Blog Post Outline Prompt for ChatGPT

What this prompt does

A blog post outline isn't just a table of contents — it's the argument your article will make, in order, with each section earning its place. This prompt builds outlines that are opinionated: they have a clear angle, handle the obvious objections, and cover the questions real searchers are asking (not just the obvious ones).

Output is a full working outline with H2/H3 headers, brief notes on what each section should cover, and estimated word counts.

The prompt

Create a detailed blog post outline for:

**Topic:** [YOUR TOPIC]
**Primary keyword:** [THE EXACT PHRASE YOU'RE TARGETING]
**Target audience:** [WHO IS READING THIS — be specific, e.g., "freelance designers who are new to client work" not "marketers"]
**Angle / unique take:** [WHAT MAKES YOUR TAKE DIFFERENT — e.g., "most articles cover this wrong because they ignore X," "we focus on the intermediate user who already knows the basics," or leave blank if you want the AI to suggest one]
**Target length:** [TOTAL WORD COUNT — e.g., 1800 words]
**Include these sections (mandatory):** [ANY SPECIFIC H2S YOU KNOW YOU WANT — or write "none"]
**Intent type:** [informational / commercial / comparison / how-to]

Build the outline with:
- H1 title (under 60 characters, primary keyword near the front)
- Intro structure: hook type, what to cover in 100 words or less
- H2 sections (5–8), each with:
- What this section argues or covers (2 sentences)
- Any specific sub-points (H3s) needed
- Estimated word count
- A "Common Questions" section with 3–5 FAQs the audience likely has
- Conclusion direction: what action or takeaway the reader should leave with

Also suggest:
- 2 alternative title options
- 3 internal link opportunities (general topics, not specific URLs)
- 1–2 outbound link suggestions (type of source — not specific URLs)

How to use it

1. Fill in the angle — "what makes your take different" is the most important field. If you skip it, the AI will produce the same generic outline already on page 1 of Google.
2. Be specific about audience — "marketers" is 10 million people; "in-house marketing managers at B2B companies with under 50 employees" is a person you can write for.
3. Match length to the topic — not every post needs to be 2500 words. A clear how-to might be best at 900. Tell the AI what the topic actually deserves.
4. Review the FAQ section — this is where Google pulls "People Also Ask" answers. Keep or replace these based on what you see in actual search results for your keyword.

Example output (partial)

Topic: How to write a cold email that gets replies
Primary keyword: cold email tips
Audience: B2B sales reps at companies under 200 employees
Angle: Most cold email advice focuses on templates. We're focusing on research and personalization — the part most reps skip.

H1: Cold Email Tips That Actually Get Replies (Skip the Templates)

Intro (100 words): Open with the stat that most cold emails have under 1% reply rates. Set up the argument: templates aren't the problem — lack of specificity is. Tell the reader exactly what they'll walk away with.

H2: Why your cold email reply rate is stuck (300 words) Cover: the personalization gap, what "personalization" actually means (not just first name), why copy-paste templates signal low effort. Sub-points: H3: Template fatigue in 2026, H3: What research actually does to reply rates.

H2: The 5-minute research process that changes your results (350 words) ...

Variations

For listicle posts

Add to the prompt:

"Format this as a listicle outline. Each H2 is one item in the list. Include a teaser sentence for each item that can work as a social preview."

For comparison posts

"This is a comparison post: [TOOL A] vs [TOOL B]. Structure the outline so each H2 addresses a key decision criterion (price, ease of use, specific feature, support), not a feature walkthrough for each tool separately."

For beginner how-to guides

"The reader is a complete beginner. Each H2 should assume no prior knowledge. Add a 'What you need before you start' section at the top."

Common pitfalls

• Don't: Accept the first outline if the angle is generic. Run it once, then add: "The current angle is too generic. What's a more specific or counterintuitive take on this topic?" — often produces a better version.

• Try instead: Ask for 3 angle variations before committing to an outline structure.

• Don't: Use the H1 suggestion verbatim without checking it against real competitor titles in search results.

Who uses this prompt

• Freelance writers: Briefing clients or building outlines before writing
• Marketers: Content calendar planning, SEO-driven article strategy
• Small business owners: DIY blog content without a content team
• Teachers: Structuring educational articles, curriculum materials, or parent guides