Are you looking to create SEO content with a repeatable and scalable process?
Content templates can help you structure your content the right way to rank higher in search engines.
Check this free content brief template to research, write, and rank your how-to guides.
Why create how-to style articles?
A how-to guide is a set of teachings in a step by step manner to help readers achieve their desired outcome.
Like in this Frase.io trial post, We shared a step by step guide to activating the Frase trial account.
In a study of thousands of content marketers, 76% published how-to guides.
3 Best Free Content Brief Templates For Marketers
Check our top 3 best free content brief templates for How-To Articles, Listicles and Beginners Guide Content Template at Growing Press.
1) How-to Content Brief Template
How to posts provide readers with step-by-step instructions to get a result or outcome. You can use this free content template to create how-to posts effortlessly.
Overview
- Target Keyword: Keyword/s you want to rank for.
- Country/Audience: eg: USA, content marketers
- User Intent: The user is looking for a how-to guide with step by step instructions to help solve a problem or achieve a result or outcome.
- The tone of Voice: eg: friendly, technical, informal, formal etc
- Content-Type: How to post
- Suggested Page Title: Include how to, target keyword, number of steps and a result or outcome.
- Target Word Count: Input word count based on SERP analysis.
- Call To Action: What should readers do next? eg: Start a Trial ? or Learn More or Read More or Call Us
Introduction
Invite the reader to learn about the target keyword and the benefits or outcome by following the instructions in this article.
Outline (Headings and questions to answer)
(h2) What is the target keyword?
- Explain what the target keyword is and why it’s important.
(h2) Step 1
- Instructions on how to complete this step.
(h2) Step 2
- Instructions on how to complete this step.
(h2) Step 3
- Instructions on how to complete this step.
(h2) Step 4
- Instructions on how to complete this step.
(h2) Step 5
- Instructions on how to complete this step.
(h2) Step 6
- Instructions on how to complete this step.
(h2) Step 7
- Instructions on how to complete this step.
Links
Conclusion
Remind the reader of the outcome or result achieved by following these steps and include a call to action.
2) Listicle Content Brief Free Template
A list post contains a numbered list of recommended resources, products, services, and tips that benefit a reader.
Overview
- Target Keyword: Keyword/s you want to rank for.
- Country/Audience: eg: USA, content marketers
- User Intent: The user is looking for resources, products, services or tips about the target keyword.
- The tone of Voice: eg: friendly, technical, informal, formal etc
- Content-Type: List Post
- Suggested Page Title: The title should contain a number and include the target keyword.
- Target Word Count: Input word count based on SERP analysis.
- Call To Action: What should readers do next? eg: Start a Trial ? or Learn More or Read More or Call Us
Introduction
Write an introduction that includes the number of items, the target keyword and how this list benefits readers.
Outline (Headings and questions to answer)
[h2] List Item 1
- What is
- How to use
- Supporting images, videos, links
[h2] List Item 2
- What is
- How to use
- Supporting images, videos, links
[h2] List Item 3
- What is
- How to use
- Supporting images, videos, links
[h2] List Item 4
- What is
- How to use
- Supporting images, videos, links
Links
Conclusion
Write a conclusion and encourage readers to try a tip, technique, or strategy from your list.
3) Beginners Guide Content Brief Template
A beginner’s guide is an article that provides comprehensive coverage of a topic.
Overview
- Target Keyword: Keyword/s you want to rank for.
- Country/Audience: eg: USA, content marketers
- User Intent: The user is looking for a guide or to learn more about the target keyword.
- The tone of Voice: eg: friendly, technical, informal, formal etc
- Content-Type: Beginner’s Guide
- Suggested Page Title: The title should include the target keyword and state that it’s aimed at beginners.
- Target Word Count: Input word count based on SERP analysis.
- CTA: What should readers do next? eg: Start a Trial ? or Learn More or Read More.
Introduction
Invite readers to learn about the target keyword and how they will benefit from reading this guide.
Outline (Headings and questions to answer)
What is the target keyword?
- Explain the topic or target keyword
- Why does this topic or target keyword matter?
Getting started
- Describe what equipment and resources the reader needs to get started.
Step 1
- Describe and demonstrate this step
Step 2
- Describe and demonstrate this step
Step 3
- Describe and demonstrate this step
Question 1
- How to answer this question/solve this problem
Question 2
- How to answer this question/solve this problem
Links
Conclusion
- Remind the reader about the topic or target keyword, the benefits and include a call to action.