Easy creative tips

How to Create an outline for your blog (plus templates)

Nov 23, 2023

We'll discuss ways to turn your blog from good to outstanding. It all starts with the simplest, yet effective instrument: the outline of your blog. Think of it as the secret weapon that cuts into the jumble of ideas and providing a clear, engaging path for your viewers.

In this tutorial, I'll walk you through the steps to make an outline of your blog. It will help you to organize your thoughts and let your content shine. And guess what? It's not just you on this quest. I've got blog outline to help you out, simply keep going.

Skip ahead:

What's a blog outline?

A blog outline is your guide to writing a captivating article. It's an easy but essential document that lays out the angle and structure of your post. Imagine it as your guideline for clean and effective writing that keeps you focused and on track. An outline that is well-crafted typically contains these key elements:

  • The subject of your post: What's the principal topic of your blog post?
  • Your angle: What is your approach to this subject? What's your unique perspective?
  • Your structure What specific areas will you be covering in order to strengthen your position?

You might also consider adding working titles in your outline. Many writers like to finish their headlines following the completion of their article, making sure that their title is aptly capturing the essence of their article.

    Why you need an outline for your blog    

Blogs, whether it's for personal expression or for the brand itself it's all about creating an impression. If your writing is muddled or your points aren't clear the message you are trying to convey will be unclear, and the viewers will leave your site.

That's where an outline can help. It's the tool to help to clarify your ideas before you begin typing. It will save the time of rewriting endlessly and elevating the quality of your work.

  • The blank page problem can be overcome: Every writer has faced the unwelcome blank page this moment of utter numbness where the temptation to delay is suddenly more attractive. With a clear outline, the blank page is much more manageable.
  • In a meeting with your editor or clients: As a person who has relied on the detailed outline countless times, I can attest to their worth. They go beyond what the content brief could provide by providing a better understanding of the article's direction as well as the components that can be included or left out as well as the flow of the article.

    When should you use a blog outline?    

In short, always. But here are some specific examples:

  • Long-form content: Especially for posts of 1,000 words or more.
  • Complex subjects: When your subject requires extensive research for exact coverage.
  • Writing tasks delegated: To ensure that the contributors are aware of the purpose behind the post.

Remember, the goal is to simplify your thinking process and increase the effectiveness of your writing. But it's not a rigid guideline. As an example, personal essays or short news blurbs might not need an outline. Use your judgement and determine the best way to express your writing style.

How do you write an outline of your blog in eight steps

Crafting a blog outline doesn't need to be difficult. Reduce it into manageable steps to better organize your ideas and structuring your blog's content. Let's dive into these steps:

    Select the topic you want to use.    

First things first: what is your blog about? The choice of a subject is the base of your blog's outline. Think of ideas that are relevant to your area of expertise, with a focus on those 'burning issues' you're keen to tackle. Jot down a few potential subjects and select 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 is your blog going to take? It could be a "how-to" guide, a listicle or opinion piece, a review, or a news article? The format often becomes apparent based on your topic. In the case of a subject such as "how to write a blog" naturally leads to a how-to format. If the choice isn't clear then take your cues from what's ranking on Google for related topics. There's not a universal style of presentation. It's up to you.

    Determine your angle    

Discovering your own unique perspective is like finding a secret jewel that will set your content from the rest. It's where your topic meets your unique perspective. It determines how you think about your topic. It's not just concerned with what you're talking about, it's about offering your readers an incentive to care.

If, for instance, you're discussing a popular tourist destination angle like "The unknown trails in [Destination" or "The top local restaurants in [Destination" or "The best local eateries in [Destination]" transcend the realm of facts and invite the reader into a story. It's about making your content click-worthy and memorable.

