How To Write a Blog Post Outline in 10 Simple Steps
Sure! Here’s a short, friendly intro using the agree-promise-preview method:
I know writing a blog post can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start. It’s easy to get lost in the details and lose track of the main idea.
But don’t worry—by the end of this, you’ll know how to create a simple, effective outline that guides your writing every step of the way. Keep reading, and I’ll show you exactly how to break down your ideas into an organized plan.
We’ll look at what a blog outline is, why it helps, and step-by-step tips, plus an example to get you set up fast.
Key Takeaways
– Start with a clear main idea and break it into 3-5 big points that support it. Then add 2-3 subpoints to each, creating a simple plan for your post. Review for flow before writing.
– An outline is like a skeleton or blueprint, showing your main ideas and structure without full sentences, which helps keep your writing focused and faster.
– Use an outline to organize your thoughts, identify gaps, and make editing easier. It ensures your message stays clear and points don’t get lost.
– Choose a topic that interests you and your audience, then decide on a specific angle to make your post targeted and engaging. Narrowing your focus helps avoid adding too much.
– Identify 3-5 main points that readers should remember. Keep them clear and distinct, then add details or examples to support each.
– Structure your outline with headings and subheadings to guide readers and make your post easier to scan, especially on mobile devices.
– Support your points with facts, examples, or tips to make your content credible and relatable. Use visuals and cite sources when possible.
– Include a clear call to action to guide readers toward the next step, like subscribing, commenting, or trying a tool. Position it naturally at the end or middle of your post.
– Keep your outline simple: start with a headline, list main points, add subpoints, and decide where supporting details and visuals fit. Review for logical flow and revise as needed.
– Use action-oriented verbs for main points, keep points short, add notes for examples, and be flexible—your outline is a guide, not a strict script. Check that it covers what your audience needs.
1. How to Write a Blog Post Outline
Starting your blog with a clear outline is like having a road map for your writing journey. It helps you organize your thoughts and ensures you don’t forget key points. To craft a solid outline, begin by jotting down your main idea or topic—think of it as the headline of your story.
Next, break that main idea into 3-5 big points or sections that support your overall message. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of online learning, your points might include flexibility, affordability, and variety of courses.
Within each main point, add 2-3 subpoints that go into more detail. These subpoints act like signposts to guide your writing and keep it focused. For instance, under “flexibility,” you might include “learn at your own pace” and “access classes anytime, anywhere.”
Finally, review your outline to ensure it flows logically. Think about how one section leads into the next and tweak as needed. This quick step prevents you from feeling lost halfway through writing and makes your posts clearer for your readers.
2. What Is a Blog Post Outline?
A blog post outline is basically a skeleton of your article. It’s a simplified version that lays out all the main ideas, points, and structure before you start writing full sentences. Think of it like a blueprint for a house—you get to see the layout and flow without getting into the nitty-gritty details yet.
Having an outline helps you stay on track because it clarifies what points you want to cover and in what order. It’s like giving your brain a checklist to avoid rambling or missing anything important. Plus, it makes the actual writing process faster and less stressful.
Some people see outlines as optional, but for a good-sized blog post, they’re a game-changer. They keep your message focused and ensure you cover everything you set out to—no wandering off-topic or leaving gaps.
3. Why Use a Blog Post Outline?
Using an outline might seem like extra work at first, but it pays off big time. It keeps your ideas organized, so your writing flows naturally instead of jumping around randomly.
When you have an outline, you can spot weak spots or gaps in your argument early on—saving you from rewriting later. For example, if your post is about creating online courses and your outline shows you skipped over marketing strategies, you’ll catch that before writing hundreds of words.
Outlines also make editing easier because you can see the structure clearly. Plus, they help you stick to your main message, so your readers get the value you’re offering without feeling overwhelmed.
And let’s be honest—writing without an outline is like trying to put together furniture without instructions. You might get there eventually, but it’s much smoother with a plan in hand.
4. How to Choose Your Topic and Angle
Picking the right topic is the first step to creating a blog post that people want to read. Think about what interests you, what your audience cares about, and what problems you can help solve. If you’re unsure where to start, browsing trending topics or looking at questions people often ask in your niche can spark ideas.
