Blog Brief Generator -- Content Planning
Generates comprehensive content briefs that guide blog writing for maximum
impact on both Google rankings and AI citation platforms.
Reference documents:
references/content-templates.md -- template selection criteria
references/distribution-playbook.md -- channel-specific distribution tactics
references/internal-linking.md -- link architecture patterns
Workflow
Step 1: Topic Intake
Gather from the user:
- Topic or keyword (required)
- Target audience (who reads this?)
- Search intent -- Informational, commercial, transactional, navigational
- Business context -- What does the company do? What's the CTA?
If only a topic is given, infer the rest from context.
Step 2: Keyword Research
Using WebSearch:
- Search for the target keyword -- analyze what currently ranks
- Identify primary keyword (exact match target)
- Identify 3-5 secondary keywords (related terms, long-tail)
- Identify 3-5 question queries (People Also Ask style)
- Note the search intent -- what do searchers actually want?
Step 2.5: Template Recommendation
Analyze the topic, search intent, and competitive landscape to recommend one
of 12 content templates. Load references/content-templates.md for selection
criteria.
Available templates:
| Template |
Best For |
how-to-guide |
Step-by-step instructional content |
listicle |
Curated lists, ranked items, resource roundups |
case-study |
In-depth analysis of a specific example or result |
comparison |
Side-by-side evaluation of 2+ options |
pillar-page |
Comprehensive topic hub linking to cluster content |
product-review |
Detailed evaluation with pros/cons/verdict |
thought-leadership |
Expert opinion, industry trends, predictions |
roundup |
Expert quotes, tool collections, best-of lists |
tutorial |
Technical walkthrough with code/config examples |
news-analysis |
Timely coverage with expert commentary |
data-research |
Original data, survey results, benchmark findings |
faq-knowledge |
Question-driven reference content |
Selection process:
- Match search intent to template strength
- Check what format top-ranking competitors use
- Consider the user's available assets (data, expertise, tools)
- Load the matching template file from
templates/[type].md
- Include the template name in the brief output
Step 3: Competitive Analysis
Analyze the top 3-5 ranking pages for the target keyword:
- Content length -- What's the average word count?
- Heading structure -- How many H2s? What topics do they cover?
- Visual elements -- Do competitors use charts, images, videos?
- Content gaps -- What do all competitors miss?
- Freshness -- How recently were they updated?
- Schema -- Do they use FAQ or other rich results? (Note: HowTo deprecated Sept 2023)
- Template pattern -- What content format do top results use?
Step 4: Statistics Research
Find 8-12 statistics the article should include:
- Search:
[topic] study 2025 2026 data statistics research
- Prioritize tier 1-3 sources
- For each stat, record: value, source, URL, date, methodology
- Identify 2-4 stats suitable for chart visualization
- Identify 1-2 stats suitable for TL;DR and social sharing
Step 5: Generate the Brief
Output format:
# Content Brief: [Title Suggestion]
## Template
**Recommended**: [template-name] -- [1-sentence rationale]
**Template file**: `templates/[type].md`
## Target Keywords
- **Primary**: [keyword] -- [estimated monthly search volume if available]
- **Secondary**: [keyword 1], [keyword 2], [keyword 3]
- **Questions**: [question 1], [question 2], [question 3]
## Search Intent
[Informational/Commercial/Transactional] -- [1-2 sentence explanation of
what the searcher wants]
## Content Parameters
- **Word count**: [2,000-2,500] words
- **Reading level**: Flesch 60-70 (expert-accessible)
- **Format**: [Markdown/MDX/HTML]
- **H2 sections**: [6-8]
- **Images**: 3-5 from Pixabay/Unsplash
- **Charts**: 2-4 via built-in blog-chart (diverse types)
- **FAQ items**: 3-5
## Recommended Title
[Question-format title including primary keyword, under 60 chars]
Alternative titles:
1. [Option 2]
2. [Option 3]
## Meta Description
[150-160 chars, fact-dense, includes 1 statistic, ends with value proposition]
## TL;DR Draft
> **TL;DR:** [40-60 word summary with key finding + 1 statistic + source.
> Should be self-contained -- a reader who only reads this box gets the
> core value of the article.]
## Information Gain Opportunities
- **[ORIGINAL DATA]**: [Suggestion for proprietary data, survey, experiment,
or benchmark the author can produce to differentiate this post]
- **[PERSONAL EXPERIENCE]**: [Suggestion for first-hand observation, test
result, or case study to include -- "When we tested X, we found Y"]
- **[UNIQUE INSIGHT]**: [Suggestion for contrarian take, novel analysis,
or non-obvious connection that competitors have not covered]
## Content Outline
### Introduction (100-150 words)
- Hook: [Surprising statistic to open with]
- Problem: [What challenge does the reader face?]