    Determine your format    

The right format to use to publish your blog could make a big difference. Each format caters to specific kind of content as well as audience preferences. Here are some powerful format for blog posts and the best times to utilize the following formats:

  • How-to posts: Ideal when explaining processes step-by-step.
  • List blog posts: Great for sharing a compilation of tips or ideas.
  • What are posts: Perfect for quick explanations or definitions.
  • Case study blog posts: Use these for in-depth topics needing detailed analysis.
  • Survey posts: Good for presenting gathered data in a less comprehensive manner.
  • X vs. Posts Y: Suitable for comparing products or services.
  • Beginning's Guide articles: Excellent for introduction to technical concepts for newbies.

    Analyze the SERPs    

The understanding of the search the Engines Results Page (SERPs) is essential. Look at the top-ranking articles to determine:

  • Readability: Is it easy is the content to digest?
  • Relevance In how fast can they respond to the keyword-related query?
  • Alignment of search intent : Do title tags and meta descriptions align with the intent of a user's search?

Make use of the inverted pyramid technique for structuring your post, starting with the most general details and then becoming more precise. Additionally, check out the People Also Ask (PAA) boxes on Google for pertinent questions you could answer in your post.

    Nail down the specific subpoints to be made in each section    

With your main points set, it's time to detail 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 the basis of your claim
  • Examples and case studies
  • Potential expert quotes and data Citations

This stage is also perfect for conducting research and seeking expert opinion or quotes.

    Write out your introduction and concluding    

Your introduction should hook readers, entice them to read the entire piece. Use the Problem-Agitate-Solve (PAS) formula for your intro:

  • Problem: Identify a challenge your reader faces.
  • Agitate Dive deeper into the issue and emphasize its implications.
  • Give a solution Introduce your post as an option for a solution.

In your final paragraph write down how you'll conclude your ideas and then leave your reader with a message or call-to-action.

    Get Your Information    

Once the framework for your blog post is set, it's time to fortify it with specific data and information. Integrating credible data enhances your Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) and ensures your posts are able to withstand scrutiny from readers.

    Understanding E-E-A-T    

E-E-A is a system Google employs to determine a page's quality and authenticity. Although not directly a ranking factor, it influences how content surfaces for readers. Incorporating your own data can strengthen your argument and increase credibility with readers and search engines.

    Sourcing data    

The internet is an abundant source of data, but not all of it is reliable. It's important to focus on reputable sites like .gov, .org, .edu, and platforms like Statista. When outlining, use bullet points and hyperlinks to your sources for easy references.

    Finding your subject    

Research is crucial in outlining. Here are the most effective methods to get data:

  • Google Search: The go-to method for the majority of bloggers.
  • Google Scholar: Ideal for finding scholarly papers and academic research.
  • National Institutes of Health: A reliable source for health-related information.
  • Real books: Don't overlook the value of information in physical books or e-books.
  • Competitor Analysis: Review similar subjects covered by bloggers to gain insights.
  • First-Hand Information Direct quotes or verifications by industry professionals can greatly increase the credibility of your website and influence.

The inclusion of these details and information incorporated into your outline ensures they're not forgotten and keeps the main point of your blog.

What to avoid while creating an outline

Keep in mind that outline drawings aren't the ideal stage for perfectionists. This is what you must avoid:

  • Grammar: Avoid getting distracted by grammar in the outline stage.
  • Blending brand voice The brand voice integration for the actual writing stage.
  • Concentrating on SEO keywords: Avoid getting bogged down with SEO now.
  • The details are too important to be overthought: An outline can be used to define direction but not about the details.

The primary purpose of outline documents is to provide your project a clear plan and stop that blinking cursor scenario. Spend time on the finer particulars once you're sure of the direction your project is taking.

Blog post templates to help you save time

It is likely that you have observed that a lot of blog posts use similar structures. However, the reality is that most blogs you visit have variations on a couple of basic template designs. There's no reason to start from scratch each time. Pick a template that suits the format you prefer, and then off you go! Here are four of the most commonly used templates:

    The list of posts    

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

Example template for an article on a list:

  • Title (H1): Catchy and indicative of the contents
  • Introduction: Briefly introduce your topic as well as the importance of the list
  • List Item 1 (H2) The description is used in conjunction with the discussion
  • List 2. (H2) description or discussion
  • (Continue to add the list of items that are added as required]
  • Conclusion: Wrap up and perhaps include a call-to action

    The step-by-step guide    

Step-by-step guides are great to explain processes that have to be performed in a certain arrangement. This format works wonders to create 'how-to' material.

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

  • title (H1) reflecting the procedure or work
  • Introduction: An overview of what the guide will be covering
  • Step 1 (H2) The detailed description of the initial step
  • Step 2. (H2) The detailed description of the second step
  • Continue with further steps if necessaryto complete the process
  • Conclusion The summary and the possible future steps, or other sources

    The extended definition    

In-depth definitions go deeper into the meaning of a concept before exploring it deeper. This format is best for understanding concepts that are key to following your post.

Example template for an expanded definition:

  • title (H1) It is focused on the notion being established
  • Introduction: Short outline of the idea
  • Define (H2) An easy and simple definition
  • Extrapolated Explanation (H2): Broader discussion of the concept
  • real-world applications (H2) Exemples of the concept in action
  • Conclusion: Recap, and possibly a broader perspective or more resources

  The guide for beginners  

The beginner's guide provides an in-depth introduction to a topic tailored for those who are new to the topic. Select this style when making an educational tool instead of a practical guide.

Example template to help beginners:

  • Description (H1): Clearly indicating the guide is for novices
  • Introduction: Create the scene for how beginners are expected to learn
  • Fundamental Concepts (H2) outline of the fundamental concepts or abilities
  • Step-by-Step instructions (H2) In the event of a need basic steps to get started
  • Common Challenges and Solutions (H2): Address potential hurdles and how to get around these obstacles
  • Additional Resources (H2) Information on additional topics or more complex topics to continue education
  • Conclusion: Encourage readers to read and summarize key points

Writing tips from an outline

The process of writing from an outline can feel tricky at first, particularly if this is something new to you. But don't worry, here are a few tips that will assist you in turning your outline into a compelling blog post.

    You shouldn't begin with an introduction or in the final paragraph    

Contrary to what you believe, your introduction should be at the end of your writing process. When you write your piece, you'll find yourself filling in gaps and create metaphors or similes that can be refined and expanded. By crafting your intro later it is possible to weave these elements in seamlessly, creating a more cohesive and engaging piece from start to end.

    Follow your outline until it's no longer necessary.    

An outline can be described as a reference that is not a stricture. The purpose of an outline is to keep your content relevant and focused on what is important to your audience. If you're feeling frustrated or lost, the it's likely that your viewers are feeling the same. Don't hesitate to tweak your outline, rearrange sections, or even revisit the sketch board in the event of a need. Your goal is to ensure that your content is interesting and relevant.

    Maintain yourself and your readers interested    

Your passion (or the lack of it) about the subject will shine through in your writing. If you're not feeling engaged Ask yourself, "What fascinated me about the subject in the first place?" or "Is there any expert's opinion that has rekindled my interest?" Finding what excites you about this topic helps keep you on track and will ensure that your writing is captivating readers until the end.

The wrapping up

The ideal blog post begins with a solid outline.

FAQs

    Why do I need an outline for my blog?    

An outline of your blog can help you plan your ideas, to ensure that your writing is consistent and engaging, and saves time, by stopping you from writing in a haphazard manner.

    Do you have any suggestions to help me brainstorm ideas for my blog's outline?    

Absolutely! Begin by identifying your reader's interests, exploring recent trends in your area, and asking questions that you think your audience might ask. Make use of tools such as mind maps to help expand and connect ideas.

    How do I make use of subheadings, bullet points and other headings effectively for the outline?    

Subheadings break your content into digestible sections, making it easy for users to understand. Bullet points can help you list important elements or procedures clearly and concisely style. Make use of them to arrange your writing and to highlight key facts.