvider.OPENAI, APIProvider.ANTHROPIC, APIProvider.MISTRAL]:
+                    current_tokens = getattr(usage, f"{provider_name}_tokens", 0) or 0
+                    token_limit = limits['limits'].get(f"{provider_name}_tokens", 0) or 0
+                    
+                    # Only enforce limit if limit > 0 (0 means unlimited for Enterprise)
+                    if token_limit > 0 and (current_tokens + tokens_requested) > token_limit:
+                        result = (False, f"Token limit would be exceeded for {display_provider_name}. Current: {current_tokens}, Requested: {tokens_requested}, Limit: {token_limit}", {
+                            'current_tokens': current_tokens,
+                            'requested_tokens': tokens_requested,
+                            'limit': token_limit,
+                            'usage_percentage': ((current_tokens + tokens_requested) / token_limit) * 100,
+                            'provider': display_provider_name,  # Use display name in error details
+                            'usage_info': {
+                                'provider': display_provider_name,
+                                'current_tokens': current_tokens,
+                                'requested_tokens': tokens_requested,
+                                'limit': token_limit,
+                                'type': 'tokens'
+                            }
+                        })
+                        self.pricing_service._limits_cache[cache_key] = {
+                            'result': result,
+                            'expires_at': now + timedelta(seconds=30)
+                        }
+                        return result
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.error(f"Error checking token limits: {e}")
+                # Continue to next check
+            
+            # Check cost limits with error handling
+            # NOTE: cost_limit = 0 means UNLIMITED (Enterprise plans)
+            try:
+                cost_limit = limits['limits'].get('monthly_cost', 0) or 0
+                # Only enforce limit if limit > 0 (0 means unlimited for Enterprise)
+                if cost_limit > 0 and usage.total_cost >= cost_limit:
+                    result = (False, f"Monthly cost limit reached. Current cost: ${usage.total_cost:.2f}, Limit: ${cost_limit:.2f}", {
+                        'current_cost': usage.total_cost,
+                        'limit': cost_limit,
+                        'usage_percentage': 100.0
+                    })
+                    self.pricing_service._limits_cache[cache_key] = {
+                        'result': result,
+                        'expires_at': now + timedelta(seconds=30)
+                    }
+                    return result
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.error(f"Error checking cost limits: {e}")
+                # Continue to success case
+            
+            # Calculate usage percentages for warnings
+            try:
+                # Determine which call variables to use based on provider type
+                if is_llm_provider:
+                    # Use unified LLM call tracking
+                    current_call_count = current_total_llm_calls
+                    call_limit_value = ai_text_gen_limit
+                else:
+                    # Use provider-specific call tracking
+                    current_call_count = current_calls
+                    call_limit_value = call_limit
+                
+                call_usage_pct = (current_call_count / max(call_limit_value, 1)) * 100 if call_limit_value > 0 else 0
+                cost_usage_pct = (usage.total_cost / max(cost_limit, 1)) * 100 if cost_limit > 0 else 0
+                result = (True, "Within limits", {
+                    'current_calls': current_call_count,
+                    'call_limit': call_limit_value,
+                    'call_usage_percentage': call_usage_pct,
+                    'current_cost': usage.total_cost,
+                    'cost_limit': cost_limit,
+                    'cost_usage_percentage': cost_usage_pct
+                })
+                self.pricing_service._limits_cache[cache_key] = {
+                    'result': result,
+                    'expires_at': now + timedelta(seconds=30)
+                }
+                return result
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.error(f"Error calculating usage percentages: {e}")
+                # Return basic success
+                return True, "Within limits", {}
+        
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"Unexpected error in check_usage_limits for {user_id}: {e}")
+            # STRICT: Fail closed - deny requests if subscription system fails
+            return False, f"Subscription check error: {str(e)}", {}
+    
+    def check_comprehensive_limits(
+        self, 
+        user_id: str, 
+        operations: List[Dict[str, Any]]
+    ) -> Tuple[bool, Optional[str], Optional[Dict[str, Any]]]:
+        """
+        Comprehensive pre-flight validation that checks ALL limits before making ANY API calls.
+        
+        This prevents wasteful API calls by validating that ALL subsequent operations will succeed
+        before making the first external API call.
+        
+        Args:
+            user_id: User ID
+            operations: List of operations to validate, each with:
+                - 'provider': APIProvider enum
+                - 'tokens_requested': int (estimated tokens for LLM calls, 0 for non-LLM)
+                - 'actual_provider_name': Optional[str] (e.g., "huggingface" when provider is MISTRAL)
+                - 'operation_type': str (e.g., "google_grounding", "llm_call", "image_generation")
+        
+        Returns:
+            (can_proceed, error_message, error_details)
+            If can_proceed is False, error_message explains which limit would be exceeded
+        """
+        try:
+            logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Check] 🔍 Starting comprehensive validation for user {user_id}")
+            logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Check] 📋 Validating {len(operations)} operation(s) before making any API calls")
+            
+            # Get current usage and limits once
+            current_period = self.pricing_service.get_current_billing_period(user_id) or datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m")
+            
+            logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Check] 📅 Billing Period: {current_period} (for user {user_id})")
+            
+            # Explicitly expire any cached objects and refresh from DB to ensure fresh data
+            self.db.expire_all()
+            
+            usage = self.db.query(UsageSummary).filter(
+                UsageSummary.user_id == user_id,
+                UsageSummary.billing_period == current_period
+            ).first()
+            
+            # CRITICAL: Explicitly refresh from database to get latest values (clears SQLAlchemy cache)
+            if usage:
+                self.db.refresh(usage)
+            
+            # Log what we actually read from database
+            if usage:
+                logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Check] 📊 Usage Summary from DB (Period: {current_period}):")
+                logger.info(f"   ├─ Gemini: {usage.gemini_tokens or 0} tokens / {usage.gemini_calls or 0} calls")
+                logger.info(f"   ├─ Mistral/HF: {usage.mistral_tokens or 0} tokens / {usage.mistral_calls or 0} calls")
+                logger.info(f"   ├─ Total Tokens: {usage.total_tokens or 0}")
+                logger.info(f"   └─ Usage Status: {usage.usage_status.value if usage.usage_status else 'N/A'}")
+            else:
+                logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Check] 📊 No usage summary found for period {current_period} (will create new)")
+            
+            if not usage:
+                # First usage this period, create summary
+                try:
+                    usage = UsageSummary(
+                        user_id=user_id,
+                        billing_period=current_period
+                    )
+                    self.db.add(usage)
+                    self.db.commit()
+                except Exception as create_error:
+                    logger.error(f"Error creating usage summary: {create_error}")
+                    self.db.rollback()
+                    return False, f"Failed to create usage summary: {str(create_error)}", {}
+            
+            # Get user limits
+            limits_dict = self.pricing_service.get_user_limits(user_id)
+            if not limits_dict:
+                # No subscription found - check for free tier
+                free_plan = self.db.query(SubscriptionPlan).filter(
+                    SubscriptionPlan.tier == SubscriptionTier.FREE,
+                    SubscriptionPlan.is_active == True
+                ).first()
+                if free_plan:
+                    limits_dict = self.pricing_service._plan_to_limits_dict(free_plan)
+                else:
+                    return False, "No subscription plan found. Please subscribe to a plan.", {}
+            
+            limits = limits_dict.get('limits', {})
+            
+            # Track cumulative usage across all operations
+            total_llm_calls = (
+                (usage.gemini_calls or 0) +
+                (usage.openai_calls or 0) +
+                (usage.anthropic_calls or 0) +
+                (usage.mistral_calls or 0)
+            )
+            total_llm_tokens = {}
+            total_images = usage.stability_calls or 0
+            
+            # Log current usage summary
+            logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Check] 📊 Current Usage Summary:")
+            logger.info(f"   └─ Total LLM Calls: {total_llm_calls}")
+            logger.info(f"   └─ Gemini Tokens: {usage.gemini_tokens or 0}, Mistral/HF Tokens: {usage.mistral_tokens or 0}")
+            logger.info(f"   └─ Image Calls: {total_images}")
+            
+            # Validate each operation
+            for op_idx, operation in enumerate(operations):
+                provider = operation.get('provider')
+                provider_name = provider.value if hasattr(provider, 'value') else str(provider)
+                tokens_requested = operation.get('tokens_requested', 0)
+                actual_provider_name = operation.get('actual_provider_name')
+                operation_type = operation.get('operation_type', 'unknown')
+                
+                display_provider_name = actual_provider_name or provider_name
+                
+                logger.error(f"[Pre-flight Check] ✅ Operation {op_idx + 1}/{len(operations)}: {operation_type}")
+                logger.error(f"   ├─ Provider: {display_provider_name} (enum: {provider_name})")
+                logger.error(f"   ├─ Operation Index: {op_idx}")
+                logger.error(f"   └─ Estimated Tokens Requested: {tokens_requested}")
+                
+                # Check if this is an LLM provider
+                llm_providers = ['gemini', 'openai', 'anthropic', 'mistral']
+                is_llm_provider = provider_name in llm_providers
+                
+                # Check unified AI text generation limit for LLM providers
+                if is_llm_provider:
+                    ai_text_gen_limit = limits.get('ai_text_generation_calls', 0) or 0
+                    if ai_text_gen_limit == 0:
+                        # Fallback to provider-specific limit
+                        ai_text_gen_limit = limits.get(f"{provider_name}_calls", 0) or 0
+                    
+                    # Count this operation as an LLM call
+                    projected_total_llm_calls = total_llm_calls + 1
+                    
+                    if ai_text_gen_limit > 0 and projected_total_llm_calls > ai_text_gen_limit:
+                        error_info = {
+                            'current_calls': total_llm_calls,
+                            'limit': ai_text_gen_limit,
+                            'provider': display_provider_name,
+                            'operation_type': operation_type,
+                            'operation_index': op_idx
+                        }
+                        return False, f"AI text generation call limit would be exceeded. Would use {projected_total_llm_calls} of {ai_text_gen_limit} total AI text generation calls.", {
+                            'error_type': 'call_limit',
+                            'usage_info': error_info
+                        }
+                    
+                    # Check token limits for this provider
+                    # CRITICAL: Always query fresh from DB for each operation to avoid SQLAlchemy cache issues
+                    # This ensures we get the latest values after subscription renewal, even for cumulative tracking
+                    provider_tokens_key = f"{provider_name}_tokens"
+                    
+                    # Try to get fresh value from DB with comprehensive error handling
+                    base_current_tokens = 0
+                    query_succeeded = False
+                    
+                    try:
+                        # Validate column name is safe (only allow known provider token columns)
+                        valid_token_columns = ['gemini_tokens', 'openai_tokens', 'anthropic_tokens', 'mistral_tokens']
+                        
+                        if provider_tokens_key not in valid_token_columns:
+                            logger.error(f"   └─ Invalid provider tokens key: {provider_tokens_key}")
+                            query_succeeded = True  # Treat as success with 0 value
+                        else:
+                            # Method 1: Try raw SQL query to completely bypass ORM cache
+                            try:
+                                logger.debug(f"   └─ Attempting raw SQL query for {provider_tokens_key}")
+                                sql_query = text(f"""