Once you’ve selected a topic, consider the angle or perspective you want to take. For example, instead of writing about “online learning,” you could focus on “how online learning helps working parents manage their time.” This specific approach makes your post more targeted and engaging.
It’s helpful to narrow down broad topics into manageable subtopics, so your post doesn’t become overwhelming. Writing down a clear focus early on saves you from going off-topic later, and helps you craft content that truly connects with your readers.
5. How to Identify Your Main Points
After choosing your topic, list out the key points you want to cover. These are the main takeaways your readers should remember. For example, if you’re writing about starting a blog, your main points might include picking a niche, choosing the right platform, and promoting your content.
Try to keep your main points clear and distinct, ideally three to five in total. This keeps your outline straightforward and your message focused. Use questions like “What do my readers need to know to get started?” to guide what points are essential.
Breaking down each main point with supporting details ensures your article is comprehensive without being too scattered. This makes your blog easy to follow and helps readers easily find the information they want.
6. How to Structure with Headings and Subheadings
Organizing your outline with headings and subheadings isn’t just about making it look tidy—it guides your readers through your story. Break your main points into sections, and then add subpoints under each heading.
For example, under a main heading like “Building Your Audience,” you could have subheadings like “Leveraging Social Media,” “Creating Shareable Content,” and “Engaging with Comments.”
This logical hierarchy makes your post scannable, especially on mobile devices where people often skim. Remember, each heading should give a clear idea of what that part of the article covers—it’s like signposts pointing your readers in the right direction.
7. How to Add Supporting Details
Supporting details flesh out your main points with facts, examples, or tips. These specifics make your content credible and useful. Incorporate data, like the fact that the world population reached 8.25 billion as of November 2025[source], to add context and authority.
Examples and anecdotes keep things relatable. For instance, sharing a story about how a friend started a successful blog can inspire your readers. Actionable tips—like “Use keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner”—provide tangible takeaways.
Don’t forget to cite your sources when using statistics or data—that builds trust and demonstrates your research effort. Also, visuals like images or infographics can make supporting details more digestible.
8. How to Include a Call to Action (CTA)
A call to action encourages your readers to do something after reading your post—whether that’s subscribing to a newsletter, trying out a new tool, or leaving a comment. Make your CTA clear and specific to guide your audience effectively.
For example, if you wrote about creating online courses, your CTA could be “Ready to start your own course? Check out our step-by-step guide.” This invites engagement without being pushy.
Position your CTA near the end of your post or even in the middle if it fits naturally. Ensure it aligns with the content and provides real value—don’t just ask for a share or comment for the sake of it.
9. How to Make an Effective Blog Post Outline
Creating a solid outline involves a few key steps: start with a clear headline, list your main points, break each down into subpoints, and decide where your supporting details and visuals will go. Use bullet points or numbered lists to keep it organized.
Review your outline to check for logical flow—does one point naturally lead to the next? Also, be willing to remove or combine points that seem redundant. The goal is a concise roadmap that guides your writing process and keeps you focused.
Practicing this process over time will help you write faster and create more structured posts. Remember, your outline is a living document—you can adapt it as you develop your ideas.
10. Pro Tips for Better Outlines
Use verbs to start each main point, like “Explain,” “Show,” or “Compare,” to make your outline action-oriented. This makes it easier to turn points into actual sentences later.
Keep your points short and to the point. If a main point requires more than a few sentences to explain, break it down further.
Don’t be afraid to add notes or reminders about specific examples or visuals next to your points—this keeps you organized during the writing process.
Remember that your outline should serve as a guide, not a strict script. Feel free to adapt it as you write—sometimes new ideas come up that are worth adding in.
And finally, check your outline against your original goal—are you covering what your audience needs? If not, tweak your points to make your post more relevant and helpful.
FAQs
A blog post outline is a structured plan that organizes main ideas and supporting details, helping writers create clear, focused, and effective blog content efficiently.
Using an outline helps organize thoughts, ensures all key points are covered, and makes the writing process faster and more focused, leading to a better-quality blog post.
Start by choosing your topic, then identify main points, organize them with headings and subheadings, add supporting details, and finish with a clear call to action.
Yes, an outline provides a clear roadmap, making it easier to write by staying focused on your main points and ensuring your content flows logically from start to finish.