Table of Contents
- Why You Need a Blog Post Outline
- Clarity for Clients and Writers
- Transform Ideas Into Structured Content
- Keep Your Writing on Target
- Establish Structure and End Goals
- Speed Up Your Writing Process
- Decide What to Include and Exclude
- Related Reading
- How To Write A Blog Post Outline That Simplifies Your Writing Process
- 1. Figure Out Your Topic
- Use “What” Questions
- Use “Who” Questions
- Use “Where?” Questions
- Use “Why?” Questions
- Use “How?” Questions
- 2. Identify Your Main Keyword
- Pro Tips for Identifying Main Keywords
- 3. List Headings and Key Takeaways
- Review What Google Already Ranks
- Look Into Questions People Ask
- Add Your Headings
- 5. Do Additional Research
- Why Can It Be Helpful?
- 6. Review Your Blog Post Outline Structure
- Email Sending Directly from Notion
- Related Reading
- 4 Best Practices To Follow When Creating A Blog Post Outline
- 1. Use Clear Headings and Subheadings
- 2. Keep Paragraphs Short
- 3. Use Transition Words
- 4. Edit Ruthlessly
- Bonus Tips for Consistency
- Blog Post Outline Example
- Title: Share a Catchy Title
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Background or Context
- 3. Main Point or Solution 1
- 4. Main Point or Solution 2
- 5. Addressing Challenges or FAQs
- 6. Tips or Best Practices
- 7. Conclusion
- 8. Additional Resources or CTA
- Title: 5 Steps to Create the Ultimate Study Space
- Introduction
- Step 1: Declutter and Organize
- Step 2: Choose Ergonomic Furniture
- Step 3: Maximize Lighting
- Step 4: Add Functional Storage Solutions
- Step 5: Personalize and Motivate
- Ready to Ace Your Studies?
- Go From Notion to Blog With Ease Today with Feather
- Effortless Collaboration with Your Team
- Design Flexibility with Custom CSS
- Manage Your Newsletter with Ease
- Related Reading
Related Posts
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blog_topic
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Imagine staring at a blank page, the cursor blinking back at you. We've all been there. You know what you want to write, but how do you start? This is where outlining comes in. It’s not just about organizing thoughts but laying a roadmap guiding your creation from start to finish. And in SEO blog writing, a solid outline can be the difference between a page that ranks and one that doesn’t. This article will show you how to write a blog post outline that simplifies the writing process and aligns with SEO goals.
Feather’s tool, notion to blog, helps you make this magic happen. It guides you through creating an outline to make writing easier and optimize your posts.
Why You Need a Blog Post Outline
An outline saves time and effort in the long run. Imagine presenting a client with a blog post you think is spot on, only to find out it misses the mark. A well-crafted outline can save everyone from that headache. Approved outlines: make sure everyone agrees on the direction before you start writing.
Clarity for Clients and Writers
An outline provides a clear picture of the blog's format and content. Clients who see an outline understand the flow, data points, and goals. This alignment keeps everyone on track before diving into the content creation process.
Transform Ideas Into Structured Content
Without an outline, your blog might lack flow and consistency. Organizing your thoughts into an outline brings much-needed structure. It takes those loose bullet points and turns them into a cohesive roadmap for your writing.
Keep Your Writing on Target
An outline helps you stay focused. It’s easy to wander off-topic without a clear plan. A detailed outline ensures your content flows logically, helping you maintain direction and purpose throughout your writing.
Establish Structure and End Goals
An outline gives your article a solid structure. Think of it as a blueprint for your introduction, body, and conclusion. It also helps you define your end goal and what you want the reader to take away. Clarifying this before you start writing can improve the final product.
Speed Up Your Writing Process
Having an outline can speed up the writing process. A clear plan makes you less likely to get stuck or distracted. You’ll find it easier to stay on task and finish your article efficiently.
Decide What to Include and Exclude
Creating an outline helps you decide what’s essential for the article and what can be left out. It’s easier to see what adds value and what doesn’t belong, streamlining the entire content creation process.
Related Reading
How To Write A Blog Post Outline That Simplifies Your Writing Process
There are many different ways to write an outline, but they all have a similar structure. Your outline will be a series of headings describing the post's sections. Each section will be labeled with a title and an explanation. Then, you’ll include one or more bulleted subsections.
A blog post outline is a structured method for documenting your ideas. The format for an outline is straightforward.