+                                    SELECT {provider_tokens_key} 
+                                    FROM usage_summaries 
+                                    WHERE user_id = :user_id 
+                                    AND billing_period = :period
+                                    LIMIT 1
+                                """)
+                                
+                                logger.debug(f"   └─ SQL: SELECT {provider_tokens_key} FROM usage_summaries WHERE user_id={user_id} AND billing_period={current_period}")
+                                
+                                result = self.db.execute(sql_query, {
+                                    'user_id': user_id,
+                                    'period': current_period
+                                }).first()
+                                
+                                if result:
+                                    base_current_tokens = result[0] if result[0] is not None else 0
+                                    logger.error(f"[Pre-flight Check] ✅ Raw SQL query returned result: {result[0]} -> {base_current_tokens}")
+                                else:
+                                    base_current_tokens = 0
+                                    logger.error(f"[Pre-flight Check] ⚠️  Raw SQL query returned None (no rows found)")
+                                
+                                query_succeeded = True
+                                logger.error(f"[Pre-flight Check] ✅ Raw SQL query succeeded for {provider_tokens_key}: {base_current_tokens}")
+                                
+                            except Exception as sql_error:
+                                logger.error(f"   └─ Raw SQL query failed for {provider_tokens_key}: {type(sql_error).__name__}: {sql_error}", exc_info=True)
+                                query_succeeded = False  # Will try ORM fallback
+                            
+                            # Method 2: Fallback to fresh ORM query if raw SQL fails
+                            if not query_succeeded:
+                                try:
+                                    # Expire all cached objects and do fresh query
+                                    self.db.expire_all()
+                                    fresh_usage = self.db.query(UsageSummary).filter(
+                                        UsageSummary.user_id == user_id,
+                                        UsageSummary.billing_period == current_period
+                                    ).first()
+                                    
+                                    if fresh_usage:
+                                        # Explicitly refresh to get latest from DB
+                                        self.db.refresh(fresh_usage)
+                                        base_current_tokens = getattr(fresh_usage, provider_tokens_key, 0) or 0
+                                    else:
+                                        base_current_tokens = 0
+                                    
+                                    query_succeeded = True
+                                    logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Check] ✅ ORM fallback query succeeded for {provider_tokens_key}: {base_current_tokens}")
+                                    
+                                except Exception as orm_error:
+                                    logger.error(f"   └─ ORM query also failed: {orm_error}", exc_info=True)
+                                    query_succeeded = False
+                    
+                    except Exception as e:
+                        logger.error(f"   └─ Unexpected error getting tokens from DB for {provider_tokens_key}: {e}", exc_info=True)
+                        base_current_tokens = 0  # Fail safe - assume 0 if we can't query
+                    
+                    if not query_succeeded:
+                        logger.warning(f"   └─ Both query methods failed, using 0 as fallback")
+                    
+                    # CRITICAL LOG: Always log what we got from DB - this helps debug renewal issues
+                    # Use ERROR level to ensure it shows even if INFO is filtered
+                    logger.error(f"[Pre-flight Check] 🔍 Fresh DB Query for {display_provider_name}:")
+                    logger.error(f"   ├─ Column: {provider_tokens_key}")
+                    logger.error(f"   ├─ Billing Period: {current_period}")
+                    logger.error(f"   ├─ User ID: {user_id}")
+                    logger.error(f"   ├─ Method: {'Raw SQL' if query_succeeded and base_current_tokens >= 0 else 'ORM' if query_succeeded else 'Failed - using 0'}")
+                    logger.error(f"   └─ Value from DB: {base_current_tokens}")
+                    
+                    # Add any projected tokens from previous operations in this validation run
+                    # Note: total_llm_tokens tracks ONLY projected tokens from this run, not base DB value
+                    projected_from_previous = total_llm_tokens.get(provider_tokens_key, 0)
+                    
+                    # Current tokens = base from DB + projected from previous operations in this run
+                    current_provider_tokens = base_current_tokens + projected_from_previous
+                    
+                    # Use ERROR level to ensure visibility
+                    logger.error(f"[Pre-flight Check] 📊 Token Calculation for {display_provider_name}:")
+                    logger.error(f"   ├─ Base from DB (fresh query): {base_current_tokens}")
+                    logger.error(f"   ├─ Projected from previous ops in this run: {projected_from_previous}")
+                    logger.error(f"   └─ Total current tokens (base + projected): {current_provider_tokens}")
+                    
+                    # Also check the initial usage object to see if it's being used incorrectly
+                    if usage and hasattr(usage, provider_tokens_key):
+                        initial_usage_value = getattr(usage, provider_tokens_key, 0) or 0
+                        logger.error(f"   ⚠️  Initial usage object value: {initial_usage_value} (this should NOT be used for fresh query)")
+                    
+                    token_limit = limits.get(provider_tokens_key, 0) or 0
+                    
+                    if token_limit > 0 and tokens_requested > 0:
+                        projected_tokens = current_provider_tokens + tokens_requested
+                        logger.info(f"   └─ Token Check: {current_provider_tokens} (current) + {tokens_requested} (requested) = {projected_tokens} (total) / {token_limit} (limit)")
+                        
+                        if projected_tokens > token_limit:
+                            usage_percentage = (projected_tokens / token_limit) * 100 if token_limit > 0 else 0
+                            error_info = {
+                                'current_tokens': current_provider_tokens,
+                                'base_tokens_from_db': base_current_tokens,
+                                'projected_from_previous_ops': projected_from_previous,
+                                'requested_tokens': tokens_requested,
+                                'limit': token_limit,
+                                'provider': display_provider_name,
+                                'operation_type': operation_type,
+                                'operation_index': op_idx
+                            }
+                            # Make error message clearer: show actual DB usage vs projected
+                            if projected_from_previous > 0:
+                                error_msg = (
+                                    f"Token limit exceeded for {display_provider_name} "
+                                    f"({operation_type}). "
+                                    f"Base usage: {base_current_tokens}/{token_limit}, "
+                                    f"After previous operations in this workflow: {current_provider_tokens}/{token_limit}, "
+                                    f"This operation would add: {tokens_requested}, "
+                                    f"Total would be: {projected_tokens} (exceeds by {projected_tokens - token_limit} tokens)"
+                                )
+                            else:
+                                error_msg = (
+                                    f"Token limit exceeded for {display_provider_name} "
+                                    f"({operation_type}). "
+                                    f"Current: {current_provider_tokens}/{token_limit}, "
+                                    f"Requested: {tokens_requested}, "
+                                    f"Would exceed by: {projected_tokens - token_limit} tokens "
+                                    f"({usage_percentage:.1f}% of limit)"
+                                )
+                            logger.error(f"[Pre-flight Check] ❌ BLOCKED: {error_msg}")
+                            return False, error_msg, {
+                                'error_type': 'token_limit',
+                                'usage_info': error_info
+                            }
+                        else:
+                            logger.info(f"   └─ ✅ Token limit check passed: {projected_tokens} <= {token_limit}")
+                    
+                    # Update cumulative counts for next operation
+                    total_llm_calls = projected_total_llm_calls
+                    # Update cumulative projected tokens from this validation run
+                    # This represents only projected tokens from previous operations in this run
+                    # Base DB value is always queried fresh, so we only track the projection delta
+                    old_projected = total_llm_tokens.get(provider_tokens_key, 0)
+                    if tokens_requested > 0:
+                        # Add this operation's tokens to cumulative projected tokens
+                        total_llm_tokens[provider_tokens_key] = projected_from_previous + tokens_requested
+                        logger.error(f"[Pre-flight Check] 📝 Updated cumulative projected tokens for {display_provider_name}:")
+                        logger.error(f"   ├─ Previous projected: {projected_from_previous}")
+                        logger.error(f"   ├─ This operation requested: {tokens_requested}")
+                        logger.error(f"   ├─ New cumulative projected: {total_llm_tokens[provider_tokens_key]}")
+                        logger.error(f"   └─ Old value in dict was: {old_projected}")
+                    else:
+                        # No tokens requested, keep existing projected tokens (or 0 if first operation)
+                        total_llm_tokens[provider_tokens_key] = projected_from_previous
+                        logger.error(f"[Pre-flight Check] 📝 No tokens requested, keeping projected at: {projected_from_previous}")
+                
+                # Check image generation limits
+                elif provider == APIProvider.STABILITY:
+                    image_limit = limits.get('stability_calls', 0) or 0
+                    projected_images = total_images + 1
+                    
+                    if image_limit > 0 and projected_images > image_limit:
+                        error_info = {
+                            'current_images': total_images,
+                            'limit': image_limit,
+                            'provider': 'stability',
+                            'operation_type': operation_type,
+                            'operation_index': op_idx
+                        }
+                        return False, f"Image generation limit would be exceeded. Would use {projected_images} of {image_limit} images this billing period.", {
+                            'error_type': 'image_limit',
+                            'usage_info': error_info
+                        }
+                    
+                    total_images = projected_images
+                
+                # Check other provider-specific limits
+                else:
+                    provider_calls_key = f"{provider_name}_calls"
+                    current_provider_calls = getattr(usage, provider_calls_key, 0) or 0
+                    call_limit = limits.get(provider_calls_key, 0) or 0
+                    
+                    if call_limit > 0:
+                        projected_calls = current_provider_calls + 1
+                        if projected_calls > call_limit:
+                            error_info = {
+                                'current_calls': current_provider_calls,
+                                'limit': call_limit,
+                                'provider': display_provider_name,
+                                'operation_type': operation_type,
+                                'operation_index': op_idx
+                            }
+                            return False, f"API call limit would be exceeded for {display_provider_name}. Would use {projected_calls} of {call_limit} calls this billing period.", {
+                                'error_type': 'call_limit',
+                                'usage_info': error_info
+                            }
+            
+            # All checks passed
+            logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Check] ✅ All {len(operations)} operation(s) validated successfully")
+            logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Check] ✅ User {user_id} is cleared to proceed with API calls")
+            return True, None, None
+            
+        except Exception as e:
+            error_type = type(e).__name__
+            error_message = str(e)
+            logger.error(f"[Pre-flight Check] ❌ Error during comprehensive limit check: {error_type}: {error_message}", exc_info=True)
+            logger.error(f"[Pre-flight Check] ❌ User: {user_id}, Operations count: {len(operations) if operations else 0}")
+            return False, f"Failed to validate limits: {error_type}: {error_message}", {}
+

