Research from HubSpot reveals that businesses incorporating blogs attract 55% more website visitors compared to those that don’t. Similarly, DemandMetric indicates that blogging businesses generate 67% more leads monthly than their non-blogging counterparts. We’re taking it a step further by simplifying the blogging process for you. We’ve curated nine blog post templates proven to drive traffic, based on our own successful models. In essence…

This guide provides:

• Nine complimentary Google Doc blog post templates and outlines
• Illustrative examples from our own posts for each template.
• Practical tips to maximize the impact of each post.

Navigating Blog Post Templates

1. Beginner’s Guide
2. Tips
3. Steps
4. Cheat Sheet
5. Round-up
6. Stats
7. Ideas
8. Examples
9. News Access each template directly via the links beneath their respective images. For a consolidated view,

• Explore all nine templates in one Google Doc.
• Discover all nine templates separately, in a Google Folder.

Key Takeaways from Blog Post Templates

These templates share common characteristics for a reason! Let’s explore these elements and their rationale.

• Prioritize Actionable Blog Posts: Don’t limit actionability to a concluding call-to-action. Your content should empower readers to apply the information provided.
• Highlight Post Value in Titles: Craft blog titles that grab attention and provide a compelling reason to click.
• Embrace Quantification: Quantify whenever possible for clarity. Readers appreciate knowing what to expect.
• Ensure Skimmability: Given that 81% of individuals skim online content, utilize headings for organization and quick value extraction.
• Concise Introductions (~130 words): Begin with impactful sentences, followed by a bulleted or numbered list (3-5 items) outlining the post’s scope. Readers need immediate confirmation of relevance.
• SEO Optimization is Key: Blogging significantly boosts website traffic. Target keywords strategically in your posts, using keyword research to inform titles, H2s, and H3s. Now, let’s delve into the templates to empower you in crafting exceptional blog posts.

1. Beginner’s Guide Blog Post Template

Click to open the beginner’s guide blog post template. Beginner’s guide blog posts offer a comprehensive overview of a topic without delving into intricate details. They cover sufficient ground to provide readers with a starting point for action.

• Relevant Concepts: beginner’s guide, complete guide, 101, everything you need to know, crash course, ultimate guide
• Illustrative Examples: These posts exemplify this template’s format
  • A Comprehensive Guide to Instagram Advertising
  • Demystifying OTT Advertising: An Engaging Guide
  • Getting Started with YouTube Live: A Comprehensive Guide
• Repurposing Opportunities: Condense into a cheat sheet; create targeted blog posts for high-volume H2 keywords.

Beginner’s Guide Blog Outline

Title: The Complete Guide to [Topic]

• Intro: Concise introductory sentences (130 words or less) with three bullet points summarizing the post’s value.
• Understanding X
• The Importance of X
• Exploring Types of X // How X Functions
• Implementing X
  • Step
  • Step
  • Step
• Effective X Tips & Best Practices
  • Tip
  • Tip
  • Tip
• Essential Tools for X
  • Tool
  • Tool
  • Tool
• Embark on Your X Journey Today Conclude with encouragement

Beginner’s Guide Blog Post Tips

• Implement Information Hierarchy: The suggested H2 headings provide a structural framework. Begin with the “what,” explain the “why,” elaborate further on the “what,” then transition into action-oriented sections.
• Keyword-Targeted Headings: Beginner’s guides excel with high-volume keywords, often accompanied by beginner-friendly, question-based keywords for H2s and H3s. Target these sub-keywords in separate posts later. Discover more keyword ranking tips here.
• Leverage People Also Ask: For scenarios with limited targetable keywords, Google the topic and utilize the “People Also Ask” section for heading inspiration. This resonates with your audience and can enhance your visibility in this section.

“People also ask” offers valuable H2 and H3 ideas for keywords lacking variations or child keywords. Need help finding keywords? Explore our Free Keyword Tool!

2. Tips Blog Post Template

Click to open the tips blog post template. While tips sections enhance almost any blog post, “[topic name] tips” often constitutes a keyword itself. Utilize these posts to provide practical guidance for skill enhancement or increased success.