- Promise: [What will they learn?]
- TL;DR box placement (after hook, before first H2)
### H2: [Question Format] (300-400 words)
- **Answer-first**: Open with [specific stat + source]
- Cover: [subtopic 1], [subtopic 2]
- **Image**: [Description of recommended image]
- **Key stat**: [Specific statistic to include]
### H2: [Question Format] (300-400 words)
- **Answer-first**: Open with [specific stat + source]
- Cover: [subtopic 1], [subtopic 2]
- **Chart**: [Type] showing [data description]
- **Key stat**: [Specific statistic to include]
[... repeat for 6-8 sections ...]
### FAQ Section (3-5 items)
1. [Question] -- Answer with [stat + source]
2. [Question] -- Answer with [stat + source]
3. [Question] -- Answer with [stat + source]
### Conclusion (100-150 words)
- Key takeaways (bulleted)
- Call to action: [What should the reader do next?]
## Statistics to Include
| # | Statistic | Source | Year | Section |
|---|-----------|--------|------|---------|
| 1 | [stat] | [source + URL] | 2025 | H2: Section 1 |
| 2 | [stat] | [source + URL] | 2026 | H2: Section 2 |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
## Citation Capsule Plan
For each H2, plan a 40-60 word self-contained passage optimized for AI
extraction. Each capsule should include a stat, its source, and a clear
claim that can stand alone when quoted.
| Section | Capsule Focus | Key Stat | Source |
|---------|--------------|----------|--------|
| H2: [Section 1] | [Core claim this section makes] | [stat] | [source] |
| H2: [Section 2] | [Core claim this section makes] | [stat] | [source] |
| H2: [Section 3] | [Core claim this section makes] | [stat] | [source] |
| ... | ... | ... | ... |
## Cover Image
| Option | Details |
|--------|---------|
| Photo cover | [Pixabay/Unsplash/Pexels search terms for wide hero image] |
| Generated SVG | [Text-on-gradient concept with key stat, if data-heavy topic] |
| Dimensions | 1200x630 (OG-compatible) |
## Visual Element Plan
| # | Type | Data | Section |
|---|------|------|---------|
| 1 | [Bar chart] | [Data description] | H2: Section 2 |
| 2 | [Donut chart] | [Data description] | H2: Section 4 |
| 3 | [Image: Pixabay] | [Search terms] | H2: Section 1 |
| 4 | [Image: Pixabay] | [Search terms] | H2: Section 3 |
## Competitive Gaps to Exploit
1. [What competitors miss that we should cover]
2. [Unique angle or original data we can provide]
3. [Format advantage -- charts/visuals competitors lack]
## Internal Link Architecture
- **Link TO** (from this new post to existing pages):
1. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"
2. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"
3. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"
4. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"
5. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"
- **Link FROM** (update these existing pages to link to this new post):
1. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"
2. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"
3. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"
4. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"
5. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"
- **Pillar connection**: [Which pillar page this belongs to, if applicable]
- **Cluster position**: [Hub / Spoke / Standalone]
## E-E-A-T Signals to Include
- **Experience**: [First-hand insight, case study, or test result]
- **Expertise**: [Author credentials relevant to topic]
- **Authority**: [Industry recognition, citations, partnerships]
- **Trust**: [Transparency, sourced data, no self-promotion]
## Distribution Plan
- **Reddit**: [Specific subreddits (r/sub1, r/sub2), posting approach (value-first
comment vs. link post), authentic participation strategy, timing]
- **YouTube**: [Video companion concept, estimated length, key visuals from the
post to reuse, thumbnail idea]
- **LinkedIn**: [Article excerpt angle, target audience segment, best posting
time for the niche, engagement hook]
- **Email**: [Newsletter excerpt (2-3 sentences), subject line suggestion,
CTA linking back to the full post]
- **Twitter/X**: [Thread hook (first tweet), 3-5 key tweet ideas built from
statistics in the post, hashtag suggestions]
Step 6: Save the Brief
Save to the user's project as briefs/[slug]-brief.md or to a location
they specify. Confirm the brief is ready for /blog write.
Converted and distributed by TomeVault — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.
