Content Brief Checklist
Make a content brief checklist so every writer gets the goal, reader, angle, outline, sources and deadlines before they start writing.
- Free
- No sign-up to try
- Works as you type
5 stages, 16 steps
1. Goal and reader
- Say what the reader should know or do after reading
- Describe the reader and what they already know
- Name the format and the target length
2. Angle
- Write the angle in one sentence
- Note the main search phrase and the questions to answer, if search matters
- List the best existing pieces on the topic and how this one will be better
3. Outline
- Draft the headings in order
- Note the key points under each heading
- State the call to action
4. Sources and voice
- List the sources, data and people to interview
- Flag claims that must be backed by a source
- Link examples of the tone and style you want
5. Logistics
- Set dates for the draft and the final version
- Name the reviewer and the approver
- Say where to deliver it and in what format
- List the images or graphics needed
Free, no sign-up to try. Your checklist becomes a Room you can edit, publish and share.
How it works
How the Content Brief Checklist works
- 1
Pick the stages
Keep the stages you need and name an owner for each.
- 2
Add your own steps
Add steps specific to your team or product.
- 3
Share the checklist
Create a Room everyone ticks off together from one link.
Worked example
What it makes
1. Goal and reader
The writer knows who it's for and what it should achieve.
- Say what the reader should know or do after reading
- Describe the reader and what they already know
- Name the format and the target length
2. Angle
A clear point of view, different from what's already out there.
- Write the angle in one sentence
- Note the main search phrase and the questions to answer, if search matters
- List the best existing pieces on the topic and how this one will be better
3. Outline
A structure the writer can fill in.
- Draft the headings in order
- Note the key points under each heading
- State the call to action
4. Sources and voice
The writer has evidence and knows how it should sound.
- List the sources, data and people to interview
- Flag claims that must be backed by a source
- Link examples of the tone and style you want
5. Logistics
Everyone knows the dates and who signs off.
- Set dates for the draft and the final version
- Name the reviewer and the approver
- Say where to deliver it and in what format
- List the images or graphics needed
Who it's for
Who uses it
Content managers
Send complete briefs to every writer.
Freelance writers
Check a client's brief for gaps before starting.
SEO teams
Add search intent to briefs without losing the reader.
Good to know
What to consider
- This is a step-by-step checklist for producing a brief; write the brief in your own document.
Questions
About the Content Brief Checklist
Does it write the brief?
No. It lists what a good brief covers so nothing is left out. For a full campaign brief, use the campaign brief generator.
Where do the steps come from?
From a step library written and reviewed by people, not generated per visitor. Pick the stages you need, name an owner for each and add your own steps.
Make your checklist now
Free, no sign-up to try. It becomes a Room you can edit, publish and share.
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