Blog Post Templates

This is a list of 7 proven blog post templates.

In fact, these templates have helped my blog grow to over 487K unique visitors every month this year.

A blog post template simply shows the structure to follow when writing a blog post. Our blog post template eases your approach to writing helpful content for your target audience in a convenient and painless manner.

And in this guide, I’ll give you 7 super detailed content templates that are working great right now.

1. The Classic List Post

A list post (also sometimes called a “Listicle”) is a list of 10-25 bite-sized tips, strategies, techniques, tools… or anything else that makes sense for a list.

Because they distill a topic into actionable steps, list posts tend to be super search engine friendly. In fact, one of the posts that brings us the most organic traffic every month is a list post:

List Post Title

Your list post title needs three things:

1. A benefit
2. The number of items
3. A short timeframe

First, you need to state the benefit that someone will get out of reading your post. There’s no need to be overly creative here. Simply name the benefit.

Next, you need the number of items on your list. If possible, start your title off with that number.

Finally, you want to demonstrate a specific time frame that shows how actionable your content is. People love strategies they can implement right away.

List Post Introduction

Your list post introduction has two parts:

1. An introduction to the problem the reader has
2. The benefit they’ll get from reading your post

First, you quickly (and I mean quickly) introduce the problem that the items on your list will help them solve.

Second, (quickly!) introduce the benefit that your list post will help them achieve.

List Post Subheadings

Subheadings are HUGE.

First, they break your content up into manageable chunks.

Second, when you make your subheaders benefit-rich, it boosts the perceived value of your content.

So each of your subheadings should contain two things:

1. An overview of what that tip is
2. A clear benefit

When people see items that will help them lose weight, eat better or make more money, they’re more likely to share it.

See the difference?

List Post Action Items

Now it’s time to outline the steps someone will need to complete each item on the list.

List Post Conclusion

Now it’s time to wrap things up.

You want your list post conclusions to do one thing: Push people to take action.

When someone gets results from your content, they become a fan for life.

2. The Detailed Case Study

A case study is like a traditional how-to post… backed up with a real example.

Case Study Title

To get the most clicks and attention to your case study, your headline should contain 3 elements:

Specific Benefit

First, state the benefits that the “hero” of your case study saw. The more specific, the better.

A number

Second, you want to include at least one number. This number adds credibility to your case study by showing you have actual data behind your content.

Timeframe

Finally, specify how long it took to see those benefits. The shorter the time frame the better.

Case Study Introduction

Here’s what you include in your case study introduction:

First, start your intro off with EXACTLY what you’re going to show them in the case study. As the old journalism saying goes: “Don’t bury the lead”. 🙂

Next, break down some of the things that make you, your client, friend, or customer relatable.

Finally, preview the solution or system that was used to get this benefit. Then mention you’ll outline how they did it in detail.

Meet The Hero Section

The “Meet The Hero” section is where you introduce the hero of your case study. This section is important because it helps your reader connect with your hero and put themselves in your hero’s shoes.

Quick Introduction of Your Hero

Problem Story

“Save The Cat Moment”

The term “Save The Cat” comes from the screenwriting classic, Save The Cat. It’s a small detail that makes your hero more human and relatable.

Transition to the Case Study

Results Section

At this point, your reader is anxious to see how they did it. But before diving into the steps, whet their appetite with a quick overview of your hero’s results.

Your Results Section subheading should reiterate your hero’s results.

Here’s what to include in this section:

First, quickly outline the results that your Hero achieved.

Next, include a quick transition to the meat of your case study. This helps the reader understand the story is over and that it’s time to get into the meat of the content.

Steps Section

Now it’s time to get into the meaty details of your case study. Many case studies are big on hype and short on details.

That’s why this section is so important. The detailed steps will make your case study stand out.

And here’s where you list the steps your hero used to make progress on Step #1. No detail is too small. Don’t be afraid to tell them EXACTLY what to do.

Case Study Conclusion

Quick Summary

Motivational Line

Here’s where you remind the reader that they can achieve the same result.

Call-To-Action

And when you finish writing your conclusion, you’re done with your case study. Great work!

3. The Product Showdown

This post is a side-by-side comparison of two competing products. Your Product Showdown provides a ton of value. That’s because you save your reader countless hours (and dollars) on a product that may not work for them.

Product Showdown Title

Here are the two things to include in your Product Showdown title:

First, the two (or three) products you’re comparing

Second, note what these products do.

In other words, their category.

Product Showdown Intro

(Quick) overview of what your product review post is all about

This is straightforward: let people know which products you’re reviewing. This lets your readers know they’re in the right place.

Mention which product features you’re going to evaluate

This shows that you’re going to review the products in-depth. This is important because it demonstrates to the reader that you already did the hard work for them.

Encourage people to read the entire review

Here’s where you let your readers know that they need to read your entire review to get the whole scoop.

Product Overview Section

Overview of each product

Who you are

This is important. Here’s your opportunity to show people that you have some expertise in this area. Even if you’re not an expert, you can at least tell your story of: “here’s why I tried both products”.

Feature-By-Feature Comparison

Here’s where you begin to break down each feature, one by one (and outline how the two products compare).

Product Showdown Conclusion

Now it’s time to wrap things up. In many ways, this is the moment your reader has been waiting for. They’ve read the feature comparison. Now they want to know which product you recommend.

