How to Make Semantic Content Briefs: A Step-by-Step Framework (with a Real Example)

ByEhsan Khan

SEO in 2025 is about more than keywords it’s about context, entities, and connections.

If you’re building topical authority but still structuring content based only on search volume and isolated keywords you’re leaving authority on the table.

In my last post, I shared a picture of the semantic content brief, and my followers really liked it. That’s why I’m now covering it in detail so they can understand it better.

Also, based on this same step-by-step framework, I’ve created a 4-part YouTube lecture series here is the link (Video series of semantic content brief)

In this guide, I’ll walk you through my Semantic Content Briefing Process based on Koray Tugberk GUBUR’s Topical Authority Framework with a real-world example on the topic of Van Security.

Step 1: Extracting the Query Terms (CKW – Core Keywords & Questions)

Extracting the Query Terms

Goal: As we know, in a topical map we first select all the core and outer-section topics based on extensive research, which I explained in my other posts and videos.

Once all topic selection is done, we create a semantic content network or brief for each topic.

So when we get a topic name or keyword, the most important step is to extract all the relevant keywords, entities, and attributes for the content brief because the entire content brief structure will depend on that.

➡️ Map the entity space with high-intent queries and related questions.

✅ Use sources like:

  • SERPs & Competitors (What subtopics do top pages cover?)
  • Google PAA & Autosuggest (What are people really asking?)
  • Wikipedia & Knowledge Graph (What entities connect to your core topic?)

💡 Example: For “Van Security”

  • Primary Query (H1): Van Security in 2025: Best Practices to Protect Your Vehicle & Tools
  • Entity-Aligned Subtopics (H2s):

This step ensures you’re not just ranking for keywords, but fully owning the topic.

Step 2: Structuring the Contextual Vector (Heading Map)

Structuring the Contextual Vector

Goal: When you extract all relevant data for the content brief, the most important step which many people overlook is the heading structure.

This is crucial, as all headings should be semantically aligned with each other using the Query Path Method and a natural flow. For example, an H3 should be contextually relevant to its H2, and the full structure should represent the H1.

➡️ Transform queries into headings that mirror user intent and entity structure.

✅ Use different heading types for variation and semantic clarity:

  • Declarative: “Why Van Security Is Essential in 2025”
  • Interrogative: “What Are the Best Van Locks for Tradesmen?”
  • Comparative: “Deadlocks vs Slam Locks: Which Is Better?”

🔁 Follow P&I (Priority & Probability of Interest):

  1. Why van security matters
  2. Locks & physical barriers
  3. Alarms & trackers
  4. Parking strategies
  5. Accessories & additional protection

This order guides both the reader and the crawler, creating a semantic vector that search engines can follow.

Step 3: Logical Semantic Flow (Hierarchy & Prediction)

Goal: Ensure content follows a natural, query-led progression.

✅ Use a structured hierarchy:

  • H1: Van Security in 2025
  • H2s: Topical Clusters (e.g., Locks, Alarms, Parking)
  • H3s: Supporting concepts and comparisons (e.g., “How to install van locks”, “Best brands for GPS”)

💡 Example Flow:

  • H2: Best Van Locks
  • H2: Alarm Systems

This structure mirrors how users think, reducing bounce rates and improving time-on-page.

Step 4: Contextual Structure (How to Write Each Section)

Contextual Structure

Goal: This is a very important step, as the complete article layout and structure depends on it. The writer needs to understand it clearly so the article is easy to follow and well-organized.

➡️ Define how each heading should be developed, using the right format for the intent.

✅ Match format to content type:

  • Comparisons: “Deadlocks vs Slam Locks”
  • Lists: “Top 5 GPS Trackers for Vans”
  • How-To Guides: “How to Install a Van Alarm System”
  • Definition & Stats: “What Is a Steering Lock? + 2025 Theft Stats”

✅ Add Information Gain:

  • Expert insights or recommendations
  • Case studies from van owners or fleet operators
  • Data (e.g., van theft stats from government reports)
  • Tables (e.g., Lock Types vs Price vs Effectiveness)

This level of depth boosts E-E-A-T and increases your Information Gain Score — a key ranking factor in semantic SEO.

Step 5: Contextual Bridge (Internal Linking)

Goal: This step should be done at the end, because you’ll need all your core pages or service pages ready, and a complete sitemap in front of you.

To make the best and most logical interlinking, you can use LLMs or AI tools to suggest connections and then confirm manually.

➡️ Reinforce topical authority using semantic interlinking and entity-rich anchor texts.

✅ Interlink by:

Entity Relationships (Parent-Child):

  • From “Van Security” to “Best Van Locks”
  • From “Best Van Locks” to “Deadlocks vs Slam Locks”

Topical Bridges (Related Topics):

  • “GPS Trackers” → “Immobilizers” → “How to Track a Stolen Van”

Lexical Variations (Anchor Diversity):

  • “Best Van Alarm Systems”
  • “Van Theft Protection Devices”
  • “Top Van Security Tips for 2025”

✅ Use root-level pages as anchors (your most valuable pages) to funnel topical authority.

Done correctly, this makes your content network crawlable, indexable, and contextually dense the exact signals search engines prioritize.

Conclusion: Build Briefs That Build Authority

This process turns your content brief into an SEO blueprint, grounded in:

  • ✅ Entity coverage
  • ✅ Semantic structuring
  • ✅ Query prediction
  • ✅ Format mapping
  • ✅ Topical interlinking

When your briefs follow this structure, you’re no longer just “writing SEO content.” You’re engineering topical authority from the foundation.

📚 Bonus Resource

Want to get my real semantic content brief document? Repost this post, connect with me, and just comment ” Semantic Content Brief.”