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Outline Blog Ideas with AI (Includes Templates and Prompts)

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Outlining blogs has never been easier! In this guide, we’ll give you AI prompts, plus examples and best practices to create great blog outlines fast.

First, Generate Your Marketing Overview

Paste the following prompt into ChatGPT or a similar AI tool:

Hello! I’m a busy marketing manager who wants to create a concise marketing overview for my business. I need your assistance in this process. Please ask the following ten questions, one at a time.– What is the name of your business?

– Please provide a link to your website.

– What industry does your business operate in?

– What products or services does your business offer?

– Who is your target audience or customer base?

– What is their pain point?

– What is the unique value proposition or key differentiator of your business?

– How long has your business been operating?

– What are the main goals and objectives of your business?

– Are there any specific marketing channels or strategies that you have used in the past?

Based on my answers, please generate a marketing overview to serve as a primer for future AI prompts. Leverage the 24 VIA character strengths where appropriate. Then, let’s check the marketing overview for accuracy, asking any clarifying follow-up questions if needed.

Then, Generate Your Blog Outline

In the same chat session, paste the following prompt:

Based on this marketing overview, I want to write an outline for a blog for my business. Please ask the following questions, one at a time, allowing me to skip questions I don’t know.

  1. What are the key topics or themes you’d like covered in the blog?
  2. What tone or style do you prefer for the blog (e.g., professional, conversational, humorous)?
  3. Are any specific keywords or phrases you’d like integrated into the content?
  4. Do you have preferred sources or references to be included or avoided?
  5. What is the desired length or word count for the blog post?
  6. Are there any specific calls-to-action (CTAs) you’d like to include?
  7. Do you have any formatting preferences (e.g., bullet points, subheadings, images)?
  8. Are there any competitors’ blogs you admire or would like to differentiate from?
  9. What is the desired publication date or deadline for the blog?
  10. Are there any specific examples, case studies, or testimonials you’d like incorporated?

Based on my answers, please generate a draft blog outline. Leverage the 24 VIA character strengths where appropriate. Then, let’s check the generated outline for accuracy, asking any clarifying follow-up questions if needed.

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More AI Prompts for Blog Outlines

Once you’ve outlined your blogs above, here are some additional prompts you can use to polish and perfect your outlines. 

  1. Refine the Message:
    “Tighten the content for clarity and focus.”
  2. Map the Journey:
    “Structure the blog to guide readers from introduction to conclusion to action.”
  3. Evoke Emotion:
    “Incorporate storytelling elements to resonate with readers.”
  4. Amplify Voice:
    “Ensure the blog reflects our brand personality and tone.”
  5. Integrate Research:
    “Weave in data and statistics to strengthen the argument.”
  6. Prioritize Information:
    “Highlight the most crucial points or takeaways.”
  7. Engage Visually:
    “Suggest relevant visuals or graphics to accompany key points.”
  8. Encourage Action:
    “Include a compelling call to action at the end.”

Examples of Blog Outlines Created with AI

Example 1: NexaPoint Tech

Using the AI prompt above, we were able to generate the following topics for a fictional company called NexaPoint Tech, a SaaS provider offering tools for the management of network security and compliance:

  • “5 Key Benefits of Integrating SaaS Tools into Your Network Security Strategy”
  • “Navigating the Complexities of Network Security with SaaS Solutions”
  • “SaaS and Security: How Cloud-Based Tools Are Shaping the Future of Network Protection”
  • “The Role of SaaS Tools in Creating a Resilient Network Security Infrastructure”
  • “Comparing Traditional Network Security Measures with Modern SaaS Tools”

Using this fictional company’s mission statement, the AI bot expanded the topic list to include more details:

  • “Revolutionizing Network Security: How NexaPoint Tech’s SaaS Solutions Propel Industry Leaders Forward”
  • “Optimizing Healthcare Networks: The Critical Role of SaaS Security in Patient Data Protection”
  • “Securing Financial Futures: The Impact of SaaS Tools on Financial Services Cybersecurity”
  • “Elevating Government IT Infrastructure with State-of-the-Art SaaS Security Solutions”
  • “The Fusion of Technology and Security: How NexaPoint Tech’s SaaS Innovations Are Shaping the Digital Landscape”
  • “Proactive Growth: How Predictive SaaS Security Can Prevent the Next Big Data Breach”
  • “Beyond Service: Building Digital Partnerships with NexaPoint Tech’s SaaS Platforms”
  • “Maintaining a Robust Defense in Payment Processing with Leading SaaS Security Measures”
  • “Revolutionizing Network Security: The Power of NexaShield Dashboard”

