Content Brief
Guides creation of SEO-optimized content briefs through a four-step methodology and a reusable Markdown template with competitor analysis and E-E-A-T requirements.
What this file does
Guides creation of SEO-optimized content briefs through a four-step methodology and a reusable Markdown template with competitor analysis and E-E-A-T requirements.
When to use it
- Briefing freelance writers on article requirements
- Planning blog posts aligned with keyword research
- Documenting SEO specs for a content calendar
- Standardizing brief format across a content team
name: content-brief description: Content brief template and creation methodology for SEO-optimized content. Use when preparing briefs for writers or planning new content pieces.
Content Brief
When to Use
- Preparing briefs for content writers
- Planning new content pieces
- Documenting SEO requirements for articles
- Aligning content with keyword research
Brief Creation Methodology
Step 1: Keyword Research
- Identify primary keyword (highest priority)
- Identify 3-5 secondary keywords
- Extract People Also Ask questions
- Note search intent (informational/commercial/transactional)
Step 2: SERP Analysis
- Analyze top 10 ranking pages
- Note average word count
- Identify common content format (listicle, guide, etc.)
- Find content gaps (topics competitors miss)
Step 3: Outline Creation
- Create H1 with primary keyword
- Plan H2s to cover required topics
- Plan H3s for detailed sections
- Map keywords to specific sections
Step 4: Requirements Definition
- Set word count target (based on competitors + 20%)
- Define E-E-A-T requirements
- Specify internal linking targets
- 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**:
1. {PAA question 1}
2. {PAA question 2}
3. {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
1. **{H2: Section topic}** - {brief description of what to cover}
2. **{H2: Section topic}** - {brief description}
3. **{H2: Section topic}** - {brief description}
4. **{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:
- Primary keyword clearly defined
- Search intent identified and explained
- Word count based on competitor analysis
- All PAA questions captured
- Required sections cover all topics
- E-E-A-T requirements specific and actionable
- Internal linking targets identified
- Featured snippet opportunity noted (if any)
What's inside
4-step methodology, 1 brief template with 10 sections, and 2 checklists (SEO requirements and quality verification).
Change this for your project
- Replace
{keyword}with your target primary keyword - Replace
{agent_or_command}with your tool or name - Replace
{session_id}and{session_path}with your tracking identifiers
Where it goes
Save as SKILL.md inside a skill folder. Loaded when the agent selects that skill.
Worth borrowing
- Embedding a competitor gap table directly into the brief template
- Including a separate E-E-A-T requirements section for each brief
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