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Format: Blog Post

Purpose​

Use for opinionated or practical posts that are readable in one sitting.

Canonical Structure​

  1. Hook with problem or tension
  2. Personal or observed context
  3. Practical points or lessons
  4. 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-piece
  • personal-essay
  • how-to-guide
  • listicle
  • cornerstone