How to Write a Blog Post Outline in 5 Simple Steps
Tired of looking at a blank Google doc and don’t know what to do? Having a blog post outline is the best solution for this. An outline lets you stay focused on the article’s main points, keep track of each section, and ensure that your ideas are connected logically. In this article, you will learn how to write a blog post outline in 5 easy steps.
What are the steps to write a blog post outline?
Here is the step-by-step process we often use in Newbies Media to create a blog post outline.
1. Pick and research a topic
The first step in writing a blog post outline is identifying your topic. Make sure that the topic you choose is interesting and relevant. A good rule of thumb is your topic should relate to the issues that you want to provide solutions to your readers.
For example, in 2022, there was a massive layoff from big tech companies. If you own an employment blog, you can write about current events and how job seekers can navigate the job market.
Also, find a topic with enough information to create a comprehensive post. The more information you can support, the more valuable your arguments are.
Once you have chosen a topic, research that topic. Read from reliable websites, books, journals, or any other source where you can find helpful information about the subject.
2. Choose a content format for your blog outline
Once you have settled on a topic and done your research, it’s time to decide on a content format for your blog post. Blog post formats vary widely, from listicles and how-to guides to interviews and roundups.
Choose an appropriate format for your topic. For example, if you are writing about how to start a business, a listicle or how-to guide would be more appropriate than an interview or roundup format.
Moreover, when choosing your content format, consider how well it fits with the information you have gathered in your research. Does the structure of the content allow you to highlight key points? Is it easy to follow along?
Keep in mind that you can use visuals to enhance your article’s readability further. You can use relevant images and videos to demonstrate key points or break up long blocks into smaller pieces. This can help keep readers engaged with your blog content.
3. Choose a blog post’s focus
The next step is to find a focus for your blog post. When selecting an angle for your blog post outline, ensure it fits your article’s overall goal—providing readers with useful information.
Think about what perspective or point of view could add interest to your article. For example, if you are writing about freelancing, consider looking at it from different angles, such as the challenges new freelancers face, tips for growing a freelancing business fast, what tools to use to manage invoices, what software to use to manage productivity or advice from experienced freelancers.
You can also use facts and figures from your research to further develop your angle. For example, if you discuss the challenges of being a new freelancer, include statistics about the percentage of successful freelancers in your outline. This way, your argument will become more compelling and credible.
4. Use a blog post outline template
A blog post outline template can be helpful when structuring your blog post. It ensures you present ideas in an organized manner. When using a blog post outline template, start with the blog post title. This should capture the gist of what you are writing about.
Next, below your blog title, jot down some subheadings and bullet points you want to include under each section. These should be more detailed than just general topics and should provide readers with specific information related to your topic.
When creating these bullet points, connect them logically so readers can follow your argument. You also want to include subheadings or divide each main point into several shorter ones for better readability.
For example, here’s the template that I use to write this blog post.
5. Plan the blog post’s introduction and conclusion
The introduction and conclusion provide the framework for your blog post. The introduction should be concise and attention-grabbing, drawing readers into the topic. It should include an overview of what will be covered in the entire article.
In addition, you can include some background information, such as statistics and facts, in your introduction. This helps your readers understand why the topic is relevant and interesting and further illustrates the main points of the blog post.
The conclusion should be as powerful as the introduction, summarizing all the important points and leaving readers with a lasting impression. If possible, end with a memorable quote or anecdote. This leaves your readers with a lasting impact, and they are more likely to share your blog post.
In your conclusion, you also want to include a call to action, such as signing up for a newsletter or downloading an ebook. This way, your readers can engage more with your content and stay informed about future company updates.
What is an outline for a blog post?
Generally speaking, a blog post outline can be found as a simple document that describes how to structure an article. A blog outline should contain the following:
The topic you want to write about.
A heading and subheadings.
A bulleted list for each subheading.
Why write a blog post outline?
A blog post outline can be effective in making written documents concise and efficient and keeping a focus on the topic. An article outline can speed up the writing process as you don’t have to start with a blank page and don’t know what to do.
Things to avoid while creating a blog post outline
A blog post outline gives a direction for your next blog post. Thus, it would be best not to focus on the details at this stage.
Ranking on search engines is not important at this stage, so you don’t need to do any keyword research and search engine optimization using SEO software.
You don’t need to do any grammar checks for your article outline.
You don’t need to invest time in finding internal links for your blog post outline.
Conclusion
To summarize, creating a blog post outline is essential to the writing process. It can help you stay focused on the main ideas, structure your content, and ensure that all information is organized and clear in the final post.
When you start writing an outline, remember to include a catchy title, detailed subheadings, and an engaging introduction and conclusion. In addition, avoid investing time in keyword research or grammar checks at this stage.
By following this guide, you should be able to create a solid outline for your first draft. Good luck!
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