Have you ever sat down to write a blog post and just froze? Using blog post outlines can make the overwhelming not so overwhelming. This approach will help you churn out full-length blog posts in no time flat. Also, it will help you work towards creating optimized content, which the search engines love. Ready to learn the steps? Read on!
Blog Post Outlines: Step by step to success!
The big idea is that one blog post talks about one BIG picture. Each element supports that idea; this would be your keyword or keywords. Remember back in your school days when you were taught (hopefully!) how to take notes in class using outlines? Blog post outlines are the same idea. Topic>subheading>supporting details>summary with CTA. Easy, right? Yes!
Step 1 Picking your topic and title
Your post needs a topic; otherwise, what will you write about? This becomes the post’s title. The title needs to include the post’s keyword(s); otherwise, a search engine has no idea what the post is talking about and will not properly index it. Furthermore, your readers would like to know what your post is about before they commit to reading it, so it needs to be informative and to the point. Like your school day note-taking guide, this is the BIG idea that the rest of your notes will be related to through the post. Additionally, this is the only time you use the H1 heading in your post.
Step 2 The first paragraph serves as an introduction
The first paragraph of a blog post needs to provide the reader with a clear idea of the post’s topic. The first paragraph introduces the reader to the big picture that the rest of the post will support. Again, incorporating your post’s keyword(s) into the introductory paragraph is essential for SEO.
Step 3 Utilize H2 headings sparingly
Depending on your site’s theme and content settings, the H1 title may not appear in your post. The H2 heading is how to visually show your post’s topic to the reader. The blog post outlines the following content that will support this topic.
Step 4 Topic supporting detail
This is the meat of your outline. The topic needs to have 2-4 brief supporting paragraphs to demonstrate your knowledge about your topic. Each one needs to be introduced with an H3 heading, the main point that the paragraph will discuss (and how it supports the post’s BIG idea). This will allow the reader to quickly scan through the post and know that your content is relevant to their interests. Again, this practice supports a well-rounded SEO strategy. And as an added bonus, it ensures your content is optimized for accessibility for all users!
Step 5 Final summary
Depending on its focus and relationship to the post, the final section can be an H2 or H3. This is where you summarize the post’s key points and incorporate the last call to action. If you have demonstrated your content knowledge expertise, the reader should be motivated to act. Perhaps you want them to subscribe to your blog or download a freebie or paid product; this is where you incorporate that “ask.”
Final thoughts on blog post outlines
I want you to go back and skim this post. Do you see how I utilized the outline approach to create my content? This makes an SEO-friendly post, builds accessibility for all users, and helps to keep your thoughts and main ideas clear for the reader. That is a win-win! Love the idea of doing it this way but lack time to implement it? I can help; this is one of the services I offer. Comment below or contact me to set up a meeting!