backend/services/subscription/preflight_validator.py

@@ -44,15 +44,17 @@ def validate_research_operations(
             llm_provider_name = "gemini"
         
         # Estimate tokens for each operation in research workflow
-        # Google Grounding call: ~2000 tokens (input + output)
+        # Google Grounding call: ~1200 tokens (input: ~500 tokens, output: ~700 tokens for research results)
         # Keyword analyzer: ~1000 tokens (input: 3000 chars research, output: structured JSON)
         # Competitor analyzer: ~1000 tokens (input: 3000 chars research, output: structured JSON)
         # Content angle generator: ~1000 tokens (input: 3000 chars research, output: list of angles)
+        # Note: These are conservative estimates. Actual usage may be lower, but we use these for pre-flight validation
+        # to prevent wasteful API calls if the workflow would exceed limits.
         
         operations_to_validate = [
             {
                 'provider': APIProvider.GEMINI,  # Google Grounding uses Gemini
-                'tokens_requested': 2000,
+                'tokens_requested': 1200,  # Reduced from 2000 to more realistic estimate
                 'actual_provider_name': 'gemini',
                 'operation_type': 'google_grounding'
             },
@@ -126,6 +128,120 @@ def validate_research_operations(
         )
 
 
+def validate_exa_research_operations(
+    pricing_service: PricingService,
+    user_id: str,
+    gpt_provider: str = "google"
+) -> None:
+    """
+    Validate all operations for an Exa research workflow before making ANY API calls.
+    
+    This prevents wasteful external API calls (like Exa search) if subsequent
+    LLM calls would fail due to token or call limits.
+    
+    Args:
+        pricing_service: PricingService instance
+        user_id: User ID for subscription checking
+        gpt_provider: GPT provider from env var (defaults to "google")
+        
+    Returns:
+        None
+        If validation fails, raises HTTPException with 429 status
+    """
+    try:
+        # Determine actual provider for LLM calls based on GPT_PROVIDER env var
+        gpt_provider_lower = gpt_provider.lower()
+        if gpt_provider_lower == "huggingface":
+            llm_provider_enum = APIProvider.MISTRAL  # Maps to HuggingFace
+            llm_provider_name = "huggingface"
+        else:
+            llm_provider_enum = APIProvider.GEMINI
+            llm_provider_name = "gemini"
+        
+        # Estimate tokens for each operation in Exa research workflow
+        # Exa Search call: 1 Exa API call (not token-based)
+        # Keyword analyzer: ~1000 tokens (input: research results, output: structured JSON)
+        # Competitor analyzer: ~1000 tokens (input: research results, output: structured JSON)
+        # Content angle generator: ~1000 tokens (input: research results, output: list of angles)
+        # Note: These are conservative estimates for pre-flight validation
+        
+        operations_to_validate = [
+            {
+                'provider': APIProvider.EXA,  # Exa API call
+                'tokens_requested': 0,
+                'actual_provider_name': 'exa',
+                'operation_type': 'exa_neural_search'
+            },
+            {
+                'provider': llm_provider_enum,
+                'tokens_requested': 1000,
+                'actual_provider_name': llm_provider_name,
+                'operation_type': 'keyword_analysis'
+            },
+            {
+                'provider': llm_provider_enum,
+                'tokens_requested': 1000,
+                'actual_provider_name': llm_provider_name,
+                'operation_type': 'competitor_analysis'
+            },
+            {
+                'provider': llm_provider_enum,
+                'tokens_requested': 1000,
+                'actual_provider_name': llm_provider_name,
+                'operation_type': 'content_angle_generation'
+            }
+        ]
+        
+        logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Validator] 🚀 Starting Exa Research Workflow Validation")
+        logger.info(f"   ├─ User: {user_id}")
+        logger.info(f"   ├─ LLM Provider: {llm_provider_name} (GPT_PROVIDER={gpt_provider})")
+        logger.info(f"   └─ Operations to validate: {len(operations_to_validate)}")
+        
+        can_proceed, message, error_details = pricing_service.check_comprehensive_limits(
+            user_id=user_id,
+            operations=operations_to_validate
+        )
+        
+        if not can_proceed:
+            usage_info = error_details.get('usage_info', {}) if error_details else {}
+            provider = usage_info.get('provider', llm_provider_name) if usage_info else llm_provider_name
+            operation_type = usage_info.get('operation_type', 'unknown')
+            
+            logger.error(f"[Pre-flight Validator] ❌ EXA RESEARCH WORKFLOW BLOCKED")
+            logger.error(f"   ├─ User: {user_id}")
+            logger.error(f"   ├─ Blocked at: {operation_type}")
+            logger.error(f"   ├─ Provider: {provider}")
+            logger.error(f"   └─ Reason: {message}")
+            
+            # Raise HTTPException immediately - frontend gets immediate response, no API calls made
+            raise HTTPException(
+                status_code=429,
+                detail={
+                    'error': message,
+                    'message': message,
+                    'provider': provider,
+                    'usage_info': usage_info if usage_info else error_details
+                }
+            )
+        
+        logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Validator] ✅ EXA RESEARCH WORKFLOW APPROVED")
+        logger.info(f"   ├─ User: {user_id}")
+        logger.info(f"   └─ All {len(operations_to_validate)} operations validated - proceeding with API calls")
+        # Validation passed - no return needed (function raises HTTPException if validation fails)
+        
+    except HTTPException:
+        raise
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"[Pre-flight Validator] Error validating Exa research operations: {e}", exc_info=True)
+        raise HTTPException(
+            status_code=500,
+            detail={
+                'error': f"Failed to validate operations: {str(e)}",
+                'message': f"Failed to validate operations: {str(e)}"
+            }
+        )
+
+
 def validate_image_generation_operations(
     pricing_service: PricingService,
     user_id: str

