5 Outrank SEO Prompt Templates That Create Better Outlines

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The difference between “meh” AI content and top-ranking posts often comes down to the prompt you use — especially when creating outlines. After testing dozens, these are my 5 go-to prompt styles for generating outlines inside Outrank that consistently hit the mark for SEO, readability, and flow.

Want your blog posts to basically write themselves — and actually rank?
Start with better prompts. Use these 5 inside Outrank.

🧠 Why Prompt Quality Matters Inside Outrank

Outrank gives you a fast lane to SEO-optimized content.

You enter a keyword → Outrank builds the structure → You tweak → Done.

But here’s the trick: the quality of the outline = the quality of the final article.

Most people just use the default prompt.

I don’t.

Instead, I use custom variations that tell the AI exactly what kind of content I want: tone, structure, search intent, even reader objections.

🛠️ The 5 Prompts I Use (and How to Plug Them Into Outrank)

Let’s break down each one — with real examples you can copy.

Prompt 1: “Teach Like They’re 5” (The Simplifier)

Use When: The topic is complex, but your audience isn’t.

Prompt Template:

Write an SEO-optimized blog outline that explains [topic] in simple, beginner-friendly language. Assume the reader knows nothing and break down each concept clearly. Use analogies, examples, and step-by-step logic.

Example:

“Explain how Google crawl budgets work in a way that even a beginner can understand.”

Why it works:

Google loves clarity. Beginners become fans. And you rank for both long-tail and foundational keywords.

Prompt 2: “The Real Answer” (The No-Fluff Explainer)

Use When: You’re targeting a high-intent, question-based keyword.

Prompt Template:

Create an SEO-optimized blog outline that answers the question “[exact keyword]” directly in the intro, then expands with detailed, fact-based sections. Include common follow-up questions and user concerns as subheadings.

Example:

“What is the best AI content writing tool in 2025?”

Why it works:

This one’s designed to win AI Overviews and “People Also Ask” spots.

Prompt 3: “The Buyer’s Map” (Perfect for Affiliate or Ecommerce)

Use When: You’re writing a product review, comparison, or buying guide.

Prompt Template:

Build an SEO blog outline for a buyer's guide on [product type]. Start with a clear TL;DR, list criteria for choosing, then compare top options. End with FAQs and pros/cons. Target bottom-of-funnel keywords.

Example:

“Best standing desks for remote workers”

Why it works:

It matches commercial intent, drives clicks, and gives the reader everything they need to make a decision.

Prompt 4: “The Skyscraper Blueprint” (High Authority Strategy)

Use When: You want to write the best post on the topic.

Prompt Template:

Write an SEO blog outline for a comprehensive guide on [topic]. Include everything a reader would need to master the subject. Use competitor research, cover expert-level subtopics, and add sections that go beyond typical blog posts.

Example:

“Complete guide to launching a digital course”

Why it works:

This style attracts backlinks, builds topical authority, and outranks thin content. Pair with internal linking for a power move.

Prompt 5: “The Painkiller” (Problem-Solution Format)

Use When: You’re solving a real pain point.

Prompt Template:

Write a blog outline that helps readers overcome [specific problem]. Lead with empathy, explain the root cause, offer actionable solutions, and include success stories or case studies. Optimize for SEO throughout.

Example:

“How to fix low blog traffic despite consistent posting”

Why it works:

People search for relief. This gives them a roadmap — and keeps them on your page.

⚡ Bonus Tip: Combine Prompts

Some of my best-performing outlines come from mixing 2 of these formats.

Example: “The Buyer’s Map” + “The Painkiller” = A post that shows what to buy and how it solves a real problem.

Try stacking the formats — Outrank’s AI is smart enough to blend them into something powerful.

💥 Why This Works So Well in Outrank

You control the brief: Outrank doesn’t limit you — paste in your prompt, tweak it, regenerate.

You get structured outlines instantly: The AI knows where to place the intro, what H2s and H3s to use, and how to match search intent.

You save hours per post — no blank page, no bouncing between tools.

🧪 Want to Test These Out?

Start with Outrank and plug in any of the prompts above.

The outline you generate today could be your top-ranking post tomorrow.

🧩 FAQs

Do I need to be good at prompt engineering to use Outrank?

Nope. But having better prompts gives you better outlines — and better rankings. Use the 5 I shared above to shortcut the learning curve.

Can I save my favorite prompt styles in Outrank?

Yes. Outrank lets you customize your brief and save templates for later. Once you find a format that works, you can reuse it across different topics.

What kind of content does this work best for?

Anything you want to rank. Blog posts, buyer guides, tutorials, listicles — you name it. The real magic is that you get both speed and strategy in one tool.