Creative news collection

How to create a Blog Outline (plus templates)

Nov 23, 2023

We'll discuss ways to turn your blog from being good to great. All it takes is a simple, yet powerful instrument: the outline of your blog. Imagine it as your key weapon to cut through the clutter of ideas and providing an easy, user-friendly path for your viewers.

In this article I'll show you the steps to make an outline of your blog. It helps you organize your thoughts and make your blog content shine. You'll be surprised to learn that It's not just you on this adventure. I've got blog outline for you here. continue going.

Skip ahead:

What is a blog outline?

A blog outline is your guide to writing a captivating blog post. It's a simple yet essential document that defines the structure and angle of your post. Imagine it as your guideline for clean and precise writing that will keep you focused and on track. An outline that is well-crafted typically contains these key elements:

  • Your topic: What's the core subject of your post?
  • What's your perspective? How are you approaching this subject? What's your unique perspective?
  • Your structure What points will you cover to help support your angle?

Consider adding the working title in the outline. Some writers prefer to finalize their headlines following the completion of the post, ensuring they have a title that perfectly captures the core of their post.

    The reason why you should have an outline for your blog    

Blogging, whether as a personal outlet or for the brand itself can be about creating an impression. If your writing is muddled or your points aren't clear, your message will get lost, and your viewers will leave your site.

That's where an outline comes in. It's the tool that helps you organize your thoughts prior to writing, preventing you from endless rewriting as well as improving the standard of your work.

  • The blank page problem can be overcome The blank page syndrome is something that every writer has experienced. the dreaded blank page, that moment of paralysis where procrastination suddenly seems more appealing. With a clear outline, the blank page becomes much less intimidating.
  • Coordinating with your editor and clients: As a person who has relied on the detailed outline numerous times, I confirm their importance. They go beyond what the content brief could provide by providing a better understanding of the overall direction for your piece and the elements that are included or not as well as the flow of the article.

    What is the best time to use an outline for your blog?    

Simply put, you must always. Here are a few specific situations:

  • for long-form articles: Especially for articles around 1,000 words or more.
  • Complex subjects: When your topic requires a lot of research to ensure precise coverage.
  • Writing tasks delegated: To ensure contributors understand the vision for the post.

Keep in mind that the aim is to streamline your thought process and enhance the effectiveness of your writing. It's not an absolute standard. Examples include writing personal essays or news blurbs don't necessarily require an outline. Be sure to use your discretion and figure out the best way to express your writing style.

How to write an outline of your blog in eight steps

Writing a blog outline doesn't need to be difficult. Break it down into smaller steps in order to manage the process of organising your thoughts and structuring your content. So let's take a look at the steps:

    Choose your topic    

What are you writing about? Choosing a topic is the foundation of your blog's outline. Come up with ideas for the area you're in, and focus on the burning issues you're keen to tackle. Write down some possible ideas and choose one that is a hit with you and the people you're trying to reach.

    Select the content format you want to use.    

What shape will your blog take? Will it be a how-to article, a guideline or opinion piece, an article on review or news article? The structure is usually obvious depending on the topic. A topic such as "how to start a blog" naturally lends itself to a how-to format. If it's not clear what to write about, take a cue by what's ranked on Google with similar subjects. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all design. You can choose your own.

    Determine your angle    

Finding your unique angle is like uncovering a hidden treasure that makes your work stand above the rest. It's where your topic meets your distinct perspective, shaping how you think about your topic. This angle isn't just about what you're saying--it's about providing your readers with a reason to care.

In the case of speaking about a well-known tourist spot such as "The hidden trails of [Destination" or "The top local restaurants in [Destination" or "The best local eateries in [Destination]" go beyond just facts--they invite the reader into an experience. The goal is to make your information click-worthy and memorable.

