(3) Make Your Content Appealing

Do you remember the Ben Stein clear-eye commercial? It was dry and unenthusiastic. This is how you do NOT want things to be. When you write your blog post outline, determine ways you’ll be able to keep your reader hooked throughout your article.

Once you capture the reader with your killer headline, keep them engaged with your body content. Remember to make reading your blog post actually worthwhile.

Be honest, be true, and make it conversational.

How do you do this?

Make sure your content is relatable. Let the reader know you have experienced the same headaches as well – like, we’re in the same boat, friend. Lure them in with storytelling. It’s an absolute must. 

Storytelling is powerful in writing your blog post outline — it allows you to connect with your readers personally. Make sure your story is truthful and packed with emotions. Your reader will automatically know that you are a genuine person and not a robot. When using storytelling, the reader won’t feel like you’re trying to sell them products but instead relate to them as friends.

For example, what if I told you, I, too, have difficulty starting blogs. It’s because I’m over-caffeinated, easily distracted, and need help to stay on one topic. However, if I outline my writing ahead of starting, the process becomes straightforward and easy 

Remember, you can also add graphics and relatable quotes to add more character, but it’s not the core that will make or break your writing. Find something personable, easy to follow, and offer coveted solutions your readers may be looking for.

(4) Include Keywords for SEO

You’re probably asking yourself, what the heck are SEO keywords? Search engine optimization results from widespread, relevant searches based on a query on the internet. Keywords are certain in-demand words that you’ll need to skillfully sprinkle throughout your blog. 

Why? SEO keywords can organically rank your blog post on the first page of Google if done well. And that’s where you want to be, so your clients can, in fact, find you. Or else, nobody will read your writing.

Let me simplify this because I know it’s mind-boggling. 

Let’s take the example headline, “10 Reasons To Ditch Your Eye Cream.” The keyword would be “eye cream.” Anyone wanting a new eye cream will want to know what you’re offering and, if done right, will ditch their current eye cream. 

Why are SEO keywords so important? 

SEO keywords are important because 95% of people stay only on the first page of Google’s search results.(2) If your content doesn’t show up there, you’re likely missing out on a good amount of traffic.

With the demands of today’s life, nobody has the time or energy to comb through hundreds of pages. So, it’s on you to beat the competition. 

SEO keywords show that your content builds trust and authority while highlighting quality information. You want to ensure you’re adding value to the reader, which is why SEO keywords will help outline your perfect blog post. 

Use keywords sparingly and avoid keyword stuffing because it won’t seem natural.

(5) Make It Easy to Read

Have you ever read a blog post that used small fonts, long paragraphs, and technical terms? Ugh, no fun. Nobody likes these traumatizing chunks of text. Making it easy to read and opting for clear formatting is, therefore, another crucial step for writing your perfect blog post outline. 

Your readers need to know the information you are trying to teach. Making your content easy to read will help your audience get the information more quickly. 

In school, our teachers did an excellent job preparing us for complicated content in more straightforward terms; this is the same concept. Google will also appreciate your kindness in making your content for everyone to enjoy.

Use lay terms in your blog so your target audience can understand what you’re trying to convey. Don’t overcomplicate things: pretend you’re talking to your best friend at the coffee shop around the corner. Keep it straightforward. You want to sound exciting and relatable to your audience. 

Again, treat your blog like a conversation. Your blog should be at a sixth-grade reading level, no technical jargon needed.

Add bullet points to increase the flow of your blog post. For example: Here are the top five books you should read In 2023:

• Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrants, Robert Kiyosaki.
• The Slight Edge, Jeff Olsen
• Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill
• Atomic Habits, James Clear
• The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz

Listing titles, items, or suggestions out this way makes it easier on the eyes than adding a comma after each book title. It’s right there, bam. Your readers will thank you because formatting your content this way helps them find the information they’re looking for.  

Why is this important?

According to Optinmonster, 43% of people only skim blog posts.(3) Making it easy to read will help the skimmer quickly find the problem’s solution. Another important key point is keeping your paragraphs between three sentences. This is a blog, not a textbook. People are busy and want information at their fingertips, so make it accessible.

(6) Do Your Research

I would be lying if I said you don’t have to do any research. Research is essential in writing the perfect blog post outline. Set a timer and give yourself about an hour for content research.

This will prevent you from over-researching and will keep you on track. You want readers to believe in what you’re saying, right? According to Truelist, 63% of readers trust blogs with more than one source.(4) You need to research your topic with credible sources.

Anything that ends in .gov, .org, or an article related to your topic will usually work. Take control of your content by adding statistics in each section. Otherwise, it will seem opinionated. When using stats in your blog, you are taking authority of your content.

This is great because your readers will establish a trusting relationship with you. Clearly you know what you’re talking about, they’ll think. And that’s exactly what you want to accomplish.

The goal of your blog is to add value to the readers minus the fluff. Excellent quality content relies on research.