Create an editorial research map

The opportunity

Find what an article needs before anyone starts writing.

Best for: Small-business owners, consultants and lean marketing teams with approved source material

Goal: Awareness

Gather your field kit

• Approved AI drafting tool
• Anonymized source material
• Human review checklist

Make it happen

1. Choose a narrow question your audience needs answered
2. List what you know and what remains uncertain
3. Ask AI for a research outline without fabricated citations
4. Locate primary sources for each factual claim
5. Record source dates and conflicting evidence
6. Assign a clear point of view and publishable outline

A ready-to-adapt example

Illustrative template. Replace the details with your own verified information.

Start smaller than you think

Run one small version of “Create an editorial research map” with five relevant participants or one limited publication. Record the questions, responses and completion of the intended next step before expanding.

What to measure

• Reviewed outputs used
• Qualified replies or completed next steps
• Corrections required

Watch out for

• Uploading private data without permission
• Publishing invented facts or unreviewed output

Permissions & trust

Use only data you are authorized to process. Review outputs for accuracy, confidentiality and rights before publishing.

Your next action

Start with this first step: Choose a narrow question your audience needs answered. Set a review date before increasing the budget.