    Determine your format    

Selecting the best format for your blog post could make a big differences. Each format can be tailored to particular kinds of content and audience preferences. Here are some powerful blog post formats and when you should use these formats:

  • How-to articles: Ideal when providing instructions step-by-step.
  • List blog posts: Great for sharing a compilation of ideas or tips.
  • What is a post? Ideal for short explanations and definitions.
  • Case study articles: Use these for in-depth topics needing detailed analysis.
  • Survey post: Good for presenting gathered data in a way that is less thorough.
  • the X and. Posts Y: Suitable for comparison of products or services.
  • Beginner's guide blog posts: Excellent for introduction to technical concepts for newbies.

    Analyze the SERPs    

Understanding the landscape of Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) is essential. Look at the top-ranking blogs to assess:

  • Readability: Is it easy is it to take in the information?
  • Relevance: In how fast do they answer the keyword-related question?
  • Alignment of search intent  Does the meta description tags and title tags match the user's search intent?

Utilize the pyramid inverted method to structure your blog post beginning with the broadest details and then becoming more precise. Also, look through the People Also Ask (PAA) boxes on Google for relevant questions to address in your content.

    Nail down the specific subpoints to be made in each section    

With your main points set then you can begin to write down the topics you'll be covering in each. Write down a couple of bullet points in each section, focusing on supporting your argument. Use elements like

  • An explanation succinctly of your argument
  • Examples and case studies
  • Expert quotes from potential experts and data references

This stage is ideal for research purposes and soliciting expert opinions or quotations.

    Create your introduction and conclude    

Your introduction should hook readers, entice readers to go through the whole article. Use the Problem-Agitate-Solve (PAS) formula for your intro:

  • The problem is: Identify a challenge your reader faces.
  • Agitate: Deeper dive into the issue and emphasize the impact it has on society.
  • Provide a solution: Present your article as an option for a solution.

To conclude define how you'll wrap up your points and leave the reader with a takeaway or call-to-action.

    Locate Your Data    

Once the framework of your post is in place and you're ready to reinforce it with specific details and data. Integrating credible data enhances your Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) and ensures the content is able to stand up to scrutiny by readers.

    Understanding E-E-A-T    

E-E-A is a system Google uses to assess a page's quality and authenticity. Although not directly a ranking factor, it influences the way content is displayed to readers. Incorporating your own data strengthens your argument and builds credibility with readers and search engines.

    Sourcing data    

The internet is an abundant sources of information, but not all of it is reliable. It is important to concentrate on reputable sites like .gov, .org, .edu as well as platforms such as Statista. When drafting your outline, include bullet points that include hyperlinks to your sources to make it easy to reference.

    Researching your topic    

It is vital to conduct research when determining. Here are some effective ways to gather data:

  • Google Search: This is the most popular method used by many bloggers.
  • Google Scholar: Ideal for finding scholarly papers and research from academic institutions.
  • National Institutes of Health: A reliable resource for information about health.
  • Real Books: Don't overlook the value of information found in books that are physical or electronic.
  • Analyzing Competitors: Review similar subjects covered by bloggers to gain insights.
  • First-Hand Info: In-person quotations or confirmations from experts in the field can dramatically enhance your content's legitimacy and influence.

Incorporating these information and data integrated within your outline makes sure they are not overlooked and helps maintain the focus of your blog.

What you should avoid creating an outline

Keep in mind that outline drawings aren't an opportunity to practice perfectionism. This is what you must be wary of:

  • Beware of grammar Avoid getting involved in grammar at the outline section.
  • Integrating brand voice Keep the brand voice integration for the writing stage itself.
  • Focusing on SEO Keywords: Avoid getting caught up in SEO at this point.
  • The details are too important to be overthought: An outline is about direction, not about the details.

The primary purpose of outline documents is to provide the project an enlightened path and avoid that blinking cursor nightmare. Invest time in the finer particulars once you're sure in the track your content follows.

Blog post templates to help you save time

You might have noticed the majority of blog posts have the same structure. However, the reality is that most of the posts you read are variations of one or two important templates. There's no reason to create a new template each time. Choose a template that fits your format, and off you start! Here are four of the most common templates:

    The list blog    

List posts, also called listicles, are exactly the same as they sound listicles: lists. They can include tips, tools, techniques, myths, mistakes--essentially, anything that works as a list. These articles are perfect to provide information that doesn't need a particular order.