1. Figure Out Your Topic
When creating the blog post outline, your first step should be to figure out the topic. Find what you want to write about. It doesn’t have to be very specific yet. Let’s say you want to write about fitness exercises at home while delivering online training programs or equipment.
You could narrow down your topic by asking:
- Who am I writing for?
- What goals do they want to achieve?
- What equipment might they want to use?
- When is the best time to do fitness?
You can break down a more significant subject into more specific aspects by asking questions about what, when, where, why, and how.
Use “What” Questions
What would you concentrate on if you sum it up in a sentence? Asking this question will help you stay focused and on topic. Whatever you say should support that single statement.
What exactly does your topic entail? (What topics are covered in each section of your blog post?) This will assist you in gathering and organizing your thoughts for the presentation in the blog article.
What sort of a piece is that? (For instance, a review article? A well-researched piece for education purposes?) You can improve your writing by asking this. A review-style content might be more opinionated and conversational. A research essay is fact-based and might call for additional formality.
What is the point of your writing? What do you hope to accomplish with your words? Your writing style will improve if you respond to that. Are you writing (and there can be more than one answer):
- to amuse?
- to inform and educate?
- to persuade a decision?
- to boost website traffic?
- to arouse feelings?
You should write more persuasively and “incite emotion” if, for instance, your goal is to “influence consideration” for a good or service. Then, extra adverbs will make the product sound more alluring.
Optimizing keyword optimization might be useful if you want to gain more traffic. Still, you don’t need to choose only one approach. If it makes sense for your blog article, you can combine several style goals.
Use “Who” Questions
Who is your audience? For whom exactly are you writing this?
Do some digging into your target demographic in terms of age, group identity, gender, interests, and preferences to acquire a solid grasp of both your audience and your prospective customers?
It is necessary to know your audience to select the appropriate writing style and include:
- Proper idioms
- Slang
- Jargon
This way, your blog post becomes more alluring, fascinating, and pleasurable. When you write blog posts, you must always keep your audience in mind; otherwise, you risk creating content that no one will find helpful and enjoyable.
Questions that are helpful reminders to ensure that your content consistently provides information beneficial to the audiences you are targeting:
- Who will be negatively affected by this content?
- Who will benefit?
- Who will be damaged?
Considering who might be “harmed” by what you say will help you be more careful with your word choice and prevent you from making statements that might be hurtful to other stakeholders.
Use “Where?” Questions
Where does your audience come from? Where do they spend their time? Even if you are writing your blog post on a laptop in Sydney, Australia, most of your readers may be more likely to be based in the United Kingdom or the USA.
As a result, it would be unacceptable to use idioms, slang, or cultural Australian allusions in a piece of writing whose audience is unlikely to be familiar with these types of references.
Use “Why?” Questions
Why should readers bother reading what you have to say? How significant is the post you are writing for your blog? What value does it deliver?
Make an effort to integrate the answer in your blog article so that your audience may comprehend the importance of your words. Determine the purpose of the content and why it needs to be written in the first place.
Remove the overused phrases that are indicative of sloppy writing. Each paragraph needs to appear engaging and deliver value.
Use “How?” Questions
How does this subject function? This is an excellent question regarding the “how-tos.” Make thorough research, think over connections, analyze them, and present them in an understandable and easy-to-follow way. Take a more comprehensive approach and connect each section to a more prominent subject.
Using the above approach, you will likely develop the topic and the main headings and subjects you want to include in your blog post.
2. Identify Your Main Keyword
Some might argue that keywords are not essential. The readers are the most important. You should write your content with the reader in mind. Still, researching for keywords is not a step you should overlook.
Too often, I see content that doesn’t perform. Usually, the main issue comes from prioritizing creativity over a thorough and well-thought-out process. So, first things first, establish a relevant keyword or topic for your audience.
Look at keywords as a way of identifying what interests people. When typing in Google search, they have specific search intent in mind. They seek answers to their questions; some are very specific, and others general. Identifying the right keywords and queries makes you better understand your audience’s needs and language.
If you’re not an SEO expert, you can investigate what top Search Engine Result Pages show and what ranks on the first Google page when typing your topic. Using tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs, you can look through the keywords they rank and choose the one that you believe will be the best for the content you have in mind.
Pro Tips for Identifying Main Keywords
To find the right one, you have to check the search volume. If you are starting to build content, it might be worth looking into more specific mid or bottom-funnel keywords rather than general options.
Keep in mind the keyword difficulty. Again, if you are just starting your content marketing adventure, you better pick up keywords with low to medium keyword difficulty.
