How to Create a Content Brief: 10 Steps to Elevate Your Content

Forget the clichés. They say content is king, but I’m here to tell you, that it’s not just the king – it’s the kingmaker in the wild world of online presence.

Your content is your ticket to standing out, creating a unique identity, and earning the trust of your online audience. 

Now, creating content that screams “out of this world” isn’t a mysterious art. It’s a well-thought-out journey, and it starts with a simple tool – the content brief. 

You can’t just open your laptop and spill brilliance onto the screen. Nope. Your content needs a roadmap, a blueprint – and that’s where the content brief steals the spotlight. 

In this blog post, we’re diving deep into content briefs. Why they matter, what makes a killer one, and how to whip them up like a pro. Let’s start with the basics.  

What is a Content Brief?

A content brief is a document that provides guidelines to writers on how to produce content. The final brief will vary according to the kind of material produced—for example, product pages, webinar scripts, white papers, and blog articles. 

The fundamental ideas of a content brief are the same, nevertheless, regardless of its form. It simplifies every step of the content development process and establishes clear expectations.

It takes skill to put together a compelling content brief. If you include too much detail, though, the writer can get overwhelmed. Their motivation and quality of work may be compromised if they feel they lack creative flexibility.

When should I use a content brief?

A content brief is essential when initiating a writing project, as it serves as a roadmap that guides the creation of content. It typically outlines key details such as the purpose of the content, target audience, tone, style, and specific requirements. 

By providing a clear framework, a content brief ensures that the writer and stakeholders are on the same page, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and revisions.

Content briefs are particularly valuable for complex or collaborative projects where multiple contributors are involved. 

They help maintain consistency in messaging and branding, ensuring that the content aligns with the overall objectives of the project or organization. 

Additionally, a content brief can serve as a reference point throughout the writing process, helping writers stay focused on the intended goals and key messages.

In short, use a content brief whenever you want to streamline the content creation process, enhance communication among team members, and ensure that the final output meets the desired criteria and objectives.

Why Content Briefs Are Essential

1. Content Briefs Save Time and Money:

Content briefs play a pivotal role in efficiency by streamlining the content creation process. 

They provide writers with a clear understanding of the project requirements from the outset, minimizing the likelihood of misunderstandings and subsequent revisions. 

By establishing expectations early on, content briefs help writers create content that aligns with the goals and vision of the project, ultimately saving time and resources.

2. Prevent Rewrites and Reduce Revisions:

A well-crafted content brief acts as a preventive measure against the need for extensive rewrites and revisions. It serves as a roadmap that guides writers in the right direction, reducing the chances of straying from the intended message. 

This not only accelerates the content creation process but also minimizes the back-and-forth between writers and stakeholders, ensuring a more efficient workflow.

3. Don’t Miss Any Critical Information:

Content briefs serve as comprehensive documents that capture all critical information related to a writing project. 

By detailing key aspects such as target audience, tone, and specific requirements, they ensure that writers have a holistic understanding of what is expected. 

This prevents crucial details from being overlooked, contributing to the production of high-quality, well-informed content.

4. Provide a Single Source of Reference for Your Team:

A content brief acts as a central repository of information for the entire team involved in a project. By consolidating key details in one document, it becomes a single source of reference for writers, editors, and other stakeholders. 

This not only fosters collaboration but also minimizes the risk of miscommunication, ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goals.

5. Improve Search Rankings:

Well-optimized content is crucial for improving search engine rankings. Content briefs, by providing guidelines on relevant keywords, topics, and SEO strategies, empower writers to create content that is not only engaging but also search engine-friendly. 

This proactive approach to SEO can contribute to better visibility and increased organic traffic.

6. Content Briefs Increase Consistency:

Consistency is key to effective communication and branding. Content briefs ensure that all contributors adhere to a consistent style, tone, and messaging. 

This consistency strengthens the overall brand identity and enhances the reader’s experience across different pieces of content.

7. Provide Clear Direction and Faster Approval:

With a content brief in place, writers have a clear direction from the beginning, which streamlines the content creation process. Stakeholders also benefit from a well-defined roadmap, making the approval process faster and more straightforward. 

Clear expectations reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings and facilitate quicker decision-making.

8. Delivery Deadlines:

Content briefs, by defining project scope and requirements, contribute to better project management. By providing a structured framework, they help writers manage their time effectively, ensuring that they can meet delivery deadlines. 

This is crucial for maintaining project timelines and overall efficiency in content production.

Should I Use Templates for Content Briefs?