Template for an example of a list post:

  • title (H1) The title is attractive and indicative of the of content
  • Introduction: Describe briefly your topic as well as the importance of your listing
  • List Item 1 (H2) description or discussion
  • List 2 (H2) The description is used in conjunction with the discussion
  • [Continue using other list items if needed [Continue with additional list items as needed
  • End: Recap and perhaps include a call-to action

    The step-bystep instruction    

A step-by-step guide is perfect for describing processes that need to follow in a particular arrangement. This format works wonders for 'how-to' content.

A template example of a step-by-step instruction:

  • Description (H1) Reflating the task or process
  • Introduction: An overview of the things that this guide will include
  • First step (H2) The detailed description of the first step
  • Step 2 (H2) A detailed explanation of the second step
  • (Continue to follow additional steps as neededto complete the process
  • Conclusion The summary and the possible next steps, as well as additional information

    The extended definition    

In-depth definitions go deeper into the meaning of a concept and explore the concept further. This type of format is most effective when understanding the concept is crucial to understanding your message.

Template example for an expanded definition:

  • title (H1) It is focused on the notion being defined
  • Introduction: Short overview of the idea
  • definition (H2) Definition that is clear and succinct definition
  • Extended Description (H2): Broader discussion of the notion
  • real-world applications (H2) Exemples of the concept in use
  • Final: Review and maybe a larger perspective or additional sources

  The guide for beginners  

The beginner's guide provides an in-depth introduction to a topic tailored for those new to the subject. Choose this format when you're developing a resource for education instead of a practical guide.

A template example to use for an introduction to HTML0:

  • title (H1) clearly indicating the guide is for novices
  • Introduction: Create the scene for how beginners are expected to learn
  • Essential Concepts (H2) Outline of basic concepts or knowledge
  • Step-by-Step instructions (H2): If applicable, simple steps for getting started
  • Common Challenges as well as Solutions (H2): Address the potential obstacles to HTML0 and learn how to conquer these obstacles
  • Additional Resources (H2): Additional information or topics that are more advanced for ongoing learning
  • Conclusion: Encourage readers to summarize the key learnings

Tips for writing from an outline

An outline of your writing might be a bit difficult at first, particularly if this is a new concept to you. Don't fret, below are some suggestions to aid you in turning your outline into a compelling blog article.

    Do not begin with the introductory paragraph or at the end    

Contrary to what you might think, the introduction should come toward the close of your writing. When you write your piece, you'll find yourself filling spaces and come up with metaphors or similes which you can refine and expand. If you craft your introduction in the future, you can weave all of these components together seamlessly and create a more coherent and engaging piece from beginning to finish.

    Stay with the outline of your document until you can't.    

An outline is a guide, not a straitjacket. It's designed to help keep your content current and focused on what is important to your audience. If you find yourself frustrated or lost, the chances are your readers will feel the same. Don't hesitate to tweak the outline of your article, reorganize sections, or go back to the drawing board when needed. It is important to ensure that your content is engaging and on point.

    Maintain you and your readers engaged    

The enthusiasm you have (or the lack of it) about the subject will shine through in your writing. If you're feeling disengaged take a look at your own questions such as, "What fascinated me about this subject originally?" or "Is there an expert's perspective that reignited my fascination?" Finding what excites your interest in the topic can help keep your enthusiasm going and help ensure that your work captivates readers until the end.

It's wrapped up

The ideal blog post begins with a solid outline.

FAQs

    What is the reason I require an outline of my blog?    

An outline of your blog can help to organize your thoughts. It makes sure your blog posts are coherent and entertaining, while also saving time by preventing aimless writing.

    Can you provide tips on brainstorming ideas to my blog's outline?    

Absolutely! You can begin by understanding your readers' interests, exploring recent trends in your area as well as asking any questions your readers might have. Utilize tools such as mind maps to help expand and integrate ideas.

    What can I do to use subheadings and bullet points efficiently in my outline?    

Subheadings break your content into digestible sections, making it easier for readers to understand. Bullet points can help you list important ideas or steps clearly and concisely way. Utilize them to organize your content and highlight important information.