Planning template · Markdown template
The evidence-first content brief.
Align the reader’s question, your angle, source material, and editorial criteria in one document.
Pollen editorial
Give the next draft a clear direction
Use this before drafting a new article or commissioning a writer. Fill in the reader’s task first, then add the evidence and outline. Leave unanswered questions visible so they can be resolved during research.
- Best for: new articles and substantial rewrites.
- Complete the source list before drafting factual claims.
- Keep the brief alongside the article during review.
Make it your own.
Download MarkdownFree to adapt for your team. Select and copy the text below, or download an editable .md file. No account needed.
# Content brief ## Audience and intent - Intended reader: - Reader’s main question: - What they should be able to do after reading: ## Search context - Primary topic and related questions: - Target market and language: - Existing page to update or differentiate from: ## Angle and answer - Proposed title: - Direct answer (2–3 sentences): - Original contribution or firsthand example: ## Evidence - Claim | Source URL | Date checked | Reviewer - Assumptions requiring verification: ## Outline 1. Direct answer 2. Explanation and evidence 3. Worked example 4. Limitations and next steps ## Publishing details - Suggested URL: - Meta description: - Relevant internal links: - Image and alt text: ## Review - Subject expert: - Editor: - Claims or terms to avoid: - Acceptance criteria: