What do you need in a content development brief from your client?

1 Project overview

This section should provide a clear and concise summary of the content project, including the main objectives, the type of content, the format, the length, the tone, and the style. It should also explain why the content is needed, what problem it solves, or what opportunity it creates for the client. You should also specify the main keywords or topics that the content should cover, and how they relate to the client's brand, industry, and audience.

2 Target audience

This section should describe the ideal reader or user of the content, including their demographics, psychographics, pain points, needs, and goals. It should also identify how the content will reach them, what channels or platforms will be used, and how the content will fit into their journey or experience. You should also ask your client to provide any relevant data, insights, or personas that they have about their audience, and how they measure their satisfaction and engagement.

3 Content requirements

This section should detail the specific features and functions that the content should have, such as headings, subheadings, images, videos, links, call-to-actions, etc. It should also outline the tone of voice, style guide, and editorial standards that the content should follow, such as grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, etc. You should also ask your client to provide any examples, templates, or references that they want you to use or emulate, and any sources, citations, or quotes that they want you to include.

4 Project timeline

This section should define the milestones and deadlines that the content project should meet, such as the initial draft, the feedback rounds, the revisions, the final approval, and the publication or distribution. It should also specify the communication methods and frequency that you and your client will use, such as email, phone, video call, etc., and who will be responsible for each task or deliverable. You should also ask your client to provide any constraints, risks, or dependencies that might affect the timeline, and how they will handle them.

5 Project budget

This section should state the total cost and payment terms of the content project, such as the hourly rate, the fixed fee, the retainer, the invoice date, the payment method, etc. It should also clarify the scope and expectations of the work, such as the number of words, pages, hours, revisions, etc., and what is included and excluded in the price. You should also ask your client to provide any additional expenses or fees that might arise, such as taxes, licenses, subscriptions, etc., and how they will be covered.

6 Project feedback

This section should describe the process and criteria that you and your client will use to review and evaluate the content, such as the quality, accuracy, relevance, originality, etc. It should also establish the roles and responsibilities of the feedback providers and receivers, such as who will give and receive feedback, how and when they will do it, and how they will resolve any disagreements or conflicts. You should also ask your client to provide any tools, systems, or guidelines that they use or prefer for feedback, such as comments, track changes, ratings, etc.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?