Content Brief
When to Use
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Preparing briefs for content writers
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Planning new content pieces
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Documenting SEO requirements for articles
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Aligning content with keyword research
Brief Creation Methodology
Step 1: Keyword Research
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Identify primary keyword (highest priority)
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Identify 3-5 secondary keywords
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Extract People Also Ask questions
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Note search intent (informational/commercial/transactional)
Step 2: SERP Analysis
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Analyze top 10 ranking pages
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Note average word count
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Identify common content format (listicle, guide, etc.)
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Find content gaps (topics competitors miss)
Step 3: Outline Creation
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Create H1 with primary keyword
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Plan H2s to cover required topics
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Plan H3s for detailed sections
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Map keywords to specific sections
Step 4: Requirements Definition
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Set word count target (based on competitors + 20%)
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Define E-E-A-T requirements
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Specify internal linking targets
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Set readability target (Flesch 60-70)
Brief Template
type: content-brief created_by: {agent_or_command} created_at: {timestamp} keyword: "{keyword}" session_id: {session_id} session_path: {session_path} status: complete
Content Brief: {Title}
Target Keyword
- Primary: {keyword}
- Secondary: {keyword2}, {keyword3}, {keyword4}
- Questions to Answer:
- {PAA question 1}
- {PAA question 2}
- {PAA question 3}
Search Intent
- Type: Informational | Commercial | Transactional
- User Goal: {what user wants to accomplish}
Content Specifications
- Word Count: {min}-{max} words
- Format: {article, listicle, guide, comparison}
- Tone: {professional, conversational, technical}
- Target Audience: {description}
Required Sections
- {H2: Section topic} - {brief description of what to cover}
- {H2: Section topic} - {brief description}
- {H2: Section topic} - {brief description}
- {H2: Section topic} - {brief description}
Featured Snippet Opportunity
- Type: {paragraph, list, table}
- Target Query: {question to answer}
- Format: {how to structure the answer}
Competitor Analysis
| Competitor | Word Count | Unique Angle | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| {site1} | {count} | {angle} | {what they miss} |
| {site2} | {count} | {angle} | {what they miss} |
| {site3} | {count} | {angle} | {what they miss} |
E-E-A-T Requirements
- Experience: {specific examples to include from first-hand experience}
- Expertise: {depth of coverage required, technical accuracy needs}
- Authority: {sources to cite, data to include}
- Trust: {claims to verify, transparency requirements}
Internal Linking
- Link to: {list of existing content to link}
- Anchor text suggestions: {list}
SEO Requirements Checklist
- Keyword in title and H1
- Keyword in first 100 words
- 1-2% keyword density
- Minimum 3 internal links
- At least 1 external authoritative link
- Meta title: 50-60 characters
- Meta description: 150-160 characters with CTA
- Flesch Reading Ease: 60-70
Quality Checklist
Before finalizing a brief, verify:
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Primary keyword clearly defined
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Search intent identified and explained
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Word count based on competitor analysis
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All PAA questions captured
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Required sections cover all topics
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E-E-A-T requirements specific and actionable
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Internal linking targets identified
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Featured snippet opportunity noted (if any)