# AEO Content Brief Template

Copy this for every page. A brief that forces an answer-first structure, real
evidence, and an original angle is what separates citable content from generic AI
filler.

---

## 1. Target question
The exact question, in the customer's words, that this page answers:
> 

Source of the question (sales/support, Reddit, prompt set, PAA):
> 

## 2. Search intent (check one)
- [ ] Definitional ("what is X")
- [ ] Comparative ("X vs Y", "best X for Y")
- [ ] Decision / transactional ("is X worth it", "how much")
- [ ] Local ("X near me", "X in [area]")

## 3. Answer-first opening (required)
Draft the complete answer in ONE sentence (it must make sense lifted out):
> 

Target passage length: 120–180 words, under a question-shaped H2.

## 4. Evidence to cite (required — inline, in the sentence)
- Stat / data point + source (with link):
- Quote / named source:
- (No unsupported claims; attribute in the text, not a footnote.)

## 5. Originality angle (what only WE can say)
Proprietary data, first-hand experience, or a defended point of view:
> 
"Could a competitor publish this exact page?" If yes, the angle isn't original yet.

## 6. Structure
- Question-shaped H2s (one question each):
- Internal links (3–5, to pillars / related answers):
- External primary sources to link:

## 7. Freshness
- Publish date:
- Clock-speed (fast / medium / slow):
- Next review due:

## 8. AI assistance (be honest)
- Where AI helped (research / outline / first draft):
- Human must add: the original angle, verified evidence, real examples, final voice.
- Never ship unedited AI output.

## 9. Pre-publish QC (all required)
- [ ] Answer-first opening sentence
- [ ] Self-contained 120–180-word passages
- [ ] Every key claim has an inline stat/quote/source
- [ ] Facts verified against primary sources (no hallucinations)
- [ ] Original angle present (not generic)
- [ ] Named author + relevant credentials + dates
- [ ] No keyword stuffing or AI filler