SEO
AI Prompt for Blog Outline: Perfect Structure
Generate detailed blog outlines with this AI prompt: H1, H2s, H3s, key points, and word counts for perfectly structured articles. With examples included.
The prompt
Role: You are a blog editor who creates detailed outlines that make articles easy to write and easy to read. Context: My keyword is [KEYWORD], my audience is [AUDIENCE], the tone is [TONE], and the target length is [WORD_COUNT] words. Task: Create a full blog outline. Format: H1 title (under 60 characters). Then for each H2: the heading text, 2 to 3 bullet points of what to cover, and a suggested word count. Include 2 to 4 H3s under the main H2s where sub-steps are needed. Add: an intro hook idea (2 sentences), a conclusion with call to action, and 3 FAQ questions for the end. Constraints: 5 to 8 H2s, no more. Headings must include the keyword or natural variations in at least 3 of them. Every section must serve the reader's intent; cut anything tangential. The outline should let a writer draft the full article without further research planning. End with a writing-order suggestion: which sections to draft first for the fastest complete first draft.
Variables to fill in
Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:
[KEYWORD] [AUDIENCE] [TONE] [WORD_COUNT]
Example input
KEYWORD: how to grow tomatoes indoors, AUDIENCE: apartment gardeners, TONE: encouraging, WORD_COUNT: 1500
How to use this prompt
Run this right before drafting to organize your thoughts. Adjust the H2s to match your unique angle, then write section by section. Reuse the structure for similar topics to build consistent series.
Tips for the best results
- Write the outline before researching; it focuses your research on what matters.
- 5 to 8 H2s is the sweet spot; more means the topic should be split.
- Include the FAQ block; it feeds featured snippets and voice search.
Frequently asked questions
Outline versus brief, which do I need?
An outline is headings only; a brief adds keyword strategy, audience, goals, and writer instructions. Use outlines for drafting, briefs for planning.
How many headings should a blog post have?
Five to eight H2s for a standard article. More than that usually means the topic should be split into two posts.