Following that, we were able to take one of these titles and use AI like ChatGPT to develop an outline:

Title: “Revolutionizing Network Security: The Power of NexaShield Dashboard”

This blog outline aims to educate readers on network security challenges and introduce them to NexaShield Dashboard, highlighting its benefits and real-world applications. The professional yet approachable tone, coupled with the strategic inclusion of case studies and CTAs, engages the target audience and encourages them to explore NexaPoint Tech’s solutions further.

Introduction

Subheading: Why Network Security Matters Now More Than Ever

  • Brief overview of the current state of network security.
  • Introducing NexaShield Dashboard as a solution.

Section 1: Understanding the Threat Landscape

Subheading: Navigating Today’s Cybersecurity Challenges

  • Discuss recent network security threats and breaches.
  • Importance of staying ahead in cybersecurity.

Section 2: The NexaShield Advantage

Subheading: NexaShield Dashboard: Your Security Ally

  • Detailed overview of NexaShield Dashboard features.
  • Benefits of real-time threat detection and response.
  • User testimonials or quotes.

Section 3: User Experience in Network Security

Subheading: Simplifying Security: The User-Friendly Approach

  • The importance of a user-friendly interface.
  • How NexaShield Dashboard simplifies network security management.

Section 4: Real-World Application – A Case Study

Subheading: NexaShield in Action: A Healthcare Perspective

  • Case study of a healthcare provider using NexaShield Dashboard.
  • Discuss the tangible benefits experienced.

Conclusion

Subheading: Stay Ahead in Network Security

  • Recap the importance of advanced, user-friendly network security solutions.
  • Call-to-action: Invite readers to sign up for a NexaShield Dashboard trial and subscribe to the newsletter.

Best Practices for Creating Blog Outlines

  1. Define the Objective: Establish a clear goal for the blog post.
  2. Map the Journey: Structure the content flow from introduction to conclusion.
  3. Segment Topics: Break down main points into manageable subtopics.
  4. Incorporate Data: Use relevant statistics or research to validate arguments.
  5. Engage Visually: Plan for accompanying graphics, images, or infographics.
  6. Stay Consistent: Adhere to brand voice and style guidelines throughout.
  7. Encourage Engagement: Designate spaces for call-to-action elements or reader interaction.

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5 Frequently Asked Questions About Blog Outlines


Why is outlining a blog important?

Outlining helps structure your content, ensuring clarity and flow. It also saves time during the actual writing process.


How detailed should a blog outline be?

The level of detail depends on your preference; some prefer high-level bullet points, while others opt for a thorough breakdown.


How can I ensure my blog stays on topic?

Start with a clear objective in your outline, and consistently refer back to it when drafting.


Can I repurpose blog outlines for other content?

Absolutely. An outline can be a foundation for related content like podcasts, videos, or infographics.


How long should a typical blog post be?

Blog post length varies based on topic and audience, but a general guideline is 800-1200 words for optimal engagement.


10 Protips for Writing a Blog Outline

  1. Audience Insight: Understand your readers. Dive deep into audience analytics to tailor your content to their preferences and needs.
  2. Idea Generation: Always have topics. Use tools like Google Trends to identify trending subjects within your industry.
  3. Structure Mastery: Prioritize information flow. Begin with an enticing hook, followed by main points, and conclude with a compelling call to action.
  4. Visual Planning: Enhance with visuals. Allocate space in your outline for images, charts, or infographics to break the text and add engagement.
  5. Data Utilization: Back up your claims. Always reference credible sources when including statistics or claims to boost your blog’s credibility.
  6. Engagement Points: Foster reader participation. Plan spaces in your outline for questions, polls, or feedback forms to increase reader interaction.
  7. SEO Optimization: Rank higher on search engines. Incorporate primary and secondary keywords naturally within your outline to improve search engine visibility.

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