backend/services/subscription/pricing_service.py

@@ -258,6 +258,12 @@ class PricingService:
                 "model_name": "stable-diffusion",
                 "cost_per_image": 0.04,  # $0.04 per image
                 "description": "Stability AI Image Generation"
+            },
+            {
+                "provider": APIProvider.EXA,
+                "model_name": "exa-search",
+                "cost_per_request": 0.005,  # $0.005 per search (1-25 results)
+                "description": "Exa Neural Search API"
             }
         ]
         
@@ -296,6 +302,7 @@ class PricingService:
                 "metaphor_calls_limit": 10,
                 "firecrawl_calls_limit": 10,
                 "stability_calls_limit": 5,
+                "exa_calls_limit": 100,
                 "gemini_tokens_limit": 100000,
                 "monthly_cost_limit": 0.0,
                 "features": ["basic_content_generation", "limited_research"],
@@ -316,10 +323,11 @@ class PricingService:
                 "metaphor_calls_limit": 100,
                 "firecrawl_calls_limit": 100,
                 "stability_calls_limit": 5,
-                "gemini_tokens_limit": 2000,
-                "openai_tokens_limit": 2000,
-                "anthropic_tokens_limit": 2000,
-                "mistral_tokens_limit": 2000,
+                "exa_calls_limit": 500,
+                "gemini_tokens_limit": 20000,  # Increased from 5000 for better stability
+                "openai_tokens_limit": 20000,  # Increased from 5000 for better stability
+                "anthropic_tokens_limit": 20000,  # Increased from 5000 for better stability
+                "mistral_tokens_limit": 20000,  # Increased from 5000 for better stability
                 "monthly_cost_limit": 50.0,
                 "features": ["full_content_generation", "advanced_research", "basic_analytics"],
                 "description": "Great for individuals and small teams"
@@ -338,6 +346,7 @@ class PricingService:
                 "metaphor_calls_limit": 500,
                 "firecrawl_calls_limit": 500,
                 "stability_calls_limit": 200,
+                "exa_calls_limit": 2000,
                 "gemini_tokens_limit": 5000000,
                 "openai_tokens_limit": 2500000,
                 "anthropic_tokens_limit": 1000000,
@@ -360,6 +369,7 @@ class PricingService:
                 "metaphor_calls_limit": 0,
                 "firecrawl_calls_limit": 0,
                 "stability_calls_limit": 0,
+                "exa_calls_limit": 0,  # Unlimited
                 "gemini_tokens_limit": 0,
                 "openai_tokens_limit": 0,
                 "anthropic_tokens_limit": 0,
@@ -423,11 +433,14 @@ class PricingService:
     def get_user_limits(self, user_id: str) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
         """Get usage limits for a user based on their subscription."""
         
+        # CRITICAL: Expire all objects first to ensure fresh data after renewal
+        self.db.expire_all()
+        
         subscription = self.db.query(UserSubscription).filter(
             UserSubscription.user_id == user_id,
             UserSubscription.is_active == True
         ).first()
-        
+
         if not subscription:
             # Return free tier limits
             free_plan = self.db.query(SubscriptionPlan).filter(
@@ -439,7 +452,23 @@ class PricingService:
 
         # Ensure current period before returning limits
         self._ensure_subscription_current(subscription)
-        return self._plan_to_limits_dict(subscription.plan)
+        
+        # CRITICAL: Refresh subscription to get latest plan_id, then refresh plan relationship
+        self.db.refresh(subscription)
+        
+        # Re-query plan directly to ensure fresh data (bypass relationship cache)
+        plan = self.db.query(SubscriptionPlan).filter(
+            SubscriptionPlan.id == subscription.plan_id
+        ).first()
+        
+        if not plan:
+            logger.error(f"Plan not found for subscription plan_id={subscription.plan_id}")
+            return None
+        
+        # Refresh plan to ensure fresh limits
+        self.db.refresh(plan)
+        
+        return self._plan_to_limits_dict(plan)
     
     def _ensure_ai_text_gen_column_detection(self) -> None:
         """Detect at runtime whether ai_text_generation_calls_limit column exists and cache the result."""
@@ -508,290 +537,20 @@ class PricingService:
                           tokens_requested: int = 0, actual_provider_name: Optional[str] = None) -> Tuple[bool, str, Dict[str, Any]]:
         """Check if user can make an API call within their limits.
         
