SERP Research and Beat Spec

Inputs

Accepted candidate brief, keyword/parent-topic data, typed top-ten SERP rows, current product context, and allowed authoritative sources.

Method

1. State the dominant intent and reader job in one sentence.
2. Analyze the leading results for format, depth, recurring sections, claims, visuals, links, and unanswered jobs.
3. Build a must-cover consensus list and a separate list of weaknesses or gaps.
4. Define a BEAT SPEC: required format, depth, H2 topics, decision aids, sources, visual roles, and the article’s counter-asset.
5. Choose one concrete information-gain asset: first-hand test, product proof, original comparison, data, expert/community synthesis, framework, or defensible point of view.
6. Use STEPPS only when the article needs a legitimate share/link hook; reject clickbait or off-intent ideas.

Output

Research dossier, competitor matrix, must-cover list, named weak pages, BEAT SPEC, source list, and information-gain plan. Do not draft until this is complete.