4. Things To Do After “X”

A Things To Do After “X” post gives your readers a step-by-step game plan during a critical time. For example, your reader may know how to do kettlebell swings. But what should they do after their workout? Rest? Eat? Stretch?

Your Things To Do After “X” post answers this question in detail.

Things To Do After “X” Title

The headline for this blog post template should contain two elements:

The thing they just did

The number of tasks they “need to do” when they’re done

Things To Do After “X” Introduction

Your Things To Do After “X” intro contains four elements:

A visualization of the thing they just did

Raise the question: “Now what?”

Mention possibilities of what they could do

Promise you’ll show them how it’s done

Steps Section

Now it’s time to dive right into the items on your list.

And your subheader should clearly state what your reader needs to do.

Each step in your Things To Do After “X” list contains 3 elements.

Brief overview

Before you dive into the step-by-step detail, it’s time to write a quick (50-90 word) overview of each step.

This overview gives context to the item and shows people exactly why it’s important.

Specific steps

Here’s where you list the steps your reader will need to take to complete the task.

Things To Do After “X” Conclusion

Reminder that what you do “after” is really important

Highlight a few of the best tips from your post

CTA

5. The Beginner’s Guide

The Beginner’s guide is one of my favorite blog post templates. This template helps eliminate overwhelm by showing your readers the exact first steps to get started.

In fact, because they’re so valuable, Beginner’s Guides tend to attract a ton of backlinks and social media shares.

The Beginner’s Guide Title

Your Beginner’s guide title should contain the topic you’re covering and the words “Beginner’s Guide”.

The Beginner’s Guide Introduction

A “promise statement”

First, hit your reader off with a “promise statement” of the benefit they’ll get from reading your blog post.

Outline how complex the topic can be

Next, show your reader that you understand how hard this topic is to learn. This will show you understand where they’re coming from.

A preview of what’s to come

Finally, preview the awesomeness that’s coming up.

The Topic Overview

Now it’s time to explain exactly what the topic you’re covering is all about. Don’t be afraid to really dumb things down here (this is a beginner’s guide after all).

A simple definition

An example (or two)

Transition to the next section

Steps Section

Here’s where you walk your readers through the first few critical steps to get them on their way. These steps may not get them all the way to their goal, but they’ll point them in the right direction.

Brief overview of the step

Transition to next step

Rinse and repeat this formula for as many steps as you need for your beginner’s guide.

Beginner’s Guide Conclusion

Reminder of how helpful your guide is

Reiterate how important your topic is

CTA

6. How They Did It Post

A “How They Did It” Post shines light on how successful people or groups achieved amazing results.

These posts are great because you reveal “the secret” behind their success –and show your reader how they can achieve similar results.

How They Did It Post Headline

Here are the three elements to include in your “How They Did It” Post headline:

The successful people or organization you’re going to focus on.

The number of people or organizations you’ll cover.

What the reader will learn from your post.

How They Did It Post Intro

Overview of the opportunity

Here’s where you emphasize that there’s lots of opportunity for success in this area –assuming you know how to do it.

Emphasize that certain people and groups excel where others fail

This paints a clear picture that there’s a right way (and a wrong way) to approach things.

Show your reader that you’ll reveal the secret to their success

Finally, promise them that you’ll show them the path to success based on real-world examples.

Strategies Section

Now it’s time to outline the strategies they used to achieve their impressive results.

Brief overview of the person or group’s success

Outline a few statistics to prove this person or group is a super-successful outlier. This will motivate your reader to learn how they achieved these impressive results.

Their unique approach

Outline what they do that’s unique or different.

Why it works

How to apply it

How They Did It Post Conclusion

You’ve given your audience a ton of actionable tips based on real-world examples. Now it’s time to encourage them to take action.

Re-iterate that these tips are backed by actual experience

Remind your readers one last time that your advice is unique and battle-tested in the real world.

Encourage your reader to take action

Push the reader to use your advice and make a public commitment by leaving a comment.

7. The Myth Debunker

Our last blog template is “The Myth Debunker”. Why does this template work so well? Two reasons: First, when you dispel common myths, you drum up controversy. Controversy pushes people that agree (and disagree) with you to share your content.

Also, when you round up a bunch of “best practices”, and prove that they’re myths, you show off your knowledge and expertise.

The Myth Debunker Title

You have two options with your Myth Debunker title:

Highlight a single myth:

“The ____ Myth Debunked (Plus 5 More ____ Myths That Drive Me Nuts)”

Or

Outline the number (and type) of myths you’re going to cover:

“13 ____ Myths That Every ____ Should Know”

The Myth Debunker Intro

Like the other blog post templates we covered in this guide, the #1 goal of your Myth Debunker intro is to grab your reader’s attention. Specifically, you want to let them know they’re about to learn the truth about your topic.

Attention grabber

Your first few lines should grab your reader’s attention. Specifically, highlight one common myth in your industry.

Promise to show your reader the real deal

Preview what’s coming next. Also, highlight the fact that your post will be based on data… not hunches or opinions.

Myths Section

Here’s where you highlight (and break down) common myths in your space.

1. Background on the myth

Give your reader context on how this myth came to be.

2. Data or case study

Now it’s time to show your reader why this concept is a myth… and prove it with data.

3. Why the myth is a myth

You’ve shown them the evidence. Now it’s time to explain why the myth is a myth.

4. What to do instead

The Myth Buster Conclusion

Recap of the most surprising myths

Reiterate that you showed them the truth (with data)

Call to action