• Effective Concepts: tips we swear by, secrets, best practices, ways to, tips and tricks, hacks
• Illustrative Examples: Check out our tips blog posts
  • 7 Email Copywriting Tips We Swear By (With Examples!)
  • Boost Your Video Rankings: 8 Simple YouTube SEO Tips
  • Google Ads Location Targeting: 10 Smart Tips to Maximize ROI
• Repurposing Strategies: Transform into a “mistakes to avoid” or “reasons why X isn’t happening” blog post.

Tips Blog Post Outline

Title: [Topic]: X Tips to [Achieve Result] // X [Topic] Tips to [Achieve Result]

• Intro: A concise overview (130 words or less) with three bullet points outlining reader benefits.
• Optional H2: Introduction to the Topic
• Optional H2: Providing Prerequisite Information
• X Tips to [Value Proposition Here]
  • Tip
  • Tip
  • Tip
  • Tip
• Apply These Tips to [Achieve Desired Outcome]

Tips for Effective Tips Blog Posts

• Communicate Value in the Title: Clearly state the purpose of your tips within the title, such as “to enhance writing skills,” “to save money,” etc.
• Actionable and Clear Headings: Prioritize clarity over creativity in headings. For instance, instead of “Fool me once…,” opt for “Maintain Pricing Page Transparency,” allowing for skimmability. Open the paragraph with the quote after a clear heading.
• Actionable Body Copy: Provide clear steps, suggested copy, relevant examples, or links to resources for actionable guidance.
• Limit Tips to 12 or Fewer: Maintain conciseness, reflecting speed and simplicity. For 12+ tips, consolidate or adjust the terminology (e.g., “25 Ways to Increase Website Traffic”).
• Prioritize Simplicity: Avoid excessive depth for each tip. Consider “strategies” with embedded tips if necessary.
• List Out Tips: Enhance featured snippet and meta description friendliness.

3. Steps Blog Post Template

Click to open the steps blog post template. Steps blog posts provide linear instructions for tactical or strategic topics. Guide your audience on tool utilization, task execution, product/service usage, or learning shortcuts.

• Relevant Concepts: how to, tutorial, step-by-step guide, [topic] made easy
• Illustrative Examples:
  • 7 Steps to Effective Business Branding
  • Navigating Facebook Ads Post-iOS 14: 5 Essential Steps
  • Google Ads Account Recovery: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Repurposing Opportunities: Extract tips for an “X Things to Consider BEFORE [doing X]” or “X Mistakes to Avoid” post, condense into a pocket guide, or combine into a comprehensive “3 Ways to Do X” post.

Steps Blog Post Outline

Title: How to Achieve X in X Steps // [Topic]: X Steps to [Achieve Result]

• Intro: Concise overview (130 words or less) with three bullet points summarizing reader benefits.

• Steps Overview

• X Steps to [Achieve Desired Result] *Alternatively, use each step as an H2.

  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3

• Optional H2: Next Steps/Expectations

• Begin [Achieving Result] Now

Tips for Effective Steps Blog Posts

• Logical Order: Clarify if steps can be rearranged or consider alternative formats to avoid confusion.
• Initial Steps Layout: Present steps in the intro (if concise) or the first H2 section.
• Clear Prerequisites: Specify necessary tools, accounts, or setups, including acquisition methods.
• Visual Aids are Crucial: Incorporate screenshots, examples, videos, etc.
• Go the Extra Mile: Provide insights into post-step actions like measurement, maintenance, or optimization.
• Ideal Step Count (10 or Fewer): Consolidate steps with substeps if exceeding 10 for better digestibility. Adjust the title accordingly (e.g., “Step-by-Step Guide”).
• Include Step Count in Title (Strategically): Only include if it simplifies the process. Otherwise, opt for “Step-by-Step Guide.”

4. Cheat Sheet Blog Post Template

Click to open the cheat sheet blog post template. Cheat sheets offer quick reference points for specific information, particularly useful for comparisons (types, pros and cons) or process/strategy breakdowns.

• Relevant Concepts: pocket guide, quickstart guide, go-to glossary, bookmarkable
• Illustrative Examples:
  • Google Ad Extensions Cheat Sheet
  • 19 Pesky Google Ads Disapprovals & How to Avoid Them
  • Multi-Touch Attribution Explained: Tips, Types, Pros & Cons
• Repurposing Strategies: Transform into an infographic or one-pager, or expand into a “how to choose” post.