1---2name: agricidaniel-claude-blog-blog-brief3description: Blog Brief Generator -- Content Planning4---56# Blog Brief Generator -- Content Planning78Generates comprehensive content briefs that guide blog writing for maximum9impact on both Google rankings and AI citation platforms.1011Reference documents:12- `references/content-templates.md` -- template selection criteria13- `references/distribution-playbook.md` -- channel-specific distribution tactics14- `references/internal-linking.md` -- link architecture patterns1516## Workflow1718### Step 1: Topic Intake1920Gather from the user:211. **Topic or keyword** (required)222. **Target audience** (who reads this?)233. **Search intent** -- Informational, commercial, transactional, navigational244. **Business context** -- What does the company do? What's the CTA?2526If only a topic is given, infer the rest from context.2728### Step 2: Keyword Research2930Using WebSearch:311. Search for the target keyword -- analyze what currently ranks322. Identify **primary keyword** (exact match target)333. Identify **3-5 secondary keywords** (related terms, long-tail)344. Identify **3-5 question queries** (People Also Ask style)355. Note the **search intent** -- what do searchers actually want?3637### Step 2.5: Template Recommendation3839Analyze the topic, search intent, and competitive landscape to recommend one40of 12 content templates. Load `references/content-templates.md` for selection41criteria.4243**Available templates:**44| Template | Best For |45|----------|----------|46| `how-to-guide` | Step-by-step instructional content |47| `listicle` | Curated lists, ranked items, resource roundups |48| `case-study` | In-depth analysis of a specific example or result |49| `comparison` | Side-by-side evaluation of 2+ options |50| `pillar-page` | Comprehensive topic hub linking to cluster content |51| `product-review` | Detailed evaluation with pros/cons/verdict |52| `thought-leadership` | Expert opinion, industry trends, predictions |53| `roundup` | Expert quotes, tool collections, best-of lists |54| `tutorial` | Technical walkthrough with code/config examples |55| `news-analysis` | Timely coverage with expert commentary |56| `data-research` | Original data, survey results, benchmark findings |57| `faq-knowledge` | Question-driven reference content |5859**Selection process:**601. Match search intent to template strength612. Check what format top-ranking competitors use623. Consider the user's available assets (data, expertise, tools)634. Load the matching template file from `templates/[type].md`645. Include the template name in the brief output6566### Step 3: Competitive Analysis6768Analyze the top 3-5 ranking pages for the target keyword:691. **Content length** -- What's the average word count?702. **Heading structure** -- How many H2s? What topics do they cover?713. **Visual elements** -- Do competitors use charts, images, videos?724. **Content gaps** -- What do all competitors miss?735. **Freshness** -- How recently were they updated?746. **Schema** -- Do they use FAQ or other rich results? (Note: HowTo deprecated Sept 2023)757. **Template pattern** -- What content format do top results use?7677### Step 4: Statistics Research7879Find 8-12 statistics the article should include:801. Search: `[topic] study 2025 2026 data statistics research`812. Prioritize tier 1-3 sources823. For each stat, record: value, source, URL, date, methodology834. Identify 2-4 stats suitable for chart visualization845. Identify 1-2 stats suitable for TL;DR and social sharing8586### Step 5: Generate the Brief8788Output format:8990```91# Content Brief: [Title Suggestion]9293## Template94**Recommended**: [template-name] -- [1-sentence rationale]95**Template file**: `templates/[type].md`9697## Target Keywords98- **Primary**: [keyword] -- [estimated monthly search volume if available]99- **Secondary**: [keyword 1], [keyword 2], [keyword 3]100- **Questions**: [question 1], [question 2], [question 3]101102## Search Intent103[Informational/Commercial/Transactional] -- [1-2 sentence explanation of104what the searcher wants]105106## Content Parameters107- **Word count**: [2,000-2,500] words108- **Reading level**: Flesch 60-70 (expert-accessible)109- **Format**: [Markdown/MDX/HTML]110- **H2 sections**: [6-8]111- **Images**: 3-5 from Pixabay/Unsplash112- **Charts**: 2-4 via built-in blog-chart (diverse types)113- **FAQ items**: 3-5114115## Recommended Title116[Question-format title including primary keyword, under 60 chars]117118Alternative titles:1191. [Option 2]1202. [Option 3]121122## Meta Description123[150-160 chars, fact-dense, includes 1 statistic, ends with value proposition]124125## TL;DR Draft126> **TL;DR:** [40-60 word summary with key finding + 1 statistic + source.127> Should be self-contained -- a reader who only reads this box gets the128> core value of the article.]129130## Information Gain Opportunities131- **[ORIGINAL DATA]**: [Suggestion for proprietary data, survey, experiment,132 or benchmark the author can produce to differentiate this post]133- **[PERSONAL EXPERIENCE]**: [Suggestion for first-hand observation, test134 result, or case study to include -- "When we tested X, we found Y"]135- **[UNIQUE INSIGHT]**: [Suggestion for contrarian take, novel analysis,136 or non-obvious connection that competitors have not covered]137138## Content Outline139140### Introduction (100-150 words)141- Hook: [Surprising statistic to open with]142- Problem: [What challenge does the reader face?]143- Promise: [What will they learn?]144- TL;DR box placement (after hook, before first H2)145146### H2: [Question Format] (300-400 words)147- **Answer-first**: Open with [specific stat + source]148- Cover: [subtopic 1], [subtopic 2]149- **Image**: [Description of recommended image]150- **Key stat**: [Specific statistic to include]151152### H2: [Question Format] (300-400 words)153- **Answer-first**: Open with [specific stat + source]154- Cover: [subtopic 1], [subtopic 2]155- **Chart**: [Type] showing [data description]156- **Key stat**: [Specific statistic to include]157158[... repeat for 6-8 sections ...]159160### FAQ Section (3-5 items)1611. [Question] -- Answer with [stat + source]1622. [Question] -- Answer with [stat + source]1633. [Question] -- Answer with [stat + source]164165### Conclusion (100-150 words)166- Key takeaways (bulleted)167- Call to action: [What should the reader do next?]168169## Statistics to Include170171| # | Statistic | Source | Year | Section |172|---|-----------|--------|------|---------|173| 1 | [stat] | [source + URL] | 2025 | H2: Section 1 |174| 2 | [stat] | [source + URL] | 2026 | H2: Section 2 |175| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |176177## Citation Capsule Plan178For each H2, plan a 40-60 word self-contained passage optimized for AI179extraction. Each capsule should include a stat, its source, and a clear180claim that can stand alone when quoted.181182| Section | Capsule Focus | Key Stat | Source |183|---------|--------------|----------|--------|184| H2: [Section 1] | [Core claim this section makes] | [stat] | [source] |185| H2: [Section 2] | [Core claim this section makes] | [stat] | [source] |186| H2: [Section 3] | [Core claim this section makes] | [stat] | [source] |187| ... | ... | ... | ... |188189## Cover Image190191| Option | Details |192|--------|---------|193| Photo cover | [Pixabay/Unsplash/Pexels search terms for wide hero image] |194| Generated SVG | [Text-on-gradient concept with key stat, if data-heavy topic] |195| Dimensions | 1200x630 (OG-compatible) |196197## Visual Element Plan198199| # | Type | Data | Section |200|---|------|------|---------|201| 1 | [Bar chart] | [Data description] | H2: Section 2 |202| 2 | [Donut chart] | [Data description] | H2: Section 4 |203| 3 | [Image: Pixabay] | [Search terms] | H2: Section 1 |204| 4 | [Image: Pixabay] | [Search terms] | H2: Section 3 |205206## Competitive Gaps to Exploit2071. [What competitors miss that we should cover]2082. [Unique angle or original data we can provide]2093. [Format advantage -- charts/visuals competitors lack]210211## Internal Link Architecture212- **Link TO** (from this new post to existing pages):213 1. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"214 2. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"215 3. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"216 4. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"217 5. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"218- **Link FROM** (update these existing pages to link to this new post):219 1. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"220 2. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"221 3. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"222 4. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"223 5. [Page title/URL] -- anchor text: "[descriptive anchor]"224- **Pillar connection**: [Which pillar page this belongs to, if applicable]225- **Cluster position**: [Hub / Spoke / Standalone]226227## E-E-A-T Signals to Include228- **Experience**: [First-hand insight, case study, or test result]229- **Expertise**: [Author credentials relevant to topic]230- **Authority**: [Industry recognition, citations, partnerships]231- **Trust**: [Transparency, sourced data, no self-promotion]232233## Distribution Plan234- **Reddit**: [Specific subreddits (r/sub1, r/sub2), posting approach (value-first235 comment vs. link post), authentic participation strategy, timing]236- **YouTube**: [Video companion concept, estimated length, key visuals from the237 post to reuse, thumbnail idea]238- **LinkedIn**: [Article excerpt angle, target audience segment, best posting239 time for the niche, engagement hook]240- **Email**: [Newsletter excerpt (2-3 sentences), subject line suggestion,241 CTA linking back to the full post]242- **Twitter/X**: [Thread hook (first tweet), 3-5 key tweet ideas built from243 statistics in the post, hashtag suggestions]244```245246### Step 6: Save the Brief247248Save to the user's project as `briefs/[slug]-brief.md` or to a location249they specify. Confirm the brief is ready for `/blog write`.250251---252> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/agricidaniel) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.253<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-14 -->