AI Use Cases for Outlining Blog Posts as Freelance Writers

17 Apr, 2025

You know how when you start a new fitness routine, maybe you get a tracker? It doesn’t do the workout for you – you still have to lift the weights or run the miles.

But it helps you plan, track progress, and maybe even suggests ways to improve your form. That’s kind of how I see AI tools when it comes to outlining blog posts for us freelance writers.

The writing world is definitely changing with AI popping up everywhere. It’s natural to worry if it means less work for us. But from what I see, businesses still desperately need real human insight, that touch AI just can't replicate yet.

The demand is shifting, though. Clients want more than just words; they want strategy, voice, and understanding. So, the question isn't if AI will replace us, but how we can use it to work smarter and strengthen our own value.

A solid outline has always been the skeleton of a good blog post, right? It gives you direction and makes sure your reader doesn't get lost. Honestly, putting together a good outline used to take me a chunk of time – time I wasn't necessarily billing for directly.

AI can potentially speed that part up, freeing you to focus on the meatier parts: the research, the unique angles, and crafting sentences that really connect.

Finding the Right AI Tool for the Job

There's a whole bunch of AI tools out there now specifically for outlining. Some are free, some you pay for. You've got simple generators like Toolsaday's or HubSpot's free options, and more complex ones integrated into bigger platforms like Jasper or Copy.ai.

• Simple Outline Generators: Tools like Copy.ai's Outline Generator or AISEO's can take your topic or keywords and spit out a basic structure – intro, main points, conclusion. Think of these as a quick jumpstart when you're facing that blank page.
• SEO-Focused Outliners: Some tools, like Surfer AI or Ryrob's generator (especially the paid version), try to build the outline around keywords and what's already ranking on Google. This can be helpful if SEO is a big part of the job spec, potentially saving you some optimization time later.
• Integrated Writing Platforms: Tools like Jasper or Copy.ai offer outlining as part of a bigger suite. They might help with drafting, different formats, etc. These can be powerful but often come with a subscription cost.

My advice? Don't get overwhelmed by the options. Try out a couple of the free ones first. See if they actually save you time or spark ideas. You don't need the fanciest tool; you need the one that fits your process and helps you deliver better work for your clients.

Brainstorming Ideas and Keywords with AI

Sometimes the hardest part is just figuring out what to write about, or finding the right keywords to target. AI can give you a nudge here too.

• Topic Ideas: Tools like HubSpot's Blog Topic Generator or even just asking ChatGPT something like, "Give me blog post ideas about [your niche]" can break through writer's block. I've done this myself when I felt stuck – it doesn't always give perfect answers, but it gets the ball rolling.
• Keyword Research: Instead of manually digging for keywords, AI tools (like those from SEO.AI, WordStream, or Ahrefs) can quickly pull lists of relevant terms, sometimes even suggesting long-tail keywords you might have missed. They can also give you data on search volume and difficulty. This helps you write content people are actually searching for.

Remember, though, AI suggestions are just that – suggestions. Use your own brain and understanding of the audience to pick the best ones. AI doesn't understand nuance or intent the way a human can.

Using AI to Actually Structure the Outline

Okay, so how does AI help build the outline itself?

• Generating Headings/Subheadings: You give the AI your topic, and it suggests the H2s and H3s. This is probably the most common use case. It provides that initial structure you can then tweak.
• Creating Hierarchy: Good AI tools will organize the points logically, maybe giving you an intro, 3-5 main body sections, and a conclusion, often with nested sub-points. This helps ensure a logical flow.
• Adding Detail & Keywords: Some tools, like Surfer AI, might even generate short paragraphs or bullet points under each heading, sometimes incorporating keywords. This can be a starting point for your draft.
• Customization: Crucially, almost all these tools let you edit the outline. You can add, delete, or reorder sections.

This is important because the AI doesn't know your specific angle or the client's exact needs. You are still the writer, the strategist. The AI is just the assistant.

Finding Key Points and Supporting Arguments

Beyond just structure, AI can sometimes help flesh out the sections.

