Content Marketing Blog Intake Form

Please remove this client intake form insights section before publishing.

Let's break down the detailed insights into this client intake form, section by section, and understand its strategic importance:

1. Client & Business Information

Purpose: Understand the client’s business, industry, and audience.

• Full Name & Company Name → Ensures proper communication and branding.
• Website URL → Helps analyze existing content, SEO, and brand voice.
• Industry/Niche → Guides topic relevance and competitor research.
• Target Audience → Critical for tone, style, and content personalization.
• Business Goals → Aligns content strategy with objectives (e.g., lead gen vs. brand awareness).

Why It Matters:

• Misaligned content wastes resources. Knowing the audience and goals ensures ROI-driven blogging.

2. Service Options & Expectations

A. Blog Content Services Needed

Purpose: Identifies the exact type of content required.

• Blog Article Writing → Standard posts (word count ensures pricing clarity).
• SEO-Optimized Posts → If client wants Google traffic.
• Listicles/How-To Guides → Engagement-focused formats.
• Case Studies/Whitepapers → For B2B or authority-building.
• Evergreen vs. Trend-Based → Decides content longevity.

Additional Services:

• Keyword Research → Needed if client lacks SEO direction.
• Content Calendar → For consistent publishing.
• Promotion/Guest Blogging → Expands reach beyond just writing.

B. Content Volume & Frequency

• Posts per month → Determines workload (retainer vs. one-off).
• Publishing schedule → Ensures deadlines match client expectations.
• Ongoing vs. One-Time → Affects pricing (subscription vs. project-based).

C. Style & Tone Preferences

• Brand Voice → Avoids mismatched tone (e.g., casual vs. corporate).
• Reference Blogs → Provides concrete examples for writers.

Why It Matters:

• Prevents revisions by setting clear style guidelines upfront.

3. Content Expectations & Guidelines

A. Topic Preferences

• Existing Topics/Keywords → Saves research time if client has a list.
• Topics to Avoid → Prevents irrelevant or off-brand content.
• Content Strategy → Indicates if they need help structuring topics.

B. SEO & Performance Expectations

• Keyword Strategy → Are they providing keywords, or do we research?
• Analytics Tracking → Shows if they measure success via traffic, leads, etc.

C. Competitor & Market Positioning

• Top Competitors → Helps analyze gaps/opportunities.
• Brand Differentiation → Ensures content highlights unique value.

Why It Matters:

• SEO and competitor insights maximize content effectiveness.

4. Logistics & Process

A. Workflow & Communication

• Preferred Contact Method → Avoids delays (e.g., Slack for quick replies).
• Update Frequency → Sets expectations for check-ins.
• Point of Contact → Prevents miscommunication.

B. Approval Process

• Reviewers → Identifies stakeholders (avoiding bottlenecks).
• Feedback Time → Ensures deadlines aren’t missed due to delays.

C. Budget & Payment Terms

• Budget Range → Filters unrealistic requests early.
• Payment Method → Streamlines invoicing.

Why It Matters:

• Smooth workflows prevent project mismanagement.

5. Additional Notes & Expectations

Open-Ended Questions:

• Past Content Likes/Dislikes → Reveals preferences without guesswork.
• Brand Guidelines → Ensures compliance (fonts, tone, messaging).
• Challenges → Uncovers pain points (e.g., low engagement, poor SEO).

Why It Matters:

• Catches unique requests not covered in standard questions.

Key Benefits of This Intake Form

1. Reduces Back-and-Forth → Captures all details upfront.
2. Aligns Expectations → Avoids "This isn’t what we wanted" scenarios.
3. Improves Content Quality → Tailored to audience, brand, and goals.
4. Streamlines Onboarding → Fast-tracks project kickoff.

Potential Improvements:

• Add a "Preferred Writing Style" dropdown (AP Style, Chicago, etc.).
• Include a "Legal/Compliance Requirements" section (for regulated industries).
• Add "Emergency Contact" for urgent revisions.