How to create a Blog Outline (plus templates)

Let's talk about turning your blog from average to fantastic. It all starts with a simple, yet powerful tool: the blog outline. Consider it your secret weapon for cutting out the chaos of thoughts and creating a clear, engaging path to your visitors.

In this guide I'll guide you through the steps of creating an outline for your blog that will help you to organize your thoughts and let your posts shine. What's more? You're not alone in this quest. I've got blog outline templates for you here. continue scrolling.

Skip ahead:

•    What's an outline?
•    How to write a blog outline in eight steps
•    What to avoid while making an outline
•    Blog post templates to help you save time
•    Strategies for writing an outline
•    It's wrapped up
•    FAQs

What's a blog outline?

The blog outline can be your roadmap to crafting a compelling piece of content. It's a straightforward but vital document that lays out the structure and angle of your article. Imagine it as your blueprint for clear and effective writing that keeps your focus and in the right direction. An outline that is well-crafted typically contains these key elements:

• Your topic: What's the principal topic of your blog post?
• Your perspective: How are you approaching this subject? What's your unique perspective?
• Your structure: What areas will you be covering to support your angle?

Consider adding the working title to your outline. Some writers prefer to finalize their headlines once they have completed the post, ensuring their title is aptly capturing the main idea of their piece.

    Why you need a blog outline    

Blogging, whether for personal expression or for the brand itself, is all about making an impact. If the writing you write is unclear or your points aren't clear Your message is likely to get unclear, and the readers will move on.

That's where an outline comes in. This tool will help you clarify your thoughts before you start typing, saving your time from endless revisions as well as improving the level of work you produce.

• The blank page problem can be overcome Everyone has had to deal with the dreaded blank page, the moment when procrastination seems to be more tempting. However, with a thorough outline, the blank page is much more manageable.
• In a meeting with your editor or your client: As someone who's relied on detailed outlines many times, I vouch for their value. They are more than a content brief can offer and provide a more clear picture of the direction that your article is heading as well as the components that can be included or left out along with the overall flow.

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

Simply put, you must always. But here are some specific situations:

• for long-form articles: Especially for posts of 1,000 words or greater.
• Complex topics: When your topic requires a lot of research to ensure exact coverage.
• Assignment of writing duties: To ensure contributors understand the vision for the content.

Keep in mind that the aim is to streamline your thought process, and improve the efficiency of your writing. But it's not a rigid guideline. As an example, small news articles or personal blurbs may not require an outline. Use your judgement and determine the best way to express your writing style.

How to create an outline for a blog in just 8 steps

Crafting a blog outline doesn't have to be a challenge. Break it down into smaller steps in order to organize your ideas and structuring your blog's content. Let's dive into these steps:

    Choose your topic    

First things first: what do you want to write about? The choice of a subject is the basis of your blog's outline. Come up with ideas for your area of expertise, with a focus on the burning issues you're eager to address. Note down your possible ideas and choose one that resonates with you and your audience.

    Select the content format you want to use.    

What form do you envision your blog taking? Will it be a how-to article, a guideline or opinion piece, a review, or a news article? The format often becomes apparent according to the subject. For example, a topic like "how to write a blog" naturally leads to a how-to format. If you're not sure what format to choose then take your cues from what's ranking on Google for similar topics. Keep in mind that there's no universal format--it's your call.

    Determine your angle    

Finding your unique angle is like uncovering a hidden jewel that will set your content above the rest. It's where your topic meets your unique perspective. It determines how you think about your topic. It's not just about what you're saying--it's about giving your readers a reason to care.

For example, if you're talking about a tourist attraction that is popular, angles like "The undiscovered trails of [Destination]" or "The top local restaurants in [Destination" or "The best local eateries in [Destination]" go beyond just facts--they make the reader feel part of a story. This is about creating content that's engaging and memorable.

    Determine your format    

Choosing the right format for your blog post could make a big distinction. Each format can be tailored to particular kind of content as well as audience preferences. These are the most effective blog post formats and when to use them:

• How-to posts: Ideal when explaining steps step-by-step.
• List articles: Great for sharing a compilation of suggestions or other ideas.
• What exactly are posts? Great for brief explanations or clarifications.
• Case study posts: Use these for topics with a lot of detail that require an in-depth analysis.
• Survey post: Good for presenting gathered data in a less comprehensive manner.
• the X and. Posts Y: Suitable for comparison of products or services.
• Beginning's Guide blog posts: Excellent for teaching newcomers about technical subjects.

    Evaluate the SERPs    

The understanding of the search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) is vital. Look at the top-ranking blogs to assess:

• Readability: How easy can the contents be digested?
• Relevance What speed can they respond to the keyword-related query?
• Search intent alignment  Does the titles and meta descriptions match the user's search intent?

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

    Mark the precise subpoints to be made in each section    

After you've established your primary points, it's time to detail the topics you'll be covering in each. Jot down a few bullet points in each section. Focus on supporting your arguments. Use elements like

• An explanation succinctly the basis of your claim
• Case studies, examples and other information
• Expert quotes from potential experts and Data references

The stage is perfect for conducting research and soliciting expert opinions or quotations.

    Create 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:

• State the problem: Identify a problem that your reader has to face.
• Agitate Explore the issue, highlighting its impact.
• Offer a solution: Present your article as a possible solution.

To conclude define how you'll conclude your arguments and provide the reader with a takeaway or call-to-action.

    Get Your Information    

After the structure of your article has been established and you're ready to reinforce your post by incorporating specific data and information. Integrating credible data enhances your Expertise and Authority and Credibility (E-E-A-T) and guarantees that your content withstands reader scrutiny.

