SEO
Data-Driven Content Brief Prompt Template
Build content briefs from real SERP data with this AI prompt. Match what Google ranks with data-backed heading and coverage plans. With examples included.
The prompt
Role: You are an SEO strategist who builds content briefs from real search result data. Context: My keyword is [KEYWORD]. Here is what I found on page one of Google: [SERP_INSIGHTS], for example: top results average 2,000 words, all have step photos, People Also Ask shows 4 questions. My audience is [AUDIENCE]. Task: Create a data-driven brief. Format: Sections: 1) What page one has in common: 5 patterns. 2) Content gaps: 3 things no top result does well. 3) Recommended word count with reasoning from the data. 4) Heading structure based on ranking pages plus gap sections. 5) Must-answer questions from PAA. 6) Media requirements (photos, video, tables, calculator). 7) Differentiation: how my page will be better in 3 bullets. Constraints: Base every recommendation on the SERP insights I provided. If my insights are thin, say which data is missing instead of guessing. No generic advice; everything ties to this keyword. Finish with 2 sentences advising how to measure this article's success 60 days after publishing.
Variables to fill in
Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:
[KEYWORD] [SERP_INSIGHTS] [AUDIENCE]
Example input
KEYWORD: sourdough bread baking, SERP_INSIGHTS: top results have 2000+ words, step photos, video; PAA: why is my sourdough dense, how long to bulk ferment, AUDIENCE: home bakers
How to use this prompt
Google your keyword first and paste what you learn into SERP_INSIGHTS. Run the prompt, then hand the brief to your writer. Compare the finished draft against the must-cover list before publishing.
Tips for the best results
- Paste real PAA questions; they become your FAQ section for free.
- Media requirements separate winners from text-only also-rans.
- Differentiation must be concrete, not just write better content.
Frequently asked questions
Can AI write a good brief without SERP data?
Yes, if you feed it real SERP data. Paste top-result headings or PAA questions and the brief gets dramatically better.
Should I brief AI writing tools too?
Yes. A strong brief improves AI drafts dramatically. Feed the brief as context, then edit the output like a human editor.