# SEO content brief template

Meridian · 2026-09-12

The worked example is reconstructed from our pricing guide for teaching. It is not a client brief or a historical drafting record.

## Reader and decision



## Topic and target URL



## Primary search need and related questions

Reader task:

| Query | Country / language | Monthly searches | KD | Tool / report period / collection date | Intent / observed result URLs |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Primary query] | | Unknown | Unknown | | |
| [Related expression] | | Unknown | Unknown | | |

Keep query volumes separate. A missing metric is unknown, not zero. Confirm that related expressions need the same answer before assigning them to this page.

| Reader question | Section or example that answers it | Other page if the task differs |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | | |

Working title / main promise:
Description / what the reader receives:

Use natural wording. Do not require an exact-match repetition count or a separate heading for every synonym.

## Existing pages and scope



## Product inputs and approver



## Editorial angle



## Outline and purpose of each section



## Sources and limitations



## Internal links and their purpose



## CTA and destination



## Visual task and production owner



## Length estimate and deadline



## Revision rounds and feedback window



## Copy and asset usage/ownership terms



## AI tool and sensitive-data constraints



## Editor, subject reviewer, and publishing owner



## Source ledger

| Claim | Source | Checked date | Intended use | Limitation | Reviewer |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | | |

## Filled example: SaaS SEO pricing

| Field | Worked assignment |
| --- | --- |
| Reader | SaaS marketing lead comparing SEO proposals and internal execution capacity |
| Reader decision | What work belongs in the budget, who owns it, and which costs are additional? |
| Search need | SaaS SEO pricing; related questions about cost, retainers, project work, and included deliverables |
| Page type | Procurement guide with a scope comparison and an illustrative budget |
| Core answer | Count both the partner's work and the people needed to publish and implement it |
| Angle | Explain scope and responsibility before presenting a price example |
| Product input | Meridian's current service descriptions and coaching/managed delivery responsibilities |
| Evidence | Service scope for first-party claims; the dated survey cited by the article for broad historical context |
| Example | A clearly labeled planning calculation with assumptions that readers can replace |
| Exclusions | No universal SaaS market rate, guaranteed return, or claim that a brief equals a finished article |
| Internal links | Comprehensive SEO service, provider-selection guide, and relevant technical support |
| Next action | Compare responsibilities or discuss the website, budget, and available team |
| Visual | A scope/budget illustration; show the calculation's inputs and label assumptions |
| Review | Product owner checks scope; editor checks reasoning, sources, numbers, links, and terminology |

## Acceptance checklist

- [ ] Answer the reader question
- [ ] Check material claims and product terminology
- [ ] Label assumptions
- [ ] Check internal links and CTA destinations
- [ ] Confirm visual sources, permissions, and purpose
- [ ] Complete agreed edits and subject review
- [ ] Identify the publishing owner