How to Write a Blog Post Outline

When I’m feeling brave / inspired (and more often than not when I write on my personal blog), I write blogs without outlines. It’s pretty freeing!

But that’s a difficult skill to master, and I’ve written over 10,000 blogs in my lifetime, worked as a writing teacher, and studied writing for 5 years at university. Not everyone can freestyle things.

If you’re like most people, trying to go off script will mean you’ll end up with rambling, unfocused content that didn’t rank and didn’t convert. What you need, before you put pen to paper, is a blog outline, to keep you focussed.

An outline is the difference between a blog post that’s scattered and one that’s strategic. It’s the difference between writing for three hours and writing for one hour. It’s the difference between content that ranks and content that gets buried. And maybe most importantly, it’s the difference between using AI tools well, and ending up with generic slop that your audience hates.

If you’re serious about writing blog posts that perform, you need to know how to write a blog post outline. Let me walk you through the process.

What is a Blog Post Outline?

A blog post outline is a structured plan for your content. It includes your main topic, your key points, subheadings, and the flow of your argument.

Think of it like a roadmap. You know where you’re starting (the introduction), where you’re going (the conclusion), and all the stops in between (your main sections).

A good outline keeps you focused. It prevents you from going off on tangents. It ensures your content flows logically from one point to the next.

Why Outlines Matter

The biggest mistake I see content writers make is skipping the outline stage. They think they can write better without one. They think outlines slow them down.

The opposite is true. Outlines speed you up. They save you time because you’re not figuring out what to write as you go. You already know what you’re writing.

Outlines also improve your content quality. When you have a clear structure, your arguments are stronger. Your points are more organized. Your readers can follow your logic.

Outlines also help with SEO. When you organize your content around a clear structure, you hit all the keywords naturally. You cover all the angles. You create content that Google recognizes as comprehensive and authoritative.

The Step-by-Step Process for How to Write a Blog Post Outline

The way I approach a blog outline, especially when I’m writing an SEO-type blog article, looks a little like this. I’ll start with the keyword research, think of a click-baity title (using a power word + a number if possible), then build out the blog from there.

Here’s a step by step process on how I create an outline for every blog post I write.

Step 1: Start with Your Keyword and Search Intent

Before you write anything, know your keyword and understand search intent. What are people searching for? What do they want to know? What problem are they trying to solve?

This informs your entire outline. If someone is searching “how to write a blog post outline,” they want a step-by-step guide. They don’t want a history of outlining. They want practical, actionable information.

Step 2: Create Your Introduction

Your introduction should hook the reader and establish the value of your post. I typically spend 150-200 words on the introduction.

Start with a relatable problem or story. Then explain what the post will cover. Then explain why it matters.

Step 3: Identify Your Main Sections

What are the main points you need to cover? For a post on how to write a blog post outline, the main sections might be:

• What an outline is (This definition orientates the reader and lets them know they’re in the right place)
• Why outlines matter (this is the context of the piece, where we can add keywords and fluff the blog out a little)
• Step-by-step process (this is the main body copy – it’s the bit that actually answers the title issue).
• Common outline structures
• Tools to help
• Examples
• FAQs

Write these down. These become your H2 headings.

Step 4: Break Down Each Section

For each main section, identify 2-4 sub-points. These become your H3 headings.

For example, under “Step-by-step process,” you might have:

• Start with your keyword
• Create your introduction
• Identify your main sections
• Break down each section
• Create your conclusion

Step 5: Add Supporting Details

Under each sub-point, add 1-2 sentences about what you’ll cover. This helps you remember what you want to say when you’re actually writing.

Step 6: Create Your Conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize your main points and include a call-to-action. What do you want the reader to do after reading your post?

Step 7: Plan Your FAQs

If you’re including FAQs (which I recommend), identify 3-5 questions your readers might have. These become your FAQ section.

Common Outline Structures

There are several proven outline structures you can use. Here are the most effective ones.

• The How-To Structure: This works for instructional content. You explain what something is, why it matters, then walk through the steps. This is the structure I used for this post.
• The Listicle Structure: This works for content like “10 Ways to…” or “5 Tips for…” You introduce the topic, then list your items with explanations. This structure performs well because it’s scannable and easy to digest.
• The Problem-Solution Structure: You identify a problem, explain why it’s a problem, then provide solutions. This works well for pain-point focused content. It resonates with readers because it addresses their specific challenges.
• The Comparison Structure: You compare two things, explain the differences, then recommend which is better for different scenarios. This works for content like “X vs Y.” It helps readers make informed decisions.
• The Pillar Structure: You cover a broad topic comprehensively, then link to more detailed posts on subtopics. This works for cornerstone content and helps with your site’s internal linking structure.

Choose the structure that best fits your topic and search intent. The right structure makes your outline easier to create and your content easier to write.

Examples of Good Outlines

Let me show you what a good outline looks like. Here’s a simplified outline for a post on “How to Write a Blog Post Outline”:

H1: How to Write a Blog Post Outline

– Meta Title

– Meta Description

Introduction (150-200 words)

– Hook with personal story

– Explain what the post covers

– Explain why it matters

H2: What is a Blog Post Outline?

– H3: Definition

– H3: Benefits

H2: Why Outlines Matter

– H3: Save time

– H3: Improve quality

– H3: Better for SEO

H2: Step-by-Step Process

– H3: Step 1

– H3: Step 2

– H3: Step 3

H2: Common Outline Structures

– H3: How-To

– H3: Listicle

– H3: Problem-Solution

H2: Tools to Help

– H3: Airtable

– H3: MindMeister

– H3: Google Docs

Conclusion (100-150 words)

– Summarize main points

– Call-to-action

FAQs (3-5 questions)

This is the structure I follow. It’s simple, it’s organized, and it works.

Give it a Go Yourself!

How to write a blog post outline is one of the most valuable skills you can develop as a content writer. It saves you time. It improves your content quality. It helps your content rank better.

Spend 15-30 minutes creating an outline before you write. It will save you hours of writing time and produce better content.

The process I’ve outlined here works for blog posts, landing pages, sales pages, and more. Once you master how to write an outline for a blog post, you can apply these principles to any type of content.

Frequently Asked Questions