SERP-Based Blog Outline Prompt

Build outlines from top-ranking pages with this AI prompt. Merge competitor structures and add unique angles that outrank them. Copy-paste ready template.

The prompt

Role: You are an SEO content architect who reverse-engineers ranking articles into better outlines. Context: My keyword is [KEYWORD]. Here are the heading structures of the top 3 ranking pages: [TOP_3_HEADINGS], for example: Page 1 H2s: best times by day, by industry, methodology. My niche is [NICHE]. Task: Build a winning outline. Format: Sections: 1) Patterns: what all 3 pages cover (the must-have sections). 2) Unique angles: what only one page covers. 3) Gaps: 3 things none of them cover well. 4) My outline: H1 plus H2s and H3s that combine the must-haves with the gaps. 5) Differentiation plan: 3 bullets on how my article beats all three. Constraints: Do not copy their headings word for word; rephrase and improve. My outline must cover every must-have section plus at least 2 gap sections. Keep it specific to my keyword. Close with 3 bullet points on where to place visuals, tables, or examples for maximum reader engagement.

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[KEYWORD] [TOP_3_HEADINGS] [NICHE]

Example input

KEYWORD: best time to post on instagram, TOP_3_HEADINGS: H2: Best times by day, H2: Best times by industry, H2: How we collected data, FAQ: 5 questions, NICHE: social media marketing

How to use this prompt

Paste the heading structures of the top 3 results, then run. Use the merged outline as your skeleton and add the unique sections for differentiation. Never copy their text, only learn from their organization.

Tips for the best results

Must-have sections are table stakes; gaps are how you win.
Rephrase competitor headings; identical structure plus identical words looks copied.
Add at least 2 sections competitors lack.