Cheat Sheet Blog Post Outline

Title: The Fast & Easy Cheat Sheet to [Topic] // [Topic]: The Only Cheat Sheet You’ll Ever Need

• Intro: A concise overview (130 words or less) with three bullet points outlining reader benefits.
• Item #1
  • Quick Definition
  • Dimensions
  • When to Use
• Item #2
  • Quick Definition
  • Dimensions
  • When to Use
• Bookmark This Cheat Sheet for All Your [Topic] Needs

Cheat Sheet Blog Post Tips

• Maintain Parallel Structure: Ensure uniformity for easy comparison.
• Incorporate Visuals: Utilize tables, charts, diagrams, etc., while maintaining SEO-friendly text.
• Prioritize Conciseness: Focus on quick information retrieval.
• Balance Conciseness with Comprehensiveness: Distill information effectively while accommodating complex topics.

5. Round-up Blog Post Template

Click to open the round-up blog post template. Share curated lists of “best of” or “most important” items within a specific timeframe or theme, including tools, articles, podcasts, news, courses, products, and more.

• Relevant Concepts: the best x, our x favorite, x tools to try, weekly [topic] roundup, top 10
• Illustrative Examples:
  • 10 Latest Google Ads Updates: What You Need to Know (AND Do!)
  • 18 Best Keyword Research Tools for Every Need (Paid & Free)
  • Top 9 Google Ads Training Courses for All Levels
• Repurposing Strategies: Feature selections within beginner’s guides or create step-by-step guides for favorites.

Round-up Blog Post Outline

Title: The X Best [Topic] Tools to [Achieve Goal]

• Intro: A concise overview (130 words or less) with bullet points outlining reader benefits.
• The X Best [Items] for [Benefit] Concise list with jump links if applicable.
• X Best [Items]
  • Item #1
    • Pros
    • Cons
    • Price
  • Item #2
    • Pros
    • Cons
    • Price
• Choosing the Right [Item] (if applicable)
• Achieve [Goal] with the Best [Items]

Round-up Blog Post Tips

• Maintain Parallel Structure: Use consistent criteria for each item to ensure uniformity.
• Utilize External Links: Open external links in new tabs and tag resources when promoting on social media.
• Strategic Self-Promotion: Include your offerings among recommendations.
• Curate Blog Post Roundups: Gather top posts by topic or timeframe, sharing key takeaways.
• Avoid Overuse: “Best” posts can face ranking challenges, and external links impact traffic retention.

6. Stats Blog Post Template

Click to open the stats blog post template. While traffic from stats posts might not have high conversion rates, they boost SEO and backlinks. Educate yourself and your audience simultaneously.

• Relevant Concepts: XX stats, by the numbers, essential stats, stats and facts
• Illustrative Examples:
  • 12 Digital Marketing Statistics and Their Implications
  • 174 Social Media Statistics & Facts That Just Might Blow Your Mind
  • 11 Crucial PPC Stats Every Advertiser Should Know (+Survival Tips)
• Repurposing Opportunities: Craft “X Data-Backed Tips” posts using select stats. (See this Data-backed Home Services Marketing Tips example.)

Stats Blog Post Outline

Title: XX [Topic] Statistics to [Achieve Benefit]

• Intro: A concise overview (130 words or less) with three bullet points outlining reader benefits.
• General [topic] stats Numbered list
• [Category A] [topic] stats Numbered list
• [Category B] [topic] stats Numbered list
• [Category C] [topic] stats Numbered list
• Takeaways from These Stats Alternatively:
• [Category A] [topic] stats
  • Numbered list
  • Takeaways
• [Category B] [topic] stats
  • Numbered list
  • Takeaways

Stats Blog Post Tips

• Target High-Volume Keywords: Find a broad keyword and categorize stats under multiple H2s for SEO.
• Quantity Matters: Analyze top-ranking SERP results to determine the ideal number of stats.
• Prioritize Actionability: Provide practical insights or incorporate takeaways for added value.
• Date Verification: Seek recent stats from original sources for credibility.
• Organize with Spreadsheets: Categorize and source stats for future reference.

7. Ideas Blog Post Template

Click to open the ideas blog post template. Capitalize on the demand for fresh ideas in any industry.