+        Delegates to LimitValidator for actual validation logic.
+        
         Args:
             user_id: User ID
             provider: APIProvider enum (may be MISTRAL for HuggingFace)
             tokens_requested: Estimated tokens for the request
             actual_provider_name: Optional actual provider name (e.g., "huggingface" when provider is MISTRAL)
-        """
-        try:
-            # Use actual_provider_name if provided, otherwise use enum value
-            # This fixes cases where HuggingFace maps to MISTRAL enum but should show as "huggingface" in errors
-            display_provider_name = actual_provider_name or provider.value
-            
-            logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] Starting limit check for user {user_id}, provider {display_provider_name}, tokens {tokens_requested}")
-            
-            # Short TTL cache to reduce DB reads under sustained traffic
-            cache_key = f"{user_id}:{provider.value}"
-            now = datetime.utcnow()
-            cached = self._limits_cache.get(cache_key)
-            if cached and cached.get('expires_at') and cached['expires_at'] > now:
-                logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] Using cached result for {user_id}:{provider.value}")
-                return tuple(cached['result'])  # type: ignore
-
-            # Get user subscription first to check expiration
-            subscription = self.db.query(UserSubscription).filter(
-                UserSubscription.user_id == user_id,
-                UserSubscription.is_active == True
-            ).first()
-            
-            if subscription:
-                logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] Found subscription for user {user_id}: plan_id={subscription.plan_id}, period_end={subscription.current_period_end}")
-            else:
-                logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] No active subscription found for user {user_id}")
-            
-            # Check subscription expiration (STRICT: deny if expired)
-            if subscription:
-                if subscription.current_period_end < now:
-                    logger.warning(f"[Subscription Check] Subscription expired for user {user_id}: period_end={subscription.current_period_end}, now={now}")
-                    # Subscription expired - check if auto_renew is enabled
-                    if not getattr(subscription, 'auto_renew', False):
-                        # Expired and no auto-renew - deny access
-                        logger.warning(f"[Subscription Check] Subscription expired for user {user_id}, auto_renew=False, denying access")
-                        result = (False, "Subscription expired. Please renew your subscription to continue using the service.", {
-                            'expired': True,
-                            'period_end': subscription.current_period_end.isoformat()
-                        })
-                        self._limits_cache[cache_key] = {
-                            'result': result,
-                            'expires_at': now + timedelta(seconds=30)
-                        }
-                        return result
-                    else:
-                        # Try to auto-renew
-                        if not self._ensure_subscription_current(subscription):
-                            # Auto-renew failed - deny access
-                            result = (False, "Subscription expired and auto-renewal failed. Please renew manually.", {
-                                'expired': True,
-                                'auto_renew_failed': True
-                            })
-                            self._limits_cache[cache_key] = {
-                                'result': result,
-                                'expires_at': now + timedelta(seconds=30)
-                            }
-                            return result
-
-            # Get user limits with error handling (STRICT: fail on errors)
-            try:
-                limits = self.get_user_limits(user_id)
-                if limits:
-                    logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] Retrieved limits for user {user_id}: plan={limits.get('plan_name')}, tier={limits.get('tier')}")
-                else:
-                    logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] No limits found for user {user_id}, checking free tier")
-            except Exception as e:
-                logger.error(f"[Subscription Check] Error getting user limits for {user_id}: {e}", exc_info=True)
-                # STRICT: Fail closed - deny request if we can't check limits
-                return False, f"Failed to retrieve subscription limits: {str(e)}", {}
-            
-            if not limits:
-                # No subscription found - check for free tier
-                free_plan = self.db.query(SubscriptionPlan).filter(
-                    SubscriptionPlan.tier == SubscriptionTier.FREE,
-                    SubscriptionPlan.is_active == True
-                ).first()
-                if free_plan:
-                    logger.info(f"[Subscription Check] Assigning free tier to user {user_id}")
-                    limits = self._plan_to_limits_dict(free_plan)
-                else:
-                    # No subscription and no free tier - deny access
-                    logger.warning(f"[Subscription Check] No subscription or free tier found for user {user_id}, denying access")
-                    return False, "No subscription plan found. Please subscribe to a plan.", {}
-            
-            # Get current usage for this billing period with error handling
-            try:
-                current_period = self.get_current_billing_period(user_id) or datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m")
-                usage = self.db.query(UsageSummary).filter(
-                    UsageSummary.user_id == user_id,
-                    UsageSummary.billing_period == current_period
-                ).first()
-                
-                if not usage:
-                    # First usage this period, create summary
-                    try:
-                        usage = UsageSummary(
-                            user_id=user_id,
-                            billing_period=current_period
-                        )
-                        self.db.add(usage)
-                        self.db.commit()
-                    except Exception as create_error:
-                        logger.error(f"Error creating usage summary: {create_error}")
-                        self.db.rollback()
-                        # STRICT: Fail closed on DB error
-                        return False, f"Failed to create usage summary: {str(create_error)}", {}
-            except Exception as e:
-                logger.error(f"Error getting usage summary for {user_id}: {e}")
-                self.db.rollback()
-                # STRICT: Fail closed on DB error
-                return False, f"Failed to retrieve usage summary: {str(e)}", {}
-            
-            # Check call limits with error handling
-            # NOTE: call_limit = 0 means UNLIMITED (Enterprise plans)
-            try:
-                # Use display_provider_name for error messages, but provider.value for DB queries
-                provider_name = provider.value  # For DB field names (e.g., "mistral_calls", "mistral_tokens")
-                
-                # For LLM text generation providers, check against unified total_calls limit
-                llm_providers = ['gemini', 'openai', 'anthropic', 'mistral']
-                is_llm_provider = provider_name in llm_providers
-                
-                if is_llm_provider:
-                    # Use unified AI text generation limit (total_calls across all LLM providers)
-                    ai_text_gen_limit = limits['limits'].get('ai_text_generation_calls', 0) or 0
-                    
-                    # If unified limit not set, fall back to provider-specific limit for backwards compatibility
-                    if ai_text_gen_limit == 0:
-                        ai_text_gen_limit = limits['limits'].get(f"{provider_name}_calls", 0) or 0
-                    
-                    # Calculate total LLM provider calls (sum of gemini + openai + anthropic + mistral)
-                    current_total_llm_calls = (
-                        (usage.gemini_calls or 0) +
-                        (usage.openai_calls or 0) +
-                        (usage.anthropic_calls or 0) +
-                        (usage.mistral_calls or 0)
-                    )
-                    
-                    # Only enforce limit if limit > 0 (0 means unlimited for Enterprise)
-                    if ai_text_gen_limit > 0 and current_total_llm_calls >= ai_text_gen_limit:
-                        logger.error(f"[Subscription Check] AI text generation call limit exceeded for user {user_id}: {current_total_llm_calls}/{ai_text_gen_limit} (provider: {display_provider_name})")
-                        result = (False, f"AI text generation call limit reached. Used {current_total_llm_calls} of {ai_text_gen_limit} total AI text generation calls this billing period.", {
-                            'current_calls': current_total_llm_calls,
-                            'limit': ai_text_gen_limit,
-                            'usage_percentage': (current_total_llm_calls / ai_text_gen_limit) * 100 if ai_text_gen_limit > 0 else 0,
-                            'provider': display_provider_name,  # Use display name for consistency
-                            'usage_info': {
-                                'provider': display_provider_name,  # Use display name for user-facing info
-                                'current_calls': current_total_llm_calls,
-                                'limit': ai_text_gen_limit,
-                                'type': 'ai_text_generation',
-                                'breakdown': {
-                                    'gemini': usage.gemini_calls or 0,
-                                    'openai': usage.openai_calls or 0,
-                                    'anthropic': usage.anthropic_calls or 0,
-                                    'mistral': usage.mistral_calls or 0  # DB field name (not display name)
-                                }
-                            }
-                        })
-                        self._limits_cache[cache_key] = {
-                            'result': result,
-                            'expires_at': now + timedelta(seconds=30)
-                        }
-                        return result
-                    else:
-                        logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] AI text generation limit check passed for user {user_id}: {current_total_llm_calls}/{ai_text_gen_limit if ai_text_gen_limit > 0 else 'unlimited'} (provider: {display_provider_name})")
-                else:
-                    # For non-LLM providers, check provider-specific limit
-                    current_calls = getattr(usage, f"{provider_name}_calls", 0) or 0
-                    call_limit = limits['limits'].get(f"{provider_name}_calls", 0) or 0
-                    
-                    # Only enforce limit if limit > 0 (0 means unlimited for Enterprise)
-                    if call_limit > 0 and current_calls >= call_limit:
-                        logger.error(f"[Subscription Check] Call limit exceeded for user {user_id}, provider {display_provider_name}: {current_calls}/{call_limit}")
-                        result = (False, f"API call limit reached for {display_provider_name}. Used {current_calls} of {call_limit} calls this billing period.", {
-                            'current_calls': current_calls,
-                            'limit': call_limit,
-                            'usage_percentage': 100.0,
-                            'provider': display_provider_name  # Use display name for consistency
-                        })
-                        self._limits_cache[cache_key] = {
-                            'result': result,
-                            'expires_at': now + timedelta(seconds=30)
-                        }
-                        return result
-                    else:
-                        logger.debug(f"[Subscription Check] Call limit check passed for user {user_id}, provider {display_provider_name}: {current_calls}/{call_limit if call_limit > 0 else 'unlimited'}")
-            except Exception as e:
-                logger.error(f"Error checking call limits: {e}")
-                # Continue to next check
-            
-            # Check token limits for LLM providers with error handling
-            # NOTE: token_limit = 0 means UNLIMITED (Enterprise plans)
-            try:
-                if provider in [APIProvider.GEMINI, APIProvider.OPENAI, APIProvider.ANTHROPIC, APIProvider.MISTRAL]:
-                    current_tokens = getattr(usage, f"{provider_name}_tokens", 0) or 0
-                    token_limit = limits['limits'].get(f"{provider_name}_tokens", 0) or 0
-                    
-                    # Only enforce limit if limit > 0 (0 means unlimited for Enterprise)
-                    if token_limit > 0 and (current_tokens + tokens_requested) > token_limit:
-                        result = (False, f"Token limit would be exceeded for {display_provider_name}. Current: {current_tokens}, Requested: {tokens_requested}, Limit: {token_limit}", {
-                            'current_tokens': current_tokens,
-                            'requested_tokens': tokens_requested,
-                            'limit': token_limit,
-                            'usage_percentage': ((current_tokens + tokens_requested) / token_limit) * 100,
-                            'provider': display_provider_name,  # Use display name in error details
-                            'usage_info': {
-                                'provider': display_provider_name,
-                                'current_tokens': current_tokens,
-                                'requested_tokens': tokens_requested,
-                                'limit': token_limit,
-                                'type': 'tokens'
-                            }
-                        })
-                        self._limits_cache[cache_key] = {
-                            'result': result,
-                            'expires_at': now + timedelta(seconds=30)
-                        }
-                        return result
-            except Exception as e:
-                logger.error(f"Error checking token limits: {e}")
-                # Continue to next check
-            
-            # Check cost limits with error handling
-            # NOTE: cost_limit = 0 means UNLIMITED (Enterprise plans)
-            try:
-                cost_limit = limits['limits'].get('monthly_cost', 0) or 0
-                # Only enforce limit if limit > 0 (0 means unlimited for Enterprise)
-                if cost_limit > 0 and usage.total_cost >= cost_limit:
-                    result = (False, f"Monthly cost limit reached. Current cost: ${usage.total_cost:.2f}, Limit: ${cost_limit:.2f}", {
-                        'current_cost': usage.total_cost,
-                        'limit': cost_limit,
-                        'usage_percentage': 100.0
-                    })
-                    self._limits_cache[cache_key] = {
-                        'result': result,
-                        'expires_at': now + timedelta(seconds=30)
-                    }
-                    return result
-            except Exception as e:
-                logger.error(f"Error checking cost limits: {e}")
-                # Continue to success case
-            
-            # Calculate usage percentages for warnings
-            try:
-                # Determine which call variables to use based on provider type
-                if is_llm_provider:
-                    # Use unified LLM call tracking
-                    current_call_count = current_total_llm_calls
-                    call_limit_value = ai_text_gen_limit
-                else:
-                    # Use provider-specific call tracking
-                    current_call_count = current_calls
-                    call_limit_value = call_limit
-                
-                call_usage_pct = (current_call_count / max(call_limit_value, 1)) * 100 if call_limit_value > 0 else 0
-                cost_usage_pct = (usage.total_cost / max(cost_limit, 1)) * 100 if cost_limit > 0 else 0
-                result = (True, "Within limits", {
-                    'current_calls': current_call_count,
-                    'call_limit': call_limit_value,
-                    'call_usage_percentage': call_usage_pct,
-                    'current_cost': usage.total_cost,
-                    'cost_limit': cost_limit,
-                    'cost_usage_percentage': cost_usage_pct
-                })
-                self._limits_cache[cache_key] = {
-                    'result': result,
-                    'expires_at': now + timedelta(seconds=30)
-                }
-                return result
-            except Exception as e:
-                logger.error(f"Error calculating usage percentages: {e}")
-                # Return basic success
-                return True, "Within limits", {}
         