3. List Headings and Key Takeaways
Now, it’s time to go a bit deeper. Headings and key takeaways are the core of a great blog post outline. By taking the time to include them, you can save yourself time later on, ensuring your content will be informative as well as engaging for readers.
There are several ways how you can approach it. Below, you will find how to approach listing headings and key takeaways:
Review What Google Already Ranks
Once a keyword is established, it’s time to analyze top SERPs. Google has always aimed to provide the most relevant content that answers users’ questions. This means that Google knows which content answers a particular query. Instead of determining what might interest your audience, carefully review the content ranking for a specific keyword.
Analyze their headings and subheadings, the questions they ask, and the topics they touch on. This will give you a great starting point.
Look Into Questions People Ask
If you want to adapt your content to its intended audience, it’s essential to check the questions people tend to ask. Google is an excellent source of information. Using the People Also Ask section or Quora questions, you can find out:
- What your target audience is interested in
- What bothers them
- What they want to discover
Include those questions in your content and answer them thoroughly. Again, think about providing value here, not just SEO.
Add Your Headings
Now that you have an excellent foundation for your blog post, add your ideas. Depending on how creative you are, start with that point when creating your content outline.
5. Do Additional Research
When creating a blog post outline, you can go one step further. You can analyze top SERPs in terms of their content and the keywords they rank on.
Why Can It Be Helpful?
It will show you what other keywords and topics are worth including as they connect with your blog post.
6. Review Your Blog Post Outline Structure
Crafting an effective outline for a project is simple; follow the above four steps, and you’re almost there. But don’t forget the last step: read it to ensure your approach corresponds with the topic and everything flows nicely. If not, try rearranging some sections until you get the desired results.
Email Sending Directly from Notion
Run your blog and newsletter with Feather today! Create a new account and send emails from Notion, or go from notion to blog in minutes!
Related Reading
- How to Write Blog Posts for SEO
- Types Of Content Writing
- Blog Writing Format
- How To Use AI For Writing
- Benefits Of AI Writing Tools
4 Best Practices To Follow When Creating A Blog Post Outline
1. Use Clear Headings and Subheadings
Headings and subheadings are essential for guiding readers through your content. They break your outline into sections, ensuring each idea has a clear focus.
- Use descriptive language to give readers a preview of the section's content.
- Organize them hierarchically. Keep them concise and action-oriented when possible.
- Clear headings also improve your blog's SEO by signaling the topic and structure to search engines.
2. Keep Paragraphs Short
Short paragraphs enhance readability, especially for online audiences. Consider breaking down complex ideas into smaller, digestible chunks when creating your outline. Each paragraph should focus on a single point, typically no longer than three sentences. This prevents your readers from feeling overwhelmed by walls of text.
Structure sections with brief descriptions in your outline to ensure ideas are concise.
3. Use Transition Words
Transitions are the glue that holds your blog post together, ensuring ideas flow logically. Incorporating transition cues in your outline ensures a smoother writing process and a cohesive final piece. Introduce ideas, add details, contrast, and effectively wrap up sections. Including transition cues in your outline ensures a smoother writing process and a cohesive final piece.
4. Edit Ruthlessly
The editing process begins during the outlining phase. A well-refined outline minimizes fluff, keeping the focus on value-driven content. To edit effectively, eliminate redundant points or sections. Check for alignment with the blog's primary goal or audience. To spot potential weaknesses, use tools like:
- Grammarly
- Hemingway Editor
Ask yourself, "Does this section add value or clarity?" If not, consider cutting it.
Bonus Tips for Consistency
Maintain a consistent tone and voice. Balance depth and clarity. End with a strong call-to-action (CTA). Clearly define how you’ll motivate readers to take the next step, whether subscribing, sharing, or exploring further resources.
Blog Post Outline Example
Here’s a basic blog outline example showing the type of text to include:
Title: Share a Catchy Title
1. Introduction
2. Background or Context
- Foundational Knowledge: Provide the basics or explain the topic’s relevance.
- Supporting Data: Include stats, trends, or a brief history to give context.
3. Main Point or Solution 1
- Key Idea 1: Introduce and explain the first major point.
- Benefits/Impacts: Highlight why this matters and how it helps.
- Supporting Evidence: Provide examples, data, or real-life applications.
4. Main Point or Solution 2
- Key Idea 2: Present the second significant point.
- Unique Value: Explain how it differs from or complements the first.
- Practical Advice: Offer actionable steps for implementation.
