SEO Content Briefs Template

Generate complete SEO content briefs in Google Sheets: search intent, outline, entities and FAQs from a keyword with =GPT() and =SERP(). Free AI template.

A content brief is the difference between “write something about X” and an article a writer can actually execute. This template builds the whole brief — intent, outline, entities, FAQs — from a single keyword, grounded in what already ranks.

Layout

One row per keyword, one column per brief section:

The formulas

Intent and format, based on what actually ranks (C2):

=GPT("Based on these top results, state the search intent and the content format that ranks (e.g. listicle, guide, comparison). Two lines max.", B2)

Outline that beats the current SERP (D2):

=GPT("Write an H2/H3 outline for an article targeting '"&A2&"' that covers everything these ranking pages cover, plus one angle they miss.", B2)

Entities and subtopics (E2):

=GPT("List 10 entities, terms and subtopics an authoritative article about '"&A2&"' must mention. Comma-separated, no explanations.")

FAQs sourced from the topic (F2):

=GPT("List 5 questions searchers ask about '"&A2&"', each with a one-line answer.")

Variations

• Single-brief deep dive: for one priority keyword, use =GPT_LIST("15 subtopics a definitive guide on '"&A2&"' must cover") on a separate tab — each item spills into its own row for easy assignment to writers.
• Brief table in one shot: put headers Keyword, Intent, Outline, Entities in A1:D1 and scaffold several briefs at once with =GPT_TABLE("Content briefs for these keywords: [paste list]", A1:D1), then refine per row.
• Writer-ready handoff: add a column with =GPT("Combine into one formatted brief with sections: Intent, Outline, Entities, FAQs.", C2&" "&D2&" "&E2&" "&F2) and share the sheet directly.

Get started

1. Install GPT for Sheets from the Google Workspace Marketplace (free tier included, no API keys needed).
2. Copy the template or paste the formulas into your own sheet.
3. Drag the formula down your rows, then use Replace all GPT formulas with results in the sidebar.

Related: content brief prompt guide, =SERP() reference, keyword clustering template.

FAQ

Does the brief use live search results?

Yes — =SERP() pulls the actual top-ranking pages for each keyword into the sheet, and the =GPT() prompts analyze those results instead of guessing what ranks.

How many briefs can I generate at once?

One row per keyword — drag the formulas down your whole keyword list. GPT for Sheets processes up to 10,000 results per hour, so a 50-brief batch fills in within minutes.

Can I change what goes into the brief?

Yes. Each column is a plain-text prompt — add sections like target word count, tone rules or internal links to mention by editing the prompt text.