-        except Exception as e:
-            logger.error(f"Unexpected error in check_usage_limits for {user_id}: {e}")
-            # STRICT: Fail closed - deny requests if subscription system fails
-            return False, f"Subscription check error: {str(e)}", {}
+        Returns:
+            (can_proceed, error_message, usage_info)
+        """
+        from .limit_validation import LimitValidator
+        validator = LimitValidator(self)
+        return validator.check_usage_limits(user_id, provider, tokens_requested, actual_provider_name)
     
     def estimate_tokens(self, text: str, provider: APIProvider) -> int:
         """Estimate token count for text based on provider."""
@@ -827,6 +586,16 @@ class PricingService:
         if not pricing:
             return None
         
+        # Return pricing info as dict
+        return {
+            'provider': pricing.provider.value,
+            'model_name': pricing.model_name,
+            'cost_per_input_token': pricing.cost_per_input_token,
+            'cost_per_output_token': pricing.cost_per_output_token,
+            'cost_per_request': pricing.cost_per_request,
+            'description': pricing.description
+        }
+    
     def check_comprehensive_limits(
         self, 
         user_id: str, 
@@ -835,6 +604,7 @@ class PricingService:
         """
         Comprehensive pre-flight validation that checks ALL limits before making ANY API calls.
         
+        Delegates to LimitValidator for actual validation logic.
         This prevents wasteful API calls by validating that ALL subsequent operations will succeed
         before making the first external API call.
         
@@ -850,202 +620,9 @@ class PricingService:
             (can_proceed, error_message, error_details)
             If can_proceed is False, error_message explains which limit would be exceeded
         """
-        try:
-            logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Check] 🔍 Starting comprehensive validation for user {user_id}")
-            logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Check] 📋 Validating {len(operations)} operation(s) before making any API calls")
-            
-            # Get current usage and limits once
-            current_period = self.get_current_billing_period(user_id) or datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m")
-            usage = self.db.query(UsageSummary).filter(
-                UsageSummary.user_id == user_id,
-                UsageSummary.billing_period == current_period
-            ).first()
-            
-            if not usage:
-                # First usage this period, create summary
-                try:
-                    usage = UsageSummary(
-                        user_id=user_id,
-                        billing_period=current_period
-                    )
-                    self.db.add(usage)
-                    self.db.commit()
-                except Exception as create_error:
-                    logger.error(f"Error creating usage summary: {create_error}")
-                    self.db.rollback()
-                    return False, f"Failed to create usage summary: {str(create_error)}", {}
-            
-            # Get user limits
-            limits_dict = self.get_user_limits(user_id)
-            if not limits_dict:
-                # No subscription found - check for free tier
-                free_plan = self.db.query(SubscriptionPlan).filter(
-                    SubscriptionPlan.tier == SubscriptionTier.FREE,
-                    SubscriptionPlan.is_active == True
-                ).first()
-                if free_plan:
-                    limits_dict = self._plan_to_limits_dict(free_plan)
-                else:
-                    return False, "No subscription plan found. Please subscribe to a plan.", {}
-            
-            limits = limits_dict.get('limits', {})
-            
-            # Track cumulative usage across all operations
-            total_llm_calls = (
-                (usage.gemini_calls or 0) +
-                (usage.openai_calls or 0) +
-                (usage.anthropic_calls or 0) +
-                (usage.mistral_calls or 0)
-            )
-            total_llm_tokens = {}
-            total_images = usage.stability_calls or 0
-            
-            # Log current usage summary
-            logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Check] 📊 Current Usage Summary:")
-            logger.info(f"   └─ Total LLM Calls: {total_llm_calls}")
-            logger.info(f"   └─ Gemini Tokens: {usage.gemini_tokens or 0}, Mistral/HF Tokens: {usage.mistral_tokens or 0}")
-            logger.info(f"   └─ Image Calls: {total_images}")
-            
-            # Validate each operation
-            for op_idx, operation in enumerate(operations):
-                provider = operation.get('provider')
-                provider_name = provider.value if hasattr(provider, 'value') else str(provider)
-                tokens_requested = operation.get('tokens_requested', 0)
-                actual_provider_name = operation.get('actual_provider_name')
-                operation_type = operation.get('operation_type', 'unknown')
-                
-                display_provider_name = actual_provider_name or provider_name
-                
-                logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Check] ✅ Operation {op_idx + 1}/{len(operations)}: {operation_type}")
-                logger.info(f"   ├─ Provider: {display_provider_name} (enum: {provider_name})")
-                logger.info(f"   └─ Estimated Tokens: {tokens_requested}")
-                
-                # Check if this is an LLM provider
-                llm_providers = ['gemini', 'openai', 'anthropic', 'mistral']
-                is_llm_provider = provider_name in llm_providers
-                
-                # Check unified AI text generation limit for LLM providers
-                if is_llm_provider:
-                    ai_text_gen_limit = limits.get('ai_text_generation_calls', 0) or 0
-                    if ai_text_gen_limit == 0:
-                        # Fallback to provider-specific limit
-                        ai_text_gen_limit = limits.get(f"{provider_name}_calls", 0) or 0
-                    
-                    # Count this operation as an LLM call
-                    projected_total_llm_calls = total_llm_calls + 1
-                    
-                    if ai_text_gen_limit > 0 and projected_total_llm_calls > ai_text_gen_limit:
-                        error_info = {
-                            'current_calls': total_llm_calls,
-                            'limit': ai_text_gen_limit,
-                            'provider': display_provider_name,
-                            'operation_type': operation_type,
-                            'operation_index': op_idx
-                        }
-                        return False, f"AI text generation call limit would be exceeded. Would use {projected_total_llm_calls} of {ai_text_gen_limit} total AI text generation calls.", {
-                            'error_type': 'call_limit',
-                            'usage_info': error_info
-                        }
-                    
-                    # Check token limits for this provider
-                    # Use cumulative projected tokens from previous operations, or current from DB if first operation
-                    provider_tokens_key = f"{provider_name}_tokens"
-                    if provider_tokens_key in total_llm_tokens:
-                        # Use cumulative projected tokens from previous operations
-                        current_provider_tokens = total_llm_tokens[provider_tokens_key]
-                        logger.info(f"   └─ Using cumulative projected tokens: {current_provider_tokens}")
-                    else:
-                        # First operation for this provider - get current from database
-                        current_provider_tokens = getattr(usage, provider_tokens_key, 0) or 0
-                        total_llm_tokens[provider_tokens_key] = current_provider_tokens
-                        logger.info(f"   └─ Current tokens from DB: {current_provider_tokens}")
-                    
-                    token_limit = limits.get(provider_tokens_key, 0) or 0
-                    
-                    if token_limit > 0 and tokens_requested > 0:
-                        projected_tokens = current_provider_tokens + tokens_requested
-                        logger.info(f"   └─ Token Check: {current_provider_tokens} (current) + {tokens_requested} (requested) = {projected_tokens} (total) / {token_limit} (limit)")
-                        
-                        if projected_tokens > token_limit:
-                            usage_percentage = (projected_tokens / token_limit) * 100 if token_limit > 0 else 0
-                            error_info = {
-                                'current_tokens': current_provider_tokens,
-                                'requested_tokens': tokens_requested,
-                                'limit': token_limit,
-                                'provider': display_provider_name,
-                                'operation_type': operation_type,
-                                'operation_index': op_idx
-                            }
-                            error_msg = (
-                                f"Token limit exceeded for {display_provider_name} "
-                                f"({operation_type}). "
-                                f"Current: {current_provider_tokens}/{token_limit}, "
-                                f"Requested: {tokens_requested}, "
-                                f"Would exceed by: {projected_tokens - token_limit} tokens "
-                                f"({usage_percentage:.1f}% of limit)"
-                            )
-                            logger.error(f"[Pre-flight Check] ❌ BLOCKED: {error_msg}")
-                            return False, error_msg, {
-                                'error_type': 'token_limit',
-                                'usage_info': error_info
-                            }
-                        else:
-                            logger.info(f"   └─ ✅ Token limit check passed: {projected_tokens} <= {token_limit}")
-                    
-                    # Update cumulative counts for next operation
-                    total_llm_calls = projected_total_llm_calls
-                    total_llm_tokens[provider_tokens_key] += tokens_requested
-                    logger.info(f"   └─ Updated cumulative tokens for {display_provider_name}: {total_llm_tokens[provider_tokens_key]}")
-                
-                # Check image generation limits
-                elif provider == APIProvider.STABILITY:
-                    image_limit = limits.get('stability_calls', 0) or 0
-                    projected_images = total_images + 1
-                    
-                    if image_limit > 0 and projected_images > image_limit:
-                        error_info = {
-                            'current_images': total_images,
-                            'limit': image_limit,
-                            'provider': 'stability',
-                            'operation_type': operation_type,
-                            'operation_index': op_idx
-                        }
-                        return False, f"Image generation limit would be exceeded. Would use {projected_images} of {image_limit} images this billing period.", {
-                            'error_type': 'image_limit',
-                            'usage_info': error_info
-                        }
-                    
-                    total_images = projected_images
-                
-                # Check other provider-specific limits
-                else:
-                    provider_calls_key = f"{provider_name}_calls"
-                    current_provider_calls = getattr(usage, provider_calls_key, 0) or 0
-                    call_limit = limits.get(provider_calls_key, 0) or 0
-                    
-                    if call_limit > 0:
-                        projected_calls = current_provider_calls + 1
-                        if projected_calls > call_limit:
-                            error_info = {
-                                'current_calls': current_provider_calls,
-                                'limit': call_limit,
-                                'provider': display_provider_name,
-                                'operation_type': operation_type,
-                                'operation_index': op_idx
-                            }
-                            return False, f"API call limit would be exceeded for {display_provider_name}. Would use {projected_calls} of {call_limit} calls this billing period.", {
-                                'error_type': 'call_limit',
-                                'usage_info': error_info
-                            }
-            
-            # All checks passed
-            logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Check] ✅ All {len(operations)} operation(s) validated successfully")
-            logger.info(f"[Pre-flight Check] ✅ User {user_id} is cleared to proceed with API calls")
-            return True, None, None
-            
-        except Exception as e:
-            logger.error(f"[Pre-flight Check] Error during comprehensive limit check: {e}", exc_info=True)
-            return False, f"Failed to validate limits: {str(e)}", {}
+        from .limit_validation import LimitValidator
+        validator = LimitValidator(self)
+        return validator.check_comprehensive_limits(user_id, operations)
     