5. Addressing Challenges or FAQs
- Common Obstacles: Discuss typical challenges related to the topic.
- Solutions: Provide practical ways to overcome these issues.
- Misconceptions: Clarify any myths or frequently misunderstood points.
6. Tips or Best Practices
- Actionable Steps: List specific tips or strategies readers can follow.
- Scannable Format: Use bullet points or lists to improve readability.
- Practicality: Ensure suggestions are realistic and easy to apply.
7. Conclusion
- Recap: Summarize the key takeaways from the post.
- Final Insight: Reinforce why the topic is important.
- Call-to-Action: Encourage readers to act (e.g., share, comment, subscribe).
8. Additional Resources or CTA
- Related Content: Link to helpful tools, articles, or downloadable resources.
Title: 5 Steps to Create the Ultimate Study Space
Introduction
Introduce the concept of designing an ideal study space and its impact on focus, productivity, and overall academic success. Highlight how a well-organized and personalized study environment can improve efficiency.
Step 1: Declutter and Organize
- Why Decluttering Matters: Explain how eliminating unnecessary items clears mental and physical space for effective study.
- How to Declutter: Offer actionable steps, such as sorting items into “keep,” “donate,” and “discard” categories.
- Maintain Organization: Suggest habits like daily tidying to keep the space clutter-free.
Step 2: Choose Ergonomic Furniture
- Comfort and Posture: Discuss the importance of choosing furniture that supports good posture and reduces strain.
- Desk and Chair Selection: Provide tips on selecting ergonomic desks and chairs, like adjustable features or standing desk options.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Suggest affordable yet effective furniture alternatives.
Step 3: Maximize Lighting
- Importance of Proper Lighting: Explain how lighting impacts focus and reduces eye strain.
- Natural Light vs. Artificial Light: Recommend positioning the desk near windows and supplementing with task lighting.
- Lighting Tips: Offer tips like using warm bulbs for comfort or clip-on lamps for flexibility.
Step 4: Add Functional Storage Solutions
- Stay Organized with Storage: Emphasize the need for shelves, bins, or desk organizers to keep study materials in order.
- Smart Storage Ideas: Suggest creative solutions like rolling carts, stackable bins, or under-desk organizers.
- Vertical Storage: Highlight using wall shelves or pegboards to save desk space.
Step 5: Personalize and Motivate
- Why Personalization Matters: Explain how adding personal touches fosters a positive and inspiring environment.
- Decor Ideas: Suggest adding motivational quotes, plants, or posters of favorite destinations.
- Create a Zen Corner: Recommend a small area for relaxation or meditation.
Ready to Ace Your Studies?
Encourage readers to implement these steps to transform their study space into an inspiring and efficient environment.
Download our free study space checklist to create your perfect setup today!
Go From Notion to Blog With Ease Today with Feather
Feather is a game-changer for content creators who love using Notion. You write and organize your blog posts in Notion, and then Feather handles the heavy lifting—automatically publishing them to your blog. This seamless connection means you get the best of both worlds: Notion’s intuitive interface and Feather’s SEO-optimized platform. It's a simple process that requires no coding or design skills, so you can focus on what matters most—crafting compelling content.
With the ability to set up a subfolder blog (like domain.com/blog), you get an SEO boost that can improve your search rankings.
Effortless Collaboration with Your Team
Feather makes teamwork a breeze. Keeping your blog content in Notion allows you to easily collaborate with your team during the writing and editing process. Your colleagues can leave comments, suggest edits, and update content in real time, all within Notion’s familiar interface.
When your post is ready, Feather takes over and publishes it to your blog; no extra steps are required. This streamlined process eliminates the need for back-and-forth emails or multiple tools, saving you time and headaches.
Design Flexibility with Custom CSS
While Feather takes care of the technical side of publishing, it also offers customization options. Custom CSS lets you easily tweak your blog’s design to match your brand’s look and feel. Whether you want to adjust fonts, colors, or layout, Feather allows you to make your blog your own. This ensures that your content looks great and aligns with your brand identity.
Manage Your Newsletter with Ease
Feather doesn’t just stop at blog posts—it also helps you manage your email newsletter. You can write and organize your newsletter content in Notion, just like your blog posts, and then use Feather to send it to your subscribers. This integration means you can keep all your content in one place, making it easier to manage and update. With Feather’s email collection features, you can grow your subscriber list and keep your audience engaged.
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- MarketMuse Alternatives
- SurferSEO Alternative
- Rytr Alternatives
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