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A content brief sets clear expectations for your writing project upfront.
Here’s a sample template you can duplicate and edit.
| Area | Guide |
|---|---|
| SEO Title/H1 | Your article title goes here. Keep it under 60 characters. |
| Meta description | Say what the article is about in <160 characters and include the primary keyword. |
| URL Slug | /your-keyword-here-like-this |
| Content goal | Primary content purpose: to inform, entertain, persuade or convert. Define your aim clearly. |
| Audience profile | Describe your ideal reader and include their demographics, interests, and pain points. Also, include the solutions to their problems. |
| Problem solutions | This is where you list the solutions to your audience’s needs (if you haven't already written it out), and how your product/service will help. |
| Word count | Target content length |
| Main keyword and semantic entities | The primary target keyword and related words and phrases that support it. |
| Search intent | The reader’s primary goal when typing a query into a search engine is Informational, Transactional, Commercial or Navigational. |
| Unique angle/POV | What makes your content different or more valuable to readers? What approach will you take? |
| Tone and style guide | Refer to brand guidelines or provide examples to guide the writer. |
| Heading structure or scope | A tentative table of contents or topic hierarchy that ensures all key points are covered. |
| Subject-matter expert insights | Including interview transcripts, quotes, or recommended experts to consult for credibility. |
| References | Trusted sites to support claims made in the article or to draw inspiration from. |
| Competitors | Similar content from industry rivals. |
| Internal links | Links from your own website related to the topic. |
| Visuals or image suggestions | Descriptions or examples of graphics that complement the content. |
| CTA | A clear directive to readers, guiding them towards the intended next step. |
| Distribution platform | Where will this content be published? |
| Additional notes | Supplementary information or essential context. |
<aside> ⚠️ Duplicate to make your own editable copy.
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| Area | Guide |
|---|---|
| SEO Title/H1 | Why Writers Need Content Briefs |
| Meta description | Set clear expectations for your writing project upfront. See all a brief should contain, why they’re important and a customizable template. |
| URL Slug | /content-brief-template |
| Content goal | - Lead gen |
Pain points:
Solutions:
Semantics: content brief, content goals, writers, content creation, template, brand voice, editorial guidelines, expectations, content strategy, article structure, clear communication | | Search intent | Informational, Transactional | | Unique angle/POV | I don’t just cover what content briefs contain or why the brief is important; I also say why it’s important to provide all that info to the writer. | | Tone and style guide | Tone:
Style guide:
Original images:
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<aside> 💜 If you liked this template, you will love my popular SEO Writing Checklist.
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