    Understanding E-E-A-T    

E-E-A-T is a framework Google utilizes to evaluate the authenticity and quality of a website's content. Although it is not an actual ranking element, it does influence how the content appears to users. Incorporating your own data improves your arguments and increases credibility among readers as well as search engines.

    Sourcing data    

The internet is an abundant source of data, but not all of it is trustworthy. You should focus your attention on trusted websites like .gov, .org, .edu, and platforms like Statista. When outlining, use bullet points that include hyperlinks to your sources to make it easy to reference.

    Finding your subject    

It is vital to conduct research when determining. Here are some effective ways to collect information:

• Google Search: Google Search is the preferred method of the majority of bloggers.
• Google Scholar: The ideal way to find scholarly articles and research from academic institutions.
• National Institutes of Health: A reliable source of health-related information.
• Real Books: Don't overlook the importance of data contained in physical books or e-books.
• Competitor Analysis: Review similar topics covered by other bloggers for insight.
• First-Hand Information Straight quotes or verifications from experts in the field can dramatically increase the credibility of your website and impact.

Having these facts and information incorporated within your outline makes sure that they're not lost and helps maintain the focus of your post.

What you should avoid developing an outline

Be aware that outlines should not be an opportunity to practice perfectionism. What you need to be wary of:

• Obsessing over grammar: Do not get involved in grammar at the outlining section.
• Integrating brand voice Save the branding voice integration for the writing stage itself.
• Concentrating on SEO keywords: Avoid getting bogged down with SEO in this moment.
• Overthinking the details: 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 path and avoid that blinking cursor scenario. Spend time on the finer particulars once you're sure that your work is on the right track. follows.

Blog post templates to save you time

You might have noticed that a lot of blog posts use the same structure. In reality, the majority of the blog posts you see are variations of a few basic template designs. There's no reason to create a new template each time. Select a template that is compatible with the format you prefer, and then off you go! Here are four most common templates:

    The list post    

List posts, or listicles, are exactly what they sound like: lists. They can include tips, tools, techniques, myths, mistakes--essentially, anything that works as a list. These posts are ideal for non-sequential information that does not require an order.

Template for an example of a list post:

• title (H1) The title is attractive and indicative of the content
• Introduction: Briefly describe 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 to add additional items as required
• Conclusion: Wrap up and possibly include a call-to-action

    Step-by-step instructions    

Step-by-step guides are great to explain processes that have to be followed in a specific arrangement. This style is great for 'how-to' content.

Template example for a step-by-step guide:

• Description (H1) Reflating the task or process
• Introduction: A brief overview of what the guide will be covering
• First step (H2): Detailed explanation 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 broad definition    

In-depth definitions go deeper into the concept's meaning before exploring it further. This style is ideal when understanding the concept is essential to follow your article.

Template example for an expanded definition

• Description (H1): Focused on the concept being defined
• Introduction: A brief overview of the concept
• Define (H2): A clear and concise definition
• Expanded Explanation (H2): Broader discussion of the notion
• Real-World Applications (H2) examples of the concept in action
• Final: Review and perhaps a wider perspective, or other resources

  A beginner's guide  

The beginner's guide provides an in-depth introduction to the subject that is specifically designed for people new to the subject. This format is ideal when developing a resource for education rather than an actionable guide.

Template example for a beginner's guide:

• Title (H1): Clearly indicating the guide is for novices
• Introduction: Set the scene for how beginners will learn
• Basic Concepts (H2) Outline of the fundamental concepts or abilities
• Step-by-Step instructions (H2) In the event of a need easy steps to start
• Common Challenges and Solutions (H2) Discuss potential hurdles and how to get around these obstacles
• Additional Resources (H2) More information or advanced topics for continued education
• Final: Inspire readers and summarize key takeaways

Tips for writing from an outline

Writing from an outline might seem daunting at first particularly if this is something new to you. However, don't be worried. Here are some tips to help you transform your completed outline into an engaging blog content.

    Do not begin with the introductory paragraph or in the final paragraph    

Contrary to what some imagine, the introduction is not the conclusion of the writing process. When you write, you'll naturally fill spaces and come up with metaphors or similes which are able to refine and develop. By crafting your intro later you'll be able to incorporate the elements together to create a cohesive and engaging piece from beginning to finish.

    Stay with your outline until it's no longer necessary.    

An outline can be described as a reference and not a rigid straitjacket. It's meant to keep your content relevant and focused on the things that matter to the people who read it. If you find yourself bored or confused, most likely your audience may feel similar. Do not be afraid to alter your outline, rearrange sections or go back to the drawing board when needed. The goal is to ensure your content remains relevant and up-to-date.

    Maintain you and your readers engaged    

The enthusiasm you have (or absence of enthusiasm) regarding the topic is evident in your writing. If you're struggling to write Ask yourself, "What fascinated me about the subject in the first place?" or "Is there an expert's perspective that reignited my curiosity?" Finding what excites your interest in the topic can help keep your enthusiasm going and help ensure that your work captivates your readers to the very end.

It's wrapped up

Keep in mind that the ideal blog post starts with a clear outline.

FAQs

    What's the point of having a blog outline?    

A blog outline helps you plan your ideas, ensures your content is coherent and engaging, and saves 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 the latest trends within your field, and asking questions that you think your audience might ask. Use tools like mind mapping to expand and connect concepts.

    What can I do to use subheadings, bullet points and other headings effectively for my outline?    

Subheadings break your content into manageable sections, making it easy for users to understand. Bullet points are helpful in presenting key elements or procedures in a concise, clear manner. Utilize them to organize your text and emphasize important details.