SEO Content Brief Template: Write Articles That Rank
Downloadable template for creating SEO-optimized content briefs. Includes keyword research, competitor analysis, internal linking strategy, and CTA requirements. Use this framework to brief writers or AI tools.
Key Takeaways
- Keyword research before writing saves revision time
- Competitor analysis reveals content gaps
- Structure and CTAs are as important as content quality
Brief completion time
30 minutes
Revision time saved
2 hours per article
Ranking improvement
+3 positions average
Keyword Research Section
Primary keyword, search intent (informational/commercial/transactional), search volume, difficulty score, and related keywords. Include semantic variations and long-tail opportunities. This foundation ensures content targets the right queries.
Competitor Analysis
Analyze top 10 SERP results: word count, H2 structure, media usage, internal links, and content gaps. Identify what's missing that you can provide. This competitive intelligence guides your content angle.
Content Structure
Outline H2s and H3s with target keywords. Specify where to include statistics, examples, and case studies. Define internal linking targets (which pages to link to and anchor text). Structure drives both SEO and readability.
CTA Strategy
Define primary CTA (tool trial, newsletter, related article) and placement. Include secondary CTAs for different funnel stages. Every article should drive a business outcome, not just traffic.