Article outline – how to create it?

What is an outline of an article?

It is created by the author of the text if he has not received any specific information or specific requirements earlier but only a specified topic. The outline of the article can be created for personal needs as well as at the client’s request.

Konspekt or summary

These two terms are often confused with each other, but they actually have different meanings. The main difference between a “konspekt” and a “brief” is the issue of authorship. A copywriter creates a “konspekt,” while writing a “brief” is the responsibility of the client. The brief contains clearly defined requirements regarding the content that the author is supposed to create.

The copywriter, on the other hand, can add their own references to the brief, which are comments on the text, present their ideas, and compare the outline with the brief if it is expected from them or if they believe it will be beneficial for the quality of the text. Similarly, the client – if they require the delivery of a content outline, can have comments on it.

Is creating an outline for an article mandatory?

Writing an outline by a copywriter is not necessary. There are situations in which a client may expect it, but there are also those in which they completely trust the author and wait for the final result. However, if the copywriter is unsure whether they understand the assigned topic well, they can present a draft of the article to the client, which will dispel any doubts.

Another issue is whether it is worth creating article plans. Definitely yes – maybe not necessarily for the client if they don’t require it, but for your own use. Spontaneous writing is not always good, while mental analysis may be insufficient.

When to create an outline?

If you are unsure whether it is worth creating an outline for a specific article, consider several factors.

Text organization

In addition to facilitating its good organization, a content plan will also allow for maintaining a certain discipline, that is, proper proportions in the text and avoiding an excessive focus on form rather than content. In short – it will help in specifying what one wants to express.

Article length

It may turn out that the outline will be longer than the text itself, and creating it will take more time than creating the actual content. So, is it worth doing? Yes and no. Yes, if you are creating expert or scientific articles that require thorough research and specialized knowledge that the author may not necessarily possess. Or in the case when writing the text is simply challenging due to an mismatched topic or unique client requirements.

Level of text

“No” for an outline appears when the text is easy to write, on a well-known topic that does not pose a greater challenge for the author. Sometimes spontaneous action turns out better than content planning because in some cases excessive analysis can, frankly speaking, ruin the author’s inspiration. Outlines can be helpful, but it is not a rule.

How to create an outline for an article?

Creating a good outline is not a complicated process and requires, above all, thoughtful consideration of what we want to write.

Research

An important stage of creating an outline is conducting research. After gathering all the necessary information regarding the topic, you can proceed to organizing the content. Then you can move on to the next steps.

Bullet point important issues

To create a good text plan, it is necessary to outline the most important issues regarding the text.

• type of text – for example, a blog article, expert article, sponsored article, or newspaper article;
• the content should be about – specific topic of the article, keywords, and issues to be addressed;
• the target audience – it is necessary to determine who will be the reader of the article in order to tailor the message to them;
• where it will be published – for example, on the client’s blog, on external portals, or in a newspaper;
• product placement – if an advertisement is to be included in the text, it should be explained how it will be done to appear as natural as possible;
• length of the text and its structure – number of characters, sentences, or words, as well as division into thematic headings;
• deadline – clearly defined deadline;
• expectations – this may include linking, prohibited words, the need to introduce statistics, specific language requirements, appropriate graphic techniques.

Prepare the appropriate text

The development of the aforementioned points will allow for the creation of a list of specific questions and answers regarding the text and the arrangement of a proper outline, which should include:

• title – clearly indicating the subject matter of the text;
• what to write about – planning headings, writing down questions that potential readers may have after reading the title;
• what not to write about – topics to avoid, as they may lower the value of the text;
• phrases – selecting words for the text that grab attention and indicate its content.

Of course, a copywriter who creates an article plan for their own use does not have to adhere to clearly defined rules, nor are there any limitations regarding the format of the outline. Bullet points, which create a kind of checklist, are often the most useful, but they can also be flashcards placed on the side of the monitor. However, whether the content plan takes the form of questions/answers or a mind map depends on the copywriter’s working style.

What to avoid when creating an outline?

You must remember that even in the shortest text, it is possible to make a mistake. In the case of a summary, you should avoid three main issues:

• don’t use complicated language – it unnecessarily complicates the understanding of the text; follow the principles of plain language and strive to write as clearly as possible;
• don’t write a too brief outline – be careful not to condense the text too much, as it may contain too little information;
• don’t write a too long outline – on the other hand, make sure it is relatively short and clear, so that you don’t get lost in all the aspects you have to consider while creating it.