| name | generating-blog-outlines |
| description | Creates structured blog post outlines based on topics and keywords. Use when the user asks about blog structure, content outlines, SEO article planning, or wants to organize ideas before writing. |
Blog Post Outline Generator
When to use this skill
- User asks to outline a blog post
- User has a topic and needs structure
- User mentions SEO content planning
- User wants competitive content analysis
- User needs heading suggestions
Workflow
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Input
Required information:
| Input | Purpose |
|---|
| Primary keyword | Main search term to target |
| Topic/angle | Specific focus of the article |
| Target audience | Who the content is for |
| Content goal | Inform, convert, educate, entertain |
| Word count target | Affects depth and sections |
Example prompt:
Topic: "How to optimize images for web performance"
Keyword: "image optimization"
Audience: Frontend developers
Goal: Educational tutorial
Length: 2,000 words
Step 2: Determine Search Intent
| Intent Type | Indicators | Content Style |
|---|
| Informational | "how to", "what is", "guide" | Tutorial, explainer |
| Commercial | "best", "top", "vs", "review" | Comparison, listicle |
| Transactional | "buy", "pricing", "download" | Product-focused, CTA-heavy |
| Navigational | Brand + feature | Direct, feature-specific |
Step 3: Competitor Analysis
Identify top-ranking content:
- Check top 5 results for target keyword
- Note common headings and sections
- Identify content gaps to fill
- Assess word count and depth
Analysis template:
## Competitor Analysis: [Keyword]
### Top 3 Ranking Articles
1. [Title] - [URL]
- Word count: ~X,XXX
- Key sections: [list]
- Unique angle: [note]
2. [Title] - [URL]
- Word count: ~X,XXX
- Key sections: [list]
- Unique angle: [note]
### Content Gaps Identified
- [ ] Missing topic: ...
- [ ] Outdated information: ...
- [ ] Better examples needed: ...
Step 4: Generate Outline Structure
Standard blog structure:
# [Title with Primary Keyword]
## Introduction (100-150 words)
- Hook: [attention-grabbing opener]
- Context: [why this matters now]
- Promise: [what reader will learn]
- Thesis: [main point/answer]
## [H2: First Main Section]
### [H3: Subsection if needed]
- Key point 1
- Key point 2
- Example or data point
### [H3: Another Subsection]
- Key point 1
- Supporting detail
## [H2: Second Main Section]
- Key points to cover
- Include [keyword variation] naturally
## [H2: Third Main Section]
### [H3: Practical subsection]
- Step-by-step if applicable
- Code examples if technical
## [H2: Common Mistakes / FAQ / Tips]
- Address related questions
- Add value beyond competitors
## Conclusion (100-150 words)
- Recap main points
- Actionable next step
- CTA (related content, newsletter, etc.)
Step 5: Keyword Placement Strategy
| Location | Priority | Guideline |
|---|
| Title (H1) | Required | Include primary keyword |
| First paragraph | Required | Within first 100 words |
| H2 headings | High | 1-2 headings with keyword/variation |
| H3 headings | Medium | Natural placement |
| Body text | Medium | 1-2% density, variations |
| Meta description | Required | Include keyword near start |
| Image alt text | Medium | Descriptive with keyword if relevant |
| URL slug | Required | Short, keyword-focused |
Keyword variations to include:
Primary: image optimization
Variations:
- optimize images
- image compression
- web image optimization
- compress images for web
- reduce image file size
Step 6: Content Angle Suggestions
Angle frameworks:
| Framework | Description | Best For |
|---|
| Ultimate Guide | Comprehensive, authoritative | High-competition keywords |
| Step-by-Step | Numbered process | How-to queries |
| Listicle | Numbered tips/tools | "Best" or "Top" queries |
| Comparison | X vs Y analysis | Decision-stage content |
| Case Study | Real example with results | Trust-building content |
| Beginner's Guide | Foundational, accessible | Awareness-stage content |
Outline Templates
Tutorial/How-To:
# How to [Achieve Outcome]: [Benefit Statement]
## Introduction
- Problem statement
- What you'll learn
## Prerequisites / What You'll Need
## Step 1: [First Action]
## Step 2: [Second Action]
## Step 3: [Third Action]
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
## Next Steps / Advanced Tips
## Conclusion
Listicle:
# [Number] [Adjective] [Topic] for [Outcome] in [Year]
## Introduction
- Why this list matters
- How items were selected
## 1. [Item Name]
- Key benefit
- Best for: [use case]
- Consideration: [limitation]
## 2. [Item Name]
...
## How to Choose the Right [Topic]
## Conclusion
Comparison:
# [Option A] vs [Option B]: [Decision Framework]
## Introduction
- Why this comparison matters
- Quick verdict
## Overview Comparison Table
## [Option A] Explained
### Pros
### Cons
### Best For
## [Option B] Explained
### Pros
### Cons
### Best For
## Head-to-Head: [Criteria 1]
## Head-to-Head: [Criteria 2]
## Head-to-Head: [Criteria 3]
## Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
## Conclusion
Step 7: Finalize Outline
Checklist before delivering:
Section word count distribution (2,000 words):
Introduction: 150 words
Section 1: 400 words
Section 2: 400 words
Section 3: 400 words
Section 4: 350 words
Conclusion: 150 words
Buffer: 150 words
Output Format
# Blog Post Outline: [Title]
**Target Keyword:** [keyword]
**Word Count:** [target]
**Search Intent:** [type]
**Content Angle:** [framework]
---
## Outline
[Full outline with H2/H3 structure and bullet points for each section]
---
## Keyword Strategy
- Primary: [keyword]
- Variations: [list]
- Placement: [notes]
## Competitor Gaps Addressed
- [gap 1]
- [gap 2]
## Unique Value Proposition
[What makes this article stand out]
Validation
Before completing:
Error Handling
- Vague topic: Ask for specific angle or target audience.
- No keyword provided: Suggest keyword research or ask for target phrase.
- Overly broad scope: Recommend splitting into series or narrowing focus.
- Competing with own content: Check for cannibalization; suggest consolidation.
Resources
