The brief types shown in this document are only available in the Strategy plan and above.
Let’s take a look at what makes up the MarketMuse Create and Optimize briefs. A Create brief is used for creating new content while an Optimize brief is used to improve an existing page. MarketMuse integrates structured knowledge with the language processing prowess of large language models to bring you industry-leading content briefs.
All MarketMuse Create Briefs contain the following information.
The content structure outline is unique to the type of content you’re creating and is reflected in the brief type.
Download this PDF file containing examples of each outline.
Comparison: Supports a content structure outline comparing two or more items. The outline consists of heading suggestions, an introduction, multiple comparison points each with questions to answer, detailed points of view and related topics, and a conclusion with recommendation. Also included are content type considerations such as the number of items, categories and sub-categories, criteria for selection and item summary directions. Include the list of items to be compared.
FAQ Collections: Offers a content structure outline containing a detailed and comprehensive collection of frequently-asked-questions (FAQs). The questions are thematically organized into sections each containing a title, multiple questions to answer, detailed points of view to cover, and related topics. Also included are content type considerations such as categories, and targeted questions and answers.
Guide: Provides a content structure outline that includes an introduction, main body, and conclusion with next steps and additional resources section, each having a list of questions to answer, detailed points of view to cover, and related topics. The main section is divided into individual sections that follow a logical order, each having its own set of questions to answer, detailed points of view to cover, and related topics. Also included are detailed content type considerations that will help a writer to create a robust and engaging piece of content.
How-to: Contains a content structure outline that provides a logical progression for completing an activity. The main section contains individual steps with titles detailing what needs to be done. Each step also includes questions to answer, detailed points of view to cover, and related topics.
Listicle: Includes a content structure outline geared towards content presenting lists of items. Content Type Considerations offers specific recommendations on how to ensure you create a comprehensive listicle. The content structure outline includes a list of items each with its own questions to answer, detailed points of view to cover, and related topics. If a list of items is not provided, one will be created.
Local: Includes a content structure outline that supports the creation of local-oriented content. The Content Considerations section offers recommendations to ensure the content has a strong local connection. The main content section also provides local focus section titles each with their own questions to answer, detailed points of view to cover, and related topics.
News/Events: Provides a content structure outline focused on news and events. The Content Considerations section offers additional recommendations on timeliness, fact checking, quotations and sources, implications and analysis, background information, and geographic and cultural context. Individual sections within the outline include questions to answer, detailed points of view to cover, and related topics.
Product Review: Offers a content structure outline for a review of an individual product. Content type consideration provides additional recommendations to ensure a comprehensive review including: product service details, criteria for evaluation, personal experience section, pros and cons, background information, comparison, user testimonials and feedback, reviewers credentials and expertise, pricing and value analysis, aesthetic and design evaluation, technical specifications and features, warranty and customer support information, and accessibility and ease of use. Individual sections within the outline include questions to answer, detailed points of view to cover, and related topics.
Article: Applies to all other situations not covered by the more specific content types. As in other briefs, the content structure outline consists of an introduction, individual sections, and conclusion, each with their own set of questions to answer, detailed points of view to cover, and related topics.
Optimize: A separate type of brief that’s similar to the Create Brief. Instead of a recommended outline, there a Structure and Layout Analysis that offers recommendations to improve the layout. In addition, A Quality and Claims Analysis provides insight into the quality of the article’s claims with suggestions on its improvement.
MarketMuse Content Brief Insight
Here’s the type of insight you can expect to find in a MarketMuse brief.
Executive Summary
The executive summary provides a clear overview of the content’s value proposition, establishing a focus and target audience. The breakdown by content groupings and target personas reveals a well-structured approach, addressing different user needs across the marketing funnel stages. Highlighting key features and search intents for each group ensures the content directly addresses user queries and pain points.
General Information
Provides basic information (site name, brief type, content type, and date) used to identify and locate the content brief.