     def get_pricing_for_provider_model(self, provider: APIProvider, model_name: str) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
         """Get pricing configuration for a specific provider and model."""

backend/services/subscription/schema_utils.py

@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+from typing import Set
+from sqlalchemy.orm import Session
+
+
+_checked_subscription_plan_columns: bool = False
+
+
+def ensure_subscription_plan_columns(db: Session) -> None:
+    """Ensure required columns exist on subscription_plans for runtime safety.
+
+    This is a defensive guard for environments where migrations have not yet
+    been applied. If columns are missing (e.g., exa_calls_limit), we add them
+    with a safe default so ORM queries do not fail.
+    """
+    global _checked_subscription_plan_columns
+    if _checked_subscription_plan_columns:
+        return
+
+    try:
+        # Discover existing columns
+        result = db.execute("PRAGMA table_info(subscription_plans)")
+        cols: Set[str] = {row[1] for row in result}
+
+        # Columns we may reference in models but might be missing in older DBs
+        required_columns = {
+            "exa_calls_limit": "INTEGER DEFAULT 0",
+        }
+
+        for col_name, ddl in required_columns.items():
+            if col_name not in cols:
+                db.execute(f"ALTER TABLE subscription_plans ADD COLUMN {col_name} {ddl}")
+        db.commit()
+    except Exception:
+        # Do not block app if pragma/alter fails; let normal errors surface
+        db.rollback()
+    finally:
+        _checked_subscription_plan_columns = True
+
+

backend/services/wix_service.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ Handles authentication, permission checking, and blog publishing to Wix websites
 import os
 import json
 import requests
+import uuid
 from typing import Dict, Any, Optional, List
 from loguru import logger
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
@@ -19,6 +20,9 @@ from services.integrations.wix.media import WixMediaService
 from services.integrations.wix.utils import extract_meta_from_token, normalize_token_string, extract_member_id_from_access_token as utils_extract_member
 from services.integrations.wix.content import convert_content_to_ricos as ricos_builder
 from services.integrations.wix.auth import WixAuthService
+from services.integrations.wix.seo import build_seo_data
+from services.integrations.wix.ricos_converter import markdown_to_html, convert_via_wix_api
+from services.integrations.wix.blog_publisher import create_blog_post as publish_blog_post
 
 class WixService:
     """Service for interacting with Wix APIs"""
@@ -237,13 +241,35 @@ class WixService:
             logger.error(f"Failed to import image to Wix: {e}")
             raise
     
-    def convert_content_to_ricos(self, content: str, images: List[str] = None) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    def convert_content_to_ricos(self, content: str, images: List[str] = None, 
+                                 use_wix_api: bool = False, access_token: str = None) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        """
+        Convert markdown content to Ricos JSON format.
+        
+        Args:
+            content: Markdown content to convert
+            images: Optional list of image URLs
+            use_wix_api: If True, use Wix's official Ricos Documents API (requires access_token)
+            access_token: Wix access token (required if use_wix_api=True)
+            
+        Returns:
+            Ricos JSON document
+        """
+        if use_wix_api and access_token:
+            try:
+                return convert_via_wix_api(content, access_token, self.base_url)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.warning(f"Failed to convert via Wix API, falling back to custom parser: {e}")
+                # Fall back to custom parser
+        
+        # Use custom parser (current implementation)
         return ricos_builder(content, images)
     
+    
     def create_blog_post(self, access_token: str, title: str, content: str, 
                         cover_image_url: str = None, category_ids: List[str] = None,
                         tag_ids: List[str] = None, publish: bool = True, 
-                        member_id: str = None) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+                        member_id: str = None, seo_metadata: Dict[str, Any] = None) -> Dict[str, Any]:
         """
         Create and optionally publish a blog post on Wix
         
@@ -256,101 +282,33 @@ class WixService:
             tag_ids: Optional list of tag IDs
             publish: Whether to publish immediately or save as draft
             member_id: Required for third-party apps - the member ID of the post author
+            seo_metadata: Optional SEO metadata dict with fields like:
+                - seo_title: SEO optimized title
+                - meta_description: Meta description
+                - focus_keyword: Main keyword
+                - blog_tags: List of tag strings (for keywords)
+                - open_graph: Open Graph data
+                - canonical_url: Canonical URL
             
