When some people sit down to create a product, they do it “by the seat of their pants,” meaning they write about whatever comes to mind in the moment.
However, if you want to be sure you create a really GOOD product – one that’s useful and your audience will love – then you’ll want to outline your content before you write.
Not only does this help you produce a great end result, it also makes the actual writing process easier.
Inside this guide, we’ll talk about how to construct three popular types of outlines:
NOTE: in some cases, you may use multiple outlines in a product. For example, you might organize a set of modules by complexity, but then organize the actual instruction within each module chronologically. You might even embed a categorical outline inside a step.
For example, a course on traffic generation lists modules by complexity. Each module – such as SEO – is organized chronologically (Step 1, Find Your Keywords. Step 2, Do Competitor Research… etc.). But then you might have information within each step that you list by complexity (such as SEO tips) or categorically (such as SEO tools).
So the point is keep in mind that the more complex your information is or the more information you’re sharing, the more likely it is that you may have “mini outlines” embedded inside your larger overall outlines. And that’s perfect because it will ensure your end result is well-organized and as useful as possible for the user.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the three:
Understanding a Chronological Outline:
A chronological outline is a framework that organizes the content of your digital product in a logical sequence based on time or a specific order of events. It provides a step-by-step progression, guiding your audience through a coherent and cohesive experience.
By following a chronological structure, you can effectively present information, concepts, or processes that unfold in a specific order or sequence.
Advantages of a Chronological Outline: