What if writing was as easy (and quick) as opening a template and filling in the blanks?
You’ll still need to edit and polish but you might be able to turn out articles in minutes instead of hours.
Templates make a first draft easier because you know “what goes where”. You’ll know, for example, that after two paragraphs that introduce the subject, you need 3 points or examples, but not 5. You’ll know how many bullet points to include and where to put them. And you can insert a pre-written call to action to close.
Using templates to map out the bones of your writing will allow you to write faster and better because they let you focus on the message, not the structure.
Where do you get these templates? By reverse-engineering existing articles and posts.
When you read an article you like, save it, study it, and figure out why it works. Make notes of the elements:
- How many words?
- How many paragraphs?
- How many headings and sub-heads?
- How many bullet points?
- What’s the lead or hook?
- Why should the reader care (benefits)?
- What proof is offered?
- What examples or stories?
- What’s the call to action?
Create a simple template that incorporates these elements. You can use it for first drafts or to improve a sloppy first draft.
You should also do this with your own writing. Add additional notes to explain why you said what you said, other options you considered, and feedback you got from your readers.
Start with one template. Use it, refine it, and use it again. You may find that one template is all you need to write most of your posts but you can always add more.
