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

• [ ] Clarify topic and target keyword
• [ ] Research search intent
• [ ] Analyze competitor structure
• [ ] Generate outline with headings
• [ ] Add keyword placement recommendations
• [ ] Suggest content angles

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- [ ] Outdated information: ...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:

• [ ] Title includes primary keyword
• [ ] H2s cover main topic comprehensively
• [ ] Logical flow from intro to conclusion
• [ ] Content gaps from competitors addressed
• [ ] Unique angle or value-add identified
• [ ] Word count distributed across sections
• [ ] CTA and next steps included

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:

• [ ] Primary keyword in title
• [ ] 5-8 H2 sections for comprehensive coverage
• [ ] Each section has clear purpose
• [ ] Keyword variations distributed
• [ ] Matches or exceeds competitor depth
• [ ] Includes actionable elements

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

• Ahrefs Content Gap Analysis
• Clearscope - Content optimization
• SurferSEO - SERP analysis
• AnswerThePublic - Question research