Create content briefs
Create content briefs
1. Create a template that you can reuse for each content brief.
Include sections like: Suggested Title Target Audience Brand Voice Content Objective Word Count Keywords Visuals Internal Link(s) for CTA Sources Example Content.
2. Decide on a goal and format for the piece of content you'll outsource to a writer.
Consider what segment of your audience it should target, what stage in the buyer’s journey it solves for, what you want to promote in the content’s CTA, and what format of content will best achieve your goal.
3. Enter a suggested title, content objective, word count, and at least one landing page link for a call to action.
4. If your target audience or brand voice will differ from standard for this piece of content, add guidance for modifying the tone of the content.
5. Use a keyword research tool like Google Keyword Planner, Moz Keyword Explorer, or AnswerThePublic to find keywords that relate to your content topic. Enter the keywords that you want to use to the brief.
These types of tools can also provide you with monthly estimated searches on each keyword to give you an idea of how valuable the search term is and how challenging the competition will be to try to rank for it.
6. If you don't want the writer to do all of the research of the topic themselves, add a list of information sources they should use or an outline of points to include.
7. If you need visuals in the content, add details about how many visuals, the types of images or videos they should source, and where they should get them.
For example, you could let the writer know that they should search for a relevant image to the topic from the Creative Commons licensed images on Shutterstock.
8. Consider adding a link to example content if there is a specific writing style or format you want the writer to emulate.
For example, if a previous blog post on your website is a shining example of the content you’re looking for, include a link to give the writer an example of what your business already likes and wants more of.