Writing article outlines yields high returns on time investment for writers by organizing content and systemizing the writing process.
Outlines Organize a Stalled Article Content Writing System
Let’s face it: writing content isn’t always fun. It can be grueling, tax one’s creativity, and send the stress-meter soaring off the charts. It won’t write itself by simply staring at a piece of paper or a blank computer screen, now will it?
Creating an outline is a great way to organize your thoughts and prepare what to write. An outline acts as the design or blueprint for the content—a system for the introduction, body, and conclusion. Within the outline, the writer can incorporate witty phrases, main ideas, and solid tips or advice. The outline simply serves as the means to an end: making the content creative, interesting, and appealing to a reader.
Brainstorm Article Content
One of the best ideas to inspire creative article writing is a brainstorming session. A brainstorming session is the free flow of creative genius. Simply jot down ideas first—phrases and sentences with relevance to the article that will catch and hold a reader’s attention. These can include some of the salient points a writer wants to make within the article, important research or references, and other information to include.
A good brainstorming session usually involves the development of a summary for the article. You as the writer may have a ton of material, but the toughest decision usually is what to leave out, not what content to include. An article summary usually helps to focus the article and narrow down what to include.
Organize by Outlining Subtopics and Subtitles
Just as the first sentence of any article is the toughest one to write, so are the lead sentences of each subheading. These sections divide your content into the various points and counterpoints you as the writer want to make. The relevant facts, figures, and research are contained within each of these sections—in effect, making order from chaos.
The subtopics serve as “the skeleton” of the content. The relevant information that goes along with each serves as “the flesh and meat,” forming the body of the article. However, be careful when writing the content to skillfully connect the paragraphs and subtopics.
Writing the Introduction and Conclusion
A good news story involves three things: “tell ‘em what you’re gonna tell’em, tell’em, then tell’em what you’ve told’em.” In other words, the article contains the introduction, body, and conclusion.
The introduction ushers in the ideas within the content and the conclusion wraps up the writer’s points and drives home what’s being stated. Outlining these sections is just as important as the body to prevent redundancy and promote creativity.
Refer to the Outline Often to Systemize the Process
It’s easy to get lost in the frenzy of writing and lose track. Refer back to the outline often, so the writing won’t drift away from what was first written. The outline will help keep you on track and all that time spent outlining the content will not go to waste. Trust and rely on the outline system, but be open to revisions if other points come to mind while writing and be sure to include all of the other “must haves” to drive website traffic.
An outline is the planning and preparation for content. The outline keeps the writing focused and organized. It may also ensure the content is written in a worry-less, hassle-free way.
* Originally published on Suite 101 January 22, 2011
