Beginner’s Guide To Writing A Killer Blog Post Outline

Ever find yourself wondering how to even start your next blog post? 

It’s more common than you might think. 

That’s where a good outline can come in and save the day. 

Seriously, learning how to write a blog post outline has been a total game-changer for me. 

It’s a roadmap that guides you from point A to point B without getting lost along the way (or falling down the rabbit hole of endless distractions).

I know it might sound a bit old-school to plan things out before writing, but trust me, it works. 

Creating a solid outline keeps your thoughts organized and makes writing so much faster and easier. 

That’s why I’m about to walk you through everything you need to know about how to write a blog post outline and make the whole process feel like a breeze.

What Is A Blog Post Outline And Why Does It Matter?

Alright, let’s break it down. 

If you’re serious about creating content that hits the mark every time, then yes, you need an outline.

Simply put, a blog post outline is like the skeleton of your content. It’s the structure that organizes your ideas before you even start writing and allows you to lay out the flow, key points, and sections you want to cover. 

This way, you’ll know exactly what to say and where to say it. 

I know sometimes planning might fell boring, but once you get the hang of how to write a blog post outline the right way, you’ll wonder how you ever blogged without one.

But why does it matter? 

Well, without an outline, it’s easy to lose focus and end up with a jumbled mess of ideas that don’t quite connect. 

Outlining your post helps you stay on track, saves time, and keeps your content clear and concise. 

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to keep that nasty writer’s block at bay. 

So, if you’ve ever found yourself rambling or rewriting a draft ten times, an outline is your new best friend.

The Key Elements Of A Blog Post Outline

Now that we know why outlines are a game-changer, let’s get into the nuts and bolts of what actually goes into one. 

Here’s a breakdown of the essential parts you’ll want to include.

Title And Keywords

Let’s start with the basics: your title. 

This is the first impression your readers (and search engines) will have of your post, so you’ve got to make it count.

I have some suggestions that really can help you with this:

• Come up with a clear, catchy title that includes your main keyword (like “how to write a blog post outline to save time and boost quality”).
• Use keyword research tools (like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest) to find variations that fit naturally into your content.
• Keep it under 60 characters, or it will be cut off in search results.

A keyword-optimized (SEO-friendly) title sets the tone for your post, increases its visibility on search engines, and gives readers a glimpse of what your post is about.

Introduction

Next up is your intro. This is where you hook your readers, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

Here’s what I recommend you do:

• Start with a question, a relatable story, or an interesting fact to grab attention.
• Briefly introduce your main topic and explain why it’s valuable to the reader.
• Include your primary keyword early on (but keep it natural—no keyword stuffing).

The goal is to draw readers in and make them curious enough to keep reading. And a strong introduction is your chance to make it happend.

Main Points And Subheadings

This is where the meat of your content comes in. 

Break down your blog post into smaller sections to make it easier to read and understand.

• Use subheadings (H2, H3) to organize your content and improve readability.
• Aim for one main idea per section to keep things focused.
• Use bullet points, numbered lists, or bold text to highlight key takeaways.

Structuring your content this way helps readers find what they’re looking for and boosts your SEO. 

Search engines love posts that are easy to scan, so be sure to use those subheadings wisely.

Conclusion And Call-To-Action

Last but definitely not least, you’ll need a conclusion that wraps everything up nicely.

Nothing fancy or complicated. Just keep it straightforward:

• Summarize the main points you talked about in your post.
• End with a call-to-action (CTA), like asking readers to leave a comment, share the post, or download a freebie.
• Don’t forget to use your main keyword one last time for that extra SEO boost.

Your conclusion should leave readers feeling inspired to take the next step. And just like that, you’ve guided them through a well-structured, engaging blog post.

Step-by-Step Guide On How To Write A Blog Post Outline

It’s time to get practical. 

Let’s walk through the process of writing a blog post outline from start to finish so you can start organizing your posts like a pro.

Step 1: Brainstorm Your Blog Topic

The first step is knowing what you want to write about. Without a clear topic, your outline will just be a bunch of random ideas.

Here’s a smart way to go about it:

• Start with a brainstorming session. Jot down any topics that interest you or that your readers are asking about.
• Check trending topics in your niche to find relevant ideas.
• Focus on specific topic for each post (like “how to write a catchy headline”) to keep your content focused.

With the right topic, you’re already on your way to creating an outline that practically writes itself.

Step 2: Research Your Topic

Good research helps you back up your points, find new angles, and make your content more valuable.

I’m not talking about finding everything under the sun about a topic in your favorite library, but to use some helpful tools:

• Use resources like Google, industry blogs, or tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush to gather data and insights.
• Look for supporting evidence, statistics, or quotes to add depth to your content.
• Check out (not copy) your competitors to see what they’ve written on the topic. This can help you identify gaps and be different.

When you collect all the information ahead of time, you’ll avoid scrambling for details later. And if you’re like me, you’ll agree that there’s nothing more frustrating than interrupting your writing flow to hunt for data online.

Plus, solid research helps you write with authority and build trust with your readers.

Step 3: Organize Your Ideas

This is where the magic of outlining really starts to happen. And the process to achieve it is simple:

• Jot down all your main ideas, then group related ones together.
• Use a mind map, sticky notes, or even just a simple list to arrange your thoughts.
• Prioritize your main points so they flow logically from one section to the next.

Think of this step as organizing your toolbox. The more clearly your ideas are laid out, the easier it will be to put them together into a compelling post.

Step 4: Structure Your Outline

This is where it all comes together: drafting your outline. 

Here’s how to get it done:

• Introduction: plan a strong opening that includes your main keyword.
• Main sections: break down your content into 3-5 sections with subheadings.
• Conclusion: wrap things up and include a call to action.
• Additional elements: if needed, plan where to insert images, quotes, or data visuals.

Once this is in place, the actual writing process becomes so much easier because all you have to do is filling in the blanks.

Step 5: Review And Finalize Your Outline

Before you dive into writing your full post, take a moment to review your outline. 

This step helps you catch any important details you might have missed.

• Check for a logical flow between sections and ensure each point connects smoothly.
• Make sure your main keyword is naturally integrated.
• Add any last-minute ideas or tweaks to make your outline even stronger.

With your outline ready, you’re set up for a smooth writing process. And trust me, this approach will save you so much time and so many headaches.

Put These Outline Tips Into Action

Kudos to you! 

You’ve just learned a simple, effective method for outlining a blog post. 

So, next time you’re ready to write a new post, take a few extra minutes to outline your ideas first.

The time you invest in this step will pay off with better content and less stress down the road.

Oh, and if you’re looking to streamline your content creation even further, don’t miss my post on the best AI writing software. 

These tools can speed up the entire writing process and give you an extra boost when you’re feeling stuck.

Check it out, and watch how AI can change the way you blog.