Free Content Brief Template + Generator
Create comprehensive content briefs that lead to better articles. Download our template or generate briefs automatically with AI.
AI Content Brief Generator
Generate complete content briefs with outline, keywords, and competitor analysis in seconds.
Generate Content Brief →Free Template Download
Google Docs template you can copy and customize for your team.
Download Template →What is a Content Brief?
A content brief is a document that provides writers with everything they need to create a piece of content. It includes the target keywords, outline, competitor insights, and specific instructions to ensure the content meets SEO and quality standards.
Think of it as a blueprint for an article. Without one, writers guess at what to include. With one, they have a clear roadmap to create content that ranks.
Why Content Briefs Matter:
- • Consistency: Every article meets the same quality standards
- • Efficiency: Writers spend less time researching, more time writing
- • SEO Performance: Content hits target keywords and covers the topic thoroughly
- • Fewer Revisions: Clear expectations = fewer rewrites
What to Include in a Content Brief
A comprehensive content brief covers these key sections:
1. Basic Information
- • Working title: SEO-optimized title with primary keyword
- • Target URL: Where the content will live
- • Word count: Recommended length based on competitor analysis
- • Due date: When the draft is needed
- • Content type: Blog post, guide, listicle, comparison, etc.
2. Keyword Information
- • Primary keyword: The main term you're targeting
- • Secondary keywords: Related terms to include naturally
- • Search intent: What the searcher wants (learn, buy, compare)
- • Search volume: Monthly searches for context
3. Content Outline
- • H2 headings: Main sections the article should cover
- • H3 subheadings: Subsections within each main section
- • Key points: What to address under each heading
- • Questions to answer: Specific queries the content should address
4. Competitor Analysis
- • Top-ranking URLs: What's currently ranking for the keyword
- • Content gaps: What competitors miss that you should cover
- • Angle differentiation: How to make your content unique
5. Style & Formatting
- • Tone: Professional, casual, technical, friendly
- • Point of view: First person, second person, third person
- • Formatting requirements: Lists, tables, images, videos
- • Internal links: Pages to link to within your site
Content Brief Template
Here's the template we use internally. Copy this structure for your own briefs:
## BASIC INFORMATION
Title: [SEO-optimized title]
Target URL: /blog/[slug]
Word Count: [X,XXX - X,XXX words]
Content Type: [Guide/Listicle/Comparison/Tutorial]
Due Date: [Date]
## TARGET KEYWORDS
Primary: [main keyword] - [search volume]/mo
Secondary:
- [keyword 2]
- [keyword 3]
- [keyword 4]
Search Intent: [Informational/Commercial/Transactional]
## CONTENT OUTLINE
H1: [Title]
H2: [Section 1]
- Key points to cover
- Questions to answer
H2: [Section 2]
H3: [Subsection 2.1]
H3: [Subsection 2.2]
H2: [Section 3]
- Include comparison table
H2: FAQ
- [Question 1]
- [Question 2]
## COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
Top 3 Ranking Pages:
1. [URL] - [word count] - [angle]
2. [URL] - [word count] - [angle]
3. [URL] - [word count] - [angle]
Content Gaps to Fill:
- [Gap 1]
- [Gap 2]
## STYLE GUIDELINES
Tone: [Professional/Casual/Technical]
POV: [First/Second/Third person]
Include: [Lists, tables, images, examples]
Internal Links: [List of pages to link to]
Content Brief Examples
Example 1: "Best Project Management Software" Brief
Basic Info
Title: 15 Best Project Management Software Tools (2025 Comparison)
Word Count: 3,500-4,500 words
Type: Listicle with comparison
Keywords
Primary: best project management software (14,800/mo)
Secondary: project management tools, PM software, project tracking software
Intent: Commercial investigation
Outline
- H2: Quick Comparison Table
- H2: Best Overall: [Tool Name]
- H2: Best for Small Teams: [Tool Name]
- H2: Best for Enterprise: [Tool Name]
- H2: Best Free Option: [Tool Name]
- H2: How to Choose PM Software
- H2: FAQ
Special Instructions
Include pricing tables, feature comparisons, and pros/cons for each tool. Add screenshots of interfaces.
Example 2: "How to Start a Podcast" Brief
Basic Info
Title: How to Start a Podcast in 2025: Complete Beginner's Guide
Word Count: 4,000-5,000 words
Type: Step-by-step guide
Keywords
Primary: how to start a podcast (49,500/mo)
Secondary: start a podcast, podcast for beginners, create a podcast
Intent: Informational
Outline
- H2: What You Need to Start a Podcast
- H2: Step 1: Choose Your Topic & Format
- H2: Step 2: Get Your Equipment
- H2: Step 3: Record Your First Episode
- H2: Step 4: Edit Your Audio
- H2: Step 5: Choose a Hosting Platform
- H2: Step 6: Submit to Directories
- H2: Step 7: Promote Your Podcast
- H2: Podcast Starter Checklist
- H2: FAQ
How to Create Content Briefs with AI
Creating content briefs manually takes 30-60 minutes per article. AI can do it in seconds while incorporating competitor analysis and keyword research.
With Topical Map AI, content briefs are generated automatically for every article in your topical map:
- 1. Generate your topical map. Enter a topic and get 800+ keywords organized into clusters.
- 2. Click any article. Each cluster has suggested article titles.
- 3. Generate content brief. AI creates a complete brief with outline, keywords, and guidance.
- 4. Export or send to writer. Download as PDF/Doc or share directly.
Content Brief Best Practices
Be specific about search intent
Don't just list keywords—explain what the searcher wants. Are they trying to learn, compare, or buy? This shapes the entire article.
Include competitor insights
Show what's ranking and why. Identify gaps the writer can fill to make content stand out.
Provide the outline, not the content
Give structure but leave room for the writer's expertise. Over-prescribing leads to robotic content.
Include internal linking targets
Tell writers which existing pages to link to. This builds topical authority and helps SEO.
Specify what NOT to include
Sometimes what to avoid is as important as what to include. Note any topics, angles, or competitors not to mention.
Content Brief FAQ
How long should a content brief be?
A good content brief is 1-2 pages. Long enough to be comprehensive, short enough that writers actually read it. Focus on essentials.
Should I create briefs for every article?
For SEO content, yes. Briefs ensure consistency and SEO optimization. For thought leadership or news content, a lighter brief may suffice.
Who should create content briefs?
Usually an SEO strategist or content manager—someone who understands both SEO requirements and content strategy. Writers can also create their own briefs with proper training.
How do content briefs fit into topical mapping?
Your topical map defines WHAT articles to write. Content briefs provide the detailed instructions for HOW to write each one. The map is the strategy; briefs are the execution plan.
Create Better Content, Faster
Generate AI-powered content briefs or download our free template.