• Suggesting Core Ideas: As mentioned, many tools suggest 3-5 main points for the body. This helps you focus.
• Research Assistance: Some AIs can summarize research papers or long articles, pulling out key findings. This could potentially give you supporting arguments or data points faster than manual research. But please, please fact-check anything an AI gives you. I've seen AI get things wrong, and your credibility is on the line.
• Generating Questions: Some tools suggest questions your blog post should answer within the outline. This helps ensure you're covering the topic thoroughly from the reader's perspective.

Different Formats: Lists, Mind Maps, Hierarchies

Most AI outliners create standard hierarchical lists (H1, H2, H3...) because that's typical for blog posts. But if you're a visual thinker, some AI tools specialize in mind maps (like Miro AI, MyMap.AI, or GitMind). They can take your topic and create a visual web of ideas.

This might be great for initial brainstorming before you structure the linear outline. You can usually export these outlines in different formats (like Word docs) to fit your workflow.

Tailoring Outlines to Your Audience

This is where your skill really comes in, but AI can assist.

• Defining the Audience: Some tools let you specify the target audience. The AI then tries to tailor the outline's points and maybe even the suggested tone.
• Specifying Tone: Many tools allow you to select a tone (e.g., professional, casual, witty). This helps align the structure and potential talking points with who you're trying reach. Getting the tone right is huge for connecting with readers, something AI often struggles with on its own.
• Learning from Examples: While not always a direct feature, you can guide the AI by giving it examples of content that works for that audience. Or, refine the AI's output using your own deep understanding of the audience's needs and interests. AI analyzes data; you understand people.

Ensuring Logical Flow

A good outline flows smoothly. AI tries to help here by design.

• Structured Sequence: The tools are programmed to suggest points in a logical order.
• Identifying Gaps (Potentially): Some AI might be able to flag if a transition seems abrupt or if a necessary point seems missing, acting like a very basic editor.
• Refining Phrasing: AI can sometimes suggest clearer ways to phrase your outline points.
• Human Review is Key: Again, the AI gives you a draft. It's your job to read through it, make sure it actually makes sense, flows well, and hits all the points you need it to. Don't just take the AI's output as gospel.

Real Writers Using This Stuff

It’s not just theory; writers are using these tools. I’ve worked with content writers who use ChatGPT just to get a basic outline down and overcome that initial hurdle. Others use tools specifically for the SEO aspect during outlining.

I read about writers using AI to quickly generate ideas or get background on unfamiliar topics before they even start outlining.

Some report it speeds up their research and overall writing time significantly, allowing them to take on more work or focus on higher-value tasks. It's about finding ways to incorporate it effectively into your workflow.

My Recommendations for Getting Started

If you're thinking about trying AI for outlining, here’s my honest advice:

1. Start Simple & Free: Don't jump into paid tools immediately. Play around with some free generators first to see if you even like working this way. Does it actually help you?
2. Be Specific: Tell the AI exactly what your topic is and who you're writing for. Vague instructions lead to vague (and useless) outlines.
3. Generate Options: Don't just take the first outline the AI gives you. Generate a few variations. Mix and match. See what structure feels best for the specific piece.
4. You're Still the Boss: Remember, the AI is a tool, like a hammer or a wrench (or that fitness tracker). You are the craftsperson; edit ruthlessly and add your unique insights. Ensure the outline serves your purpose and your client's goals. Don't let the tool dictate the quality or the message.
5. Focus on Value: Use the time saved by AI outlining to do things the AI can't do well – deeper strategic thinking, original insights, perfecting the brand voice, building a real connection with the reader. That's how you maintain your value.

Think of it like learning proper form at the gym. Using AI outlining effectively isn't about letting the machine do the work; it's about using a tool to help you build a stronger foundation for your writing, making your final piece more impactful and efficient to create.

It takes practice to integrate it smoothly, but from what I’ve seen, it can be a genuinely useful addition to our toolkit as freelance writers trying to navigate this changing landscape.

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