# SOP: Creating a Content Brief

Turn a target keyword into a brief a writer can follow without guessing.

## Objective

Give the writer every decision they need up front, so the first draft matches search intent and needs few changes.

## When to use

- Before any new page or blog post is written.
- When refreshing content that has lost rankings.

## Prerequisites

- An approved target keyword from the keyword map.
- The Content Brief Template.
- The client’s tone and brand notes.

## Steps

1. **Confirm intent** — Review the top results and describe what searchers want in one sentence.
2. **Summarize the competition** — Note format, depth and angles of the top pages.
3. **Build the outline** — Write H2s and H3s in the order a reader needs them.
4. **Add must-cover points** — Facts, examples, FAQs and comparisons.
5. **Plan internal links** — Pages to link to, and pages that should link back.
6. **Set format and length** — Word count range, images, tables and the call to action.
7. **Review with the client or editor** — Fix gaps before the writer starts.

## Quality checklist

- [ ] One primary keyword and a clear intent statement.
- [ ] The outline answers the main question early.
- [ ] At least two internal links planned.
- [ ] A single, clear call to action.
- [ ] The writer has a deadline and contact for questions.

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From AJF VA Practice Platform — https://va-practice.alvinjohnferias.com/sops/sop-creating-a-content-brief/