Blog•Content SEO

SEO Content Brief Template: Write Rank-Worthy Articles Fast

A great brief is 80% of great content. Use this template to align intent, structure, and internal links so writers produce ranking-ready drafts consistently.

Published on 9/12/2025•11 min read

Brief Sections

  • Search Intent: Informational, commercial, transactional? Define the user’s job-to-be-done.
  • Audience & Stage: Who is this for? What pain or outcome matters?
  • Primary Keyword: Exact query + 3–6 supporting topics.
  • Outline: H2/H3 structure matching SERP and user questions.
  • Content Gaps: What competitors missed—add data, visuals, tools.
  • Internal Links: Targets to link to/from; anchor recommendations.
  • Schema: Article/FAQ/Breadcrumbs as relevant.
  • On-Page Checklist: Title/meta, intro, images, summary, CTAs.

Process

  1. Analyze top SERP results and PAA questions.
  2. Draft the brief; review with stakeholders; finalize outline.
  3. Write, focusing on clarity, examples, and unique value.
  4. Optimize: titles/meta, internal links, images, schema.
  5. Publish and monitor; refresh based on CTR and rankings.

Summary

This brief template removes guesswork and speeds production. By aligning intent, structure, and internal links upfront, your content will land closer to page one—on the first iteration.