Format: Blog Post
Purpose
Use for opinionated or practical posts that are readable in one sitting.
Canonical Structure
- Hook with problem or tension
- Personal or observed context
- Practical points or lessons
- Summary and next action
Rules
Rule: Open With a Human Problem
Description: Start with a concrete pain point, not abstract framing. Negative example: "Content is important in today's world." Positive example: "If your draft is clear in your head but confusing on the page, start here."
Rule: Start From a Validated Topic Signal
Description: Prioritize topics that already showed reader resonance in prior short-form tests. Negative example: Publishing long blog posts on untested assumptions with no audience signal. Positive example: Expanding a topic that consistently triggered strong reader questions, saves, or completion.
Rule: Keep Sections Short and Distinct
Description: Use compact sections with explicit subheads. Negative example: 7 long paragraphs under one heading. Positive example: 5 short sections with direct subheads.
Rule: Start Each Section With One Clear Sentence
Description: Use a one-sentence opener to make section purpose obvious. Negative example: Opening sections with long setup before the point appears. Positive example: "Here is the mistake that breaks most blog intros." then supporting detail.
Rule: Convert Enumerations Into Lists
Description: When naming multiple examples or steps, use bullets or numbers. Negative example: Paragraph with five comma-separated tactics. Positive example: One lead line followed by a numbered list of five tactics.
Rule: Blend Practical Advice With Light Narrative
Description: Give readers both guidance and context. Negative example: Pure personal story with no transferable insight. Positive example: Brief story, then specific process readers can apply.
Rule: Expand From Proven Short-Form Outlines
Description: Treat high-signal short posts as draft scaffolds instead of starting from a blank page. Negative example: Ignoring existing proven material and rewriting from zero every time. Positive example: Turning a strong short post into a structured long-form draft with clearer sections and examples.
Rule: Anchor the Piece to One Emotional Payoff
Description: Clarify whether the post should make readers feel understood, clearer, inspired, or relieved. Negative example: Tone shifts across conflicting emotional targets without a clear reader experience. Positive example: A recognition-led post that names a common pain, then resolves it with a usable method.
Rule: End With One Immediate Move
Description: Give a starter action readers can do now. Negative example: "Think about your style." Positive example: "Replace your first paragraph with a 2-line promise plus one concrete example."
Rule: Design for Non-Linear Blog Reading
Description: Assume readers may land mid-article or skim sections out of order. Negative example: Sections that only make sense if read strictly from paragraph one. Positive example: Subheads and section openers that are independently clear and still coherent in sequence.
Best-Fit Content Intent
opinion-piecepersonal-essayhow-to-guidelisticlecornerstone