Targeting Details
By leveraging this information, your team can create a targeted, informative, and well-optimized piece that positions your brand as a leader on your chosen topic. We’ve identified the specific theme and target keyword along with monthly search volume, for laser-focused targeting. The current ranking of your existing content on a specific URL provides a valuable benchmark. You can leverage this information to craft an even stronger piece that potentially outranks competitors. We’ve included a variety of title recommendations that are SEO-friendly and capture user attention. The target word count range ensures your content is comprehensive while maintaining user engagement. We’ve included the target location to ensure the content is tailored to regional nuances and search preferences.
Target Personas
This section empowers you to create content that resonates deeply with your target audience. We’ve identified a rich mix of target personas, from casual across different parts of the funnel, ensuring your content caters to various interests and stages in the buyer’s journey. Understanding each persona’s pain points allows you to address their specific needs and desires. Tailor your approach to resonate with each one’s unique interests and challenges.
Intent Analysis
This section reveals why users search, revealing their goals and motivations. Craft content that caters to these needs, driving engagement, conversions, and achieving your marketing objectives.
Content Profile
Use this data to craft content that builds upon your existing success to position your site as a dominant authority in the conversation.
Keywords/Topics
This section unlocks a wealth of keyword opportunities for your content. We’ve identified a diverse range of primary keywords across a number of different intents so you can tailor content to address them. Targeting a variety of relevant keywords enhances your content’s discoverability in search engines, potentially attracting a wider audience interested in the subject.
Topics reveal what searchers are most interested in learning about, highlighting foundational knowledge and relevant subtopics for further exploration. By incorporating these insights, you can create content that addresses user needs and stands out from the competition.
Get a jumpstart with pre-written sections as a foundation for your content. These snippets ensure consistent tone and message, saving you time brainstorming and writing from scratch. Maintain content quality with a pre-built foundation, streamlining the creation process for a more efficient workflow.
Competitive Analysis
Unveiling the competitive landscape empowers you to create high-quality, informative, and well-optimized content that dominates the conversation. This intel goes beyond just understanding who your competitors are.
By analyzing websites ranking for your target keywords and their traffic, you can identify gaps in existing content. This golden opportunity allows you to craft a unique, informative piece that stands out from the crowd. Furthermore, competitor analysis provides valuable insights into content structure and target keywords.
Leverage this knowledge to optimize your own content for better search ranking. Spot areas where current content falls short and use that information to your advantage. Can you offer more depth, unique insights, or a specific angle?
By benchmarking your content’s performance against competitor traffic, you can set realistic goals. Finally, craft a data-driven content strategy that ensures your content grabs attention and effectively reaches your target audience.
Recommended Questions
These questions ensure your content covers key topics and addresses user queries, leaving no stone unturned. Weaving these questions throughout your content fosters user interaction and keeps readers engaged. They represent long-tail keyword opportunities and potential topics for future content, informing your overall strategy and boosting SEO performance. Plus, they provide valuable insights into user needs and interests, allowing you to tailor marketing messages and potentially develop targeted campaigns around specific themes.
Custom Brief Guidelines
These optional fields influence the content brief output. Read Content Brief Customization for details.
Content Structure Outline
Navigate smoothly with a clear structure, ensuring comprehensive coverage and a logical flow of information. The outline also guides the integration of company information seamlessly, creating a user-friendly and engaging experience. This structure is your launchpad for improved brand positioning and SEO performance. It promotes comprehensive content that targets relevant keywords, while also implicitly suggesting the creation of topic clusters for a more robust SEO strategy.
Linking Recommendations
This is your roadmap for incorporating internal and external links throughout your content. These links offer a triple win: credibility for your content, a smoother user experience for readers, and a potential SEO boost. Internal links connect users to relevant sections on your site, while external links provide deeper dives on specifics without overloading your content. Strategic linking not only strengthens your website’s structure for search engines but also increases the chances of backlinks from those external sources, further solidifying your brand’s reputation.
Checklist
This checklist guides you through the necessary steps to creating informative, engaging content that positions your website as a trusted authority. It also includes a recommended update frequency for ensuring your content remains relevant.