Yes, using templates for content briefs is highly advisable. Templates provide a standardized and efficient way to convey essential information for each writing project. 

They streamline the briefing process, ensuring that key elements are consistently communicated to writers and stakeholders. 

Templates also help maintain a unified structure, making it easier for team members to understand and follow the requirements. 

By using templates, you save time on creating briefs from scratch, reduce the risk of omitting crucial details, and promote a more organized and consistent approach to content creation. 

Overall, templates enhance collaboration, improve communication, and contribute to the overall effectiveness of your content strategy.

Difference Between Content Briefs and Creative Briefs 

Content briefs and creative briefs serve distinct purposes in the creative and marketing processes. A content brief primarily focuses on guiding the creation of specific written or visual content. 

It includes details such as target audience, key messages, SEO requirements, and delivery deadlines. The goal is to provide writers with a roadmap for developing content that aligns with the project’s objectives.

On the other hand, a creative brief encompasses a broader scope, guiding the overall creative direction of a project. It addresses visual elements, design considerations, and messaging strategies across various channels. 

While a content brief often emphasizes written aspects, a creative brief extends to visual and design components. 

Both briefs are integral to effective communication, but they cater to different facets of the creative process, ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive approach to content and creative development.

How to Write a Content Brief: What to Include

A comprehensive content brief is essential for guiding writers and ensuring that the produced content aligns with the project’s objectives. Here are key elements to include in a content brief:

3 Content Brief Examples

Example 1: Blog Post Content Brief

• Project Overview: The blog post aims to educate our audience about sustainable living practices.

• Target Audience: Environmentally conscious individuals aged 25-40 who are interested in adopting eco-friendly lifestyles.

• Key Messages and Themes: Highlight the importance of sustainable living, practical tips for reducing carbon footprint, and the positive impact on the environment.

• Content Type and Format: A blog post with a friendly and informative tone, approximately 800-1200 words. Include subheadings for easy readability.

• SEO Guidelines: Incorporate keywords such as “sustainable living,” “eco-friendly tips,” and “reduce carbon footprint.”

• Tone and Style: Conversational, approachable, and positive.

• Visual Elements: Include images of eco-friendly products and graphics illustrating key tips. Image format: JPEG, size: 1200×800 pixels.

• References and Citations: Include reputable sources and cite studies supporting sustainable living practices.

• Call to Action (CTA): Encourage readers to share their sustainable living stories in the comments and sign up for our monthly eco-tips newsletter.

• Timeline and Deadlines: First draft due by [date], final draft by [date].

Example 2: Social Media Campaign Content Brief

• Project Overview: Develop a social media campaign promoting our new fitness app.

• Target Audience: Health and fitness enthusiasts, aged 18-35, active on Instagram and Twitter.

• Key Messages and Themes: Highlight the app’s features, benefits, and its contribution to a healthy lifestyle.

• Content Type and Format: A series of engaging social media posts, including visuals and short videos.

• Tone and Style: Energetic, motivational, and encouraging.

• Visual Elements: Create eye-catching graphics, share user testimonials through short video clips, and showcase app screenshots.

• Call to Action (CTA): Encourage followers to download the app, share their fitness journey using a branded hashtag, and tag friends.

• Timeline and Deadlines: Initial content draft due by [date], final content ready for scheduling by [date].

Example 3: Product Launch Email Content Brief

• Project Overview: Compose an email announcing the launch of our new product, a smart home security system.

• Target Audience: Homeowners and tech-savvy individuals aged 30-55.

• Key Messages and Themes: Highlight the product’s key features, emphasize security benefits, and offer an exclusive launch discount.

• Content Type and Format: Concise email copy with a visually appealing layout. Include a clear call to action.

• Tone and Style: Professional, informative, and trustworthy.

• Visual Elements: Incorporate product images, a banner with the launch discount code, and a prominent “Shop Now” button.

• Call to Action (CTA): Encourage recipients to explore the product on our website and use the exclusive launch discount code at checkout.

• Timeline and Deadlines: Draft for review by [date], final version for deployment by [date].

These examples illustrate how content briefs can be tailored to specific projects, ensuring creators have clear guidelines to produce effective and aligned content.

In conclusion, a good content brief is like a roadmap for writers, making sure everyone’s on the same page. It’s a time-saver, preventing confusion and helping writers create content that hits the mark. 

Including key details like the project overview, target audience, and deadlines keeps everything organized. Content briefs are not just about saving time; they lead to top-notch, consistent content that connects with the audience. 

By using content briefs, teams can communicate better, work efficiently, and make a more significant impact on their creative projects.