         Returns:
             Created blog post information
         """
-        if not member_id:
-            raise ValueError("memberId is required for third-party apps creating blog posts")
-        
-        headers = {
-            'Authorization': f'Bearer {access_token}',
-            'Content-Type': 'application/json'
-        }
-        
-        # Build valid Ricos rich content (minimum: one paragraph with text)
-        ricos_content = self.convert_content_to_ricos(content or "This is a post from ALwrity.", None)
-
-        # Minimal payload per Wix docs: title, memberId, and richContent
-        blog_data = {
-            'draftPost': {
-                'title': title,
-                'memberId': member_id,  # Required for third-party apps
-                'richContent': ricos_content,
-                'excerpt': (content or '').strip()[:200]
-            },
-            'publish': publish,
-            'fieldsets': ['URL']  # Simplified fieldsets
-        }
-        
-        # Add cover image if provided
-        if cover_image_url:
-            try:
-                media_id = self.import_image_to_wix(access_token, cover_image_url, f'Cover: {title}')
-                blog_data['draftPost']['media'] = {
-                    'wixMedia': {
-                        'image': {'id': media_id}
-                    },
-                    'displayed': True,
-                    'custom': True
-                }
-            except Exception as e:
-                logger.warning(f"Failed to import cover image: {e}")
-        
-        # Add categories if provided
-        if category_ids:
-            blog_data['draftPost']['categoryIds'] = category_ids
-        
-        # Add tags if provided
-        if tag_ids:
-            blog_data['draftPost']['tagIds'] = tag_ids
-        
-        try:
-            # Check what permissions we have in the token
-            logger.info("DEBUG: Checking token permissions...")
-            try:
-                import jwt
-                # Extract token string manually since _normalize_access_token doesn't exist
-                token_str = str(access_token)
-                if token_str and token_str.startswith('OauthNG.JWS.'):
-                    jwt_part = token_str[12:]
-                    payload = jwt.decode(jwt_part, options={"verify_signature": False, "verify_aud": False})
-                    logger.info(f"DEBUG: Full token payload: {payload}")
-                    
-                    # Check for permissions in various possible locations
-                    data_payload = payload.get('data', {})
-                    if isinstance(data_payload, str):
-                        try:
-                            data_payload = json.loads(data_payload)
-                        except:
-                            pass
-                    
-                    instance_data = data_payload.get('instance', {})
-                    permissions = instance_data.get('permissions', '')
-                    scopes = instance_data.get('scopes', [])
-                    meta_site_id = instance_data.get('metaSiteId')
-                    if isinstance(meta_site_id, str) and meta_site_id:
-                        headers['wix-site-id'] = meta_site_id
-                        logger.info(f"DEBUG: Added wix-site-id header: {meta_site_id}")
-                    logger.info(f"DEBUG: Token permissions: {permissions}")
-                    logger.info(f"DEBUG: Token scopes: {scopes}")
-                else:
-                    logger.info("DEBUG: Could not decode token for permission check")
-            except Exception as perm_e:
-                logger.warning(f"DEBUG: Failed to check permissions: {perm_e}")
-            
-            logger.info(f"DEBUG: Sending simplified blog data: {json.dumps(blog_data, indent=2)}")
-            extra_headers = {}
-            if 'wix-site-id' in headers:
-                extra_headers['wix-site-id'] = headers['wix-site-id']
-            result = self.blog_service.create_draft_post(access_token, blog_data, extra_headers or None)
-            logger.info(f"DEBUG: Create draft result: {result}")
-            return result
-        except requests.RequestException as e:
-            logger.error(f"Failed to create blog post: {e}")
-            if hasattr(e, 'response') and e.response is not None:
-                logger.error(f"Response body: {e.response.text}")
-            raise
+        return publish_blog_post(
+            blog_service=self.blog_service,
+            access_token=access_token,
+            title=title,
+            content=content,
+            member_id=member_id,
+            cover_image_url=cover_image_url,
+            category_ids=category_ids,
+            tag_ids=tag_ids,
+            publish=publish,
+            seo_metadata=seo_metadata,
+            import_image_func=self.import_image_to_wix,
+            lookup_categories_func=self.lookup_or_create_categories,
+            lookup_tags_func=self.lookup_or_create_tags,
+            base_url=self.base_url
+        )
     
     def get_blog_categories(self, access_token: str) -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
         """
@@ -383,6 +341,138 @@ class WixService:
         except requests.RequestException as e:
             logger.error(f"Failed to get blog tags: {e}")
             raise
+    
+    def lookup_or_create_categories(self, access_token: str, category_names: List[str], 
+                                    extra_headers: Optional[Dict[str, str]] = None) -> List[str]:
+        """
+        Lookup existing categories by name or create new ones, return their IDs.
+        
+        Args:
+            access_token: Valid access token
+            category_names: List of category name strings
+            extra_headers: Optional extra headers (e.g., wix-site-id)
+            
+        Returns:
+            List of category UUIDs
+        """
+        if not category_names:
+            return []
+        
+        try:
+            # Get existing categories
+            existing_categories = self.blog_service.list_categories(access_token, extra_headers)
+            
+            # Create name -> ID mapping (case-insensitive)
+            category_map = {}
+            for cat in existing_categories:
+                cat_label = cat.get('label', '').strip()
+                cat_id = cat.get('id')
+                if cat_label and cat_id:
+                    category_map[cat_label.lower()] = cat_id
+            
+            category_ids = []
+            for category_name in category_names:
+                category_name_clean = str(category_name).strip()
+                if not category_name_clean:
+                    continue
+                
+                # Lookup existing category (case-insensitive)
+                category_id = category_map.get(category_name_clean.lower())
+                
+                if not category_id:
+                    # Create new category
+                    try:
+                        logger.info(f"Creating new category: {category_name_clean}")
+                        result = self.blog_service.create_category(
+                            access_token, 
+                            label=category_name_clean,
+                            extra_headers=extra_headers
+                        )
+                        new_category = result.get('category', {})
+                        category_id = new_category.get('id')
+                        if category_id:
+                            category_ids.append(category_id)
+                            # Update map to avoid duplicate creates
+                            category_map[category_name_clean.lower()] = category_id
+                            logger.info(f"Created category '{category_name_clean}' with ID: {category_id}")
+                    except Exception as create_error:
+                        logger.warning(f"Failed to create category '{category_name_clean}': {create_error}")
+                        # Continue with other categories
+                else:
+                    category_ids.append(category_id)
+                    logger.info(f"Found existing category '{category_name_clean}' with ID: {category_id}")
+            
+            return category_ids
+            
+        except requests.RequestException as e:
+            logger.error(f"Failed to lookup/create categories: {e}")
+            return []
+    
+    def lookup_or_create_tags(self, access_token: str, tag_names: List[str],
+                             extra_headers: Optional[Dict[str, str]] = None) -> List[str]:
+        """
+        Lookup existing tags by name or create new ones, return their IDs.
+        
+        Args:
+            access_token: Valid access token
+            tag_names: List of tag name strings
+            extra_headers: Optional extra headers (e.g., wix-site-id)
+            
+        Returns:
+            List of tag UUIDs
+        """
+        if not tag_names:
+            return []
+        
+        try:
+            # Get existing tags
+            existing_tags = self.blog_service.list_tags(access_token, extra_headers)
+            
+            # Create name -> ID mapping (case-insensitive)
+            tag_map = {}
+            for tag in existing_tags:
+                tag_label = tag.get('label', '').strip()
+                tag_id = tag.get('id')
+                if tag_label and tag_id:
+                    tag_map[tag_label.lower()] = tag_id
+            
+            tag_ids = []
+            for tag_name in tag_names:
+                tag_name_clean = str(tag_name).strip()
+                if not tag_name_clean:
+                    continue
+                
+                # Lookup existing tag (case-insensitive)
+                tag_id = tag_map.get(tag_name_clean.lower())
+                
+                if not tag_id:
+                    # Create new tag
+                    try:
+                        logger.info(f"Creating new tag: {tag_name_clean}")
+                        result = self.blog_service.create_tag(
+                            access_token,
+                            label=tag_name_clean,
+                            extra_headers=extra_headers
+                        )
+                        new_tag = result.get('tag', {})
+                        tag_id = new_tag.get('id')
+                        if tag_id:
+                            tag_ids.append(tag_id)
+                            # Update map to avoid duplicate creates
+                            tag_map[tag_name_clean.lower()] = tag_id
+                            logger.info(f"Created tag '{tag_name_clean}' with ID: {tag_id}")
+                    except Exception as create_error:
+                        logger.warning(f"Failed to create tag '{tag_name_clean}': {create_error}")
+                        # Continue with other tags
+                else:
+                    tag_ids.append(tag_id)
+                    logger.info(f"Found existing tag '{tag_name_clean}' with ID: {tag_id}")
+            
+            return tag_ids
+            
+        except requests.RequestException as e:
+            logger.error(f"Failed to lookup/create tags: {e}")
+            return []
 
     def publish_draft_post(self, access_token: str, draft_post_id: str) -> Dict[str, Any]:
         """