I get asked all the time what to blog on, what should I write, well basically anything you wish to write.
How to write blog posts faster with an outline Leah McClellan
You’re beating your head against a wall. Staring at a blank screen. You need to write a blog post fast, and it’s got to be good.
You google “writer’s block” and hope to find a solution. If you had all day or all weekend to write, you know you’d come up with something. You always do.
But this time, you only have a few hours, and you can’t think of anything. Maybe you’ll just skip it. Who’s going to notice?
Stop. Right. There. If you’ve been posting regularly, your readers are going to notice. Even if they don’t, you will. And one of the most critical keys to a writer’s success is following good writing habits—and sticking with them.
Plus, the problem isn’t the vague, catch-all excuse called writer’s block. The problem is that you don’t have a system in place you can rely on.
Using a standard outline based on a 5-part essay can be a lifesaver.
With an outline, you can go from blank screen to polished post in a few hours or less, depending on the length and complexity.
No matter what kind of blog post you’re writing, though, or how much time you take, using an outline can reduce time, stress, and worry. Plus it keeps you organized and on track, especially if you’re writing something long and involved.
Ready, set, go!
1. Pick a topic
This might be the hardest part if you don’t use an editorial calendar or already know what your topic is.
To keep ideas handy, create a list for every possibility that pops into your head at random moments. Keep it on your desktop, laptop, smartphone, or notepad. Jot ideas on a paper plate or napkin if you have to. Then transfer regularly to your master list.
Try browsing through blog comments, emails, or previous posts if you’re drawing a blank. What do your readers need to know about? Call a friend, post in a forum or on Facebook, or even tweet the question What do you need to know about [your blog’s focus]?
2. Create a working headline
Crafting a headline keeps you focused on your topic and your purpose. Even if you end up rewording, a headline makes a promise you have to keep.
Having trouble? Write one sentence that describes the topic and the value you’ll provide. Now try variations in rapid succession for 5 or 10 minutes. Just let go and write freely. Sooner or later you’ll get a few good ones.
Here’s a great headline cheat sheet you can download for free.
3. Brainstorm, choose and develop at least 2-3 main points
Generate a list of every step, idea, concept, or element that comes to mind. What’s important? What’s not?
Even if you’re not using a numbered list, you still need to make some key points. If you can only think of one or two, your topic might be too narrow. What’s the big picture? Can one of those points be developed into two?
If you need to list 25 steps to be thorough, narrow it down or combine them. What part of the topic is complex enough for an entire post? I could easily write 1000 words on blog post introductions, for example, if I go deep and get into details.
Do some quick research, if needed, and use your headline as search terms. Then sketch out a rough draft that gives your readers the information they need to know.
4. Write an introduction
Leaving the introduction for next-to-last or last is great because you’ve warmed up to your topic—how many times have you wrestled with beginnings? By now you’ve caught a rhythm and have your readers in mind. You’re talking to them, thinking of them, imagining what it’s like to be in their shoes.
Your introduction should create a scenario that invites readers in. Show you care and understand the reader’s problem with lively, empathetic writing.
It doesn’t have to be long or elaborate. Just tell your readers what’s ahead and how you’ll solve the problem or provide some answers.
5. Write a conclusion or call to action
Sum up your main idea, and tell your readers what to do next. Offer encouragement or tips on how to reach the goal.
Or express a hope that at least a few of your points struck a chord, resonated deeply, or seemed helpful. Even a sentence or two about your own struggles can be great: “You know, I’ve been there. It’s frustrating, but when you master these steps as I have, you’ll be free of that problem forever.”
If the post is more about personal experience, sum up what you’ve learned and how readers benefit. You can even tell them to buy your product or download your free solution to the problem.
6. Edit, revise, and proofread
This is the most important part of your post.
Check that you’ve given about equal attention to all your key points. Read out loud: Is it smooth? Lively? Be sure you’ve included all the necessary steps or points and developed them sufficiently. Don’t forget to check grammar and punctuation, and use these 25 tips.
When you’re done writing, proofread carefully for spelling, capitalization, list numbers, extra spaces, and missing or doubled-up words. Nobody’s perfect, but many bloggers would have 100% better posts if they’d take time to edit and proofread.
7. Post it!
That wasn’t so hard, was it? If you write your posts in a separate app as I do (I use Pages or Word), proofread again in your blog’s preview mode. In a different format, you’re likely to spot something you didn’t notice before.
Be sure to double-check your formatting, text wrap for graphics, photo credits (if any), and your metadata. And proofread that meta description before search engines or Facebook snag it!
This isn’t the only way to write a blog post, and it’s not the only kind of outline. It’s basic, but it works even for long, epic posts. It saves time and almost guarantees a solid post.
And if you spend some time on it, you might even end up with something really good, like this one. (Yep, even Brian Clark’s posts follow a basic outline.)
It might seem too basic or boring—even elementary—but all writers use tricks from their toolboxes, especially when writing under pressure.
Try it. Mull over a few ideas, pick one, and get to work.
Do you love outlines? Hate them? Have some tips of your own? Share in the comments! And please share this post with your friends.
I gathered a few topics, below you will find a few ideas that may help guide you.
Make a Predictions Post
Things You Might Not Know About Me
Why I Don’t Do ‘X’
(Famous Person Guide) To (Blank)
Case Study
Product Showdowns
‘X’ Things You Must Do After (Blank)
How To (Blank) In (X Number of Days / Hours)
Experimental Posts
Comprehensive Pillar Posts
(Insert Desired Benefit) That No One Talks About
Blog Post Roundup
Things I Wish I Had Done Differently
The Tools of the Trade
Ask / Involve the Reader!
Debunk Industry Myths
Comment on Industry Gossip
New Product, Course, or Book Launch
Celebrate An Anniversary
Special Announcement Post
Year In Review
Goals for the Year Ahead
Tips For Newbies
Insider Interviews
Q&A Blog Post
HubSpot’s Blog Topic Generator
HubSpot is the biggest tool in the world for marketing automation. Type in three keywords you want to work with and click “GIVE ME BLOG TOPICS.” The tool will provide a list of related topics. Not all will be suitable, but you’ll find a few good ones.
If you enter the keywords blogging, AdWords and marketing, you might get:
- 7 Things About Blogging Your Boss Wants To Know
- How To Solve The Biggest Problems With Adwords
- 14 Common Misconceptions About Marketing
Want to use Click to Tweet on your blog?
Step #1: Take your time writing your first few blog posts – this will help you figure out what your readers like, your writing style, and the overall flow. Once you figure out your style you can templatize your blog posts. For example, mine are introduction, body, and conclusion. You also want to use headings, headings will make your content easier to read and skim. Within your headings, add keywords.
Step #2: Add images – using services like Fotolia you can add images to every one of your blog posts. By adding images it makes your content easier to understand as some people are visual learners.
Step #3: Set some rules – by following these rules it will make it easier to write blog posts faster. Make sure you use the words “you” and “I” within your blog. Add 7 or so images per post and keep your paragraphs shorter than 5 or 6 lines.
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