• Relevant Concepts: ideas, creative ideas, ideas with examples, different ways to, approaches, unique angles
• Illustrative Examples:
  • 25 Lead Magnet Ideas for Every Funnel Stage
  • 67+ Free & Meaningful October Marketing Ideas
  • The 85 Best Small Business Ideas for 2022
• Repurposing Strategies: Integrate ideas and examples throughout other blog posts.

Ideas Blog Post Outline

Title: XX Creative [Topic] Ideas for [Adjective] [Noun]s

• Intro: A concise overview (130 words or less) with three bullet points outlining reader benefits.
• [Category #1] [topic] ideas
  • Idea
  • Idea
  • Idea
• [Category #2] [topic] ideas
  • Idea
  • Idea
  • Idea
• Apply These [Topic] Ideas to [Reinforce Benefit] Share the complete list.

Ideas Blog Post Tips

• Minimum of 10 Ideas: Reference SERP results to determine a competitive quantity.
• Provide Unique Insights: Go beyond the obvious and offer fresh perspectives.
• Categorize for SEO: Utilize multiple H2s with keywords for improved search engine optimization.
• Include Tangible Examples: Support ideas with real-world examples for clarity.
• End with a Master List: Optimize for featured snippets and meta descriptions.
• Share Your Ideation Process: Offer insights into your brainstorming techniques.

8. Examples Blog Post Template

Click to open the examples blog post template. Integrate examples throughout your content for enhanced comprehension, but dedicated example posts are also valuable assets.

• Relevant Concepts: templates, the x best, samples, ideas
• Illustrative Examples
  • 36 Best Call to Action Phrases Ever (Real Examples & Tips!)
  • 16 Great (& Not So Great) Thank You Page Examples to Learn From
  • 15 Highly Effective Sales Promotion Examples
• Repurposing Strategies: Utilize images as examples in other blog posts or refresh existing content.

Examples Blog Post Outline

Title: XX [Adjective] [Topic] Examples & Why They Work

• Intro: A concise overview (130 words or less) with three bullet points outlining reader benefits.
• [Topic overview]
• Elements of a Good [topic]
• [Adjective] [topic] examples
  • Example #1: [Name of example] Image Explanation of Effectiveness Application Tips
  • Example #2: [Name of example] Image Explanation of Effectiveness Application Tips
• Leverage These [Topic] Examples to [Achieve Desired Benefit]

Examples Blog Post Tips:

• Combine with Ideas: Blend ideas and examples for comprehensive insights.
• Ensure Accessibility: Describe visuals for visually impaired readers, enhancing SEO in the process.
• Add Value: Go beyond mere presentation by explaining effectiveness and providing application tips.

9. News Update Blog Post Template

Capitalize on breaking news (newsjacking) to drive traffic, but provide value beyond basic reporting.

• Relevant Concepts: what you need to know, the full scoop, implications for…
• Illustrative Examples
  • Modified Broad Match Is Going Away: What You Need to Know
  • New Changes to Google Ads Keyword Matching: What It Really Means
  • Google Ads (Finally!) Rolls Out Monthly Spend Limits: What You Need to Know
• Repurposing Strategies: Consolidate into a roundup post. Click to open the news blog post template.

News Update Blog Post Outline

Title: [Announcement/event]: What You Need to Know

• Intro: A concise overview (130 words or less) with three bullet points outlining reader benefits.
• TLDR Section
• Contextual/Background Information
• Detailed Insights and Answers
• Necessary/Recommended Actions
  • Step/tip #1
  • Step/tip #2
  • Step/tip #3
• Perspectives
• Your Conclusion
• Wrap it up, include links to additional resources if applicable.

News Update Blog Post Tips

• Include a TLDR Section: Provide a concise summary within the intro and a 15-second version as the first H2, including the source link and announcement date.
• Provide Context: Share background information for a comprehensive understanding.
• Maintain Objectivity: Present a balanced view, incorporating various perspectives and factual information.
• Fact Check Thoroughly: Verify information from multiple sources.
• Leverage Twitter: Gather expert insights from Twitter and incorporate relevant tweets.

Utilize These Blog Post Templates

These templates, outlines, and tips pave the way for increased traffic. For additional inspiration, explore our 118 blog post ideas. Remember, website optimization extends beyond blogging. Use our website audit checklist and free website audit tool for a comprehensive approach.