--- 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 - [ ] 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:** ```markdown ## 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 - [ ] Outdated information: ...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:** ```markdown # [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:** ```markdown 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:** ```markdown # 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:** ```markdown # [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:** ```markdown # [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 ```markdown # 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](https://ahrefs.com/content-gap) - [Clearscope](https://www.clearscope.io/) - Content optimization - [SurferSEO](https://surferseo.com/) - SERP analysis - [AnswerThePublic](https://answerthepublic.com/) - Question research