Step 2 — Audience & Topic Research
In this step you will learn simple ways to understand your reader and your topic before you write. You will collect plain-language questions from real people, look at what shows up first in search results, note what helpful parts are missing, and then decide what new and useful thing your content will add.
What “audience & topic research” means in simple words
Audience and topic research means learning what your reader truly wants and how other content already tries to help them. You do this so you can make content that answers real questions, avoids confusion, and adds something new. You will collect questions from search results and community posts, visit a few pages to see how they try to help, and write down what they miss. When you finish, you will have a short research note that tells you the best angle to take and the most useful examples to include.
How Step 2 connects to Step 1
Research is not a separate activity. It is a helper for your plan. If your goal is “download a weekly planning checklist,” then your research should look for questions and problems that stop a person from planning their week. This makes sure your content collects the right examples and data to support the download action and the later success check.
Your goal is “Download the weekly planning checklist.” During research you notice many people ask, “How do I plan my topics for seven days without running out of ideas?” and “What does a simple plan look like?” You will therefore create one filled example plan and show a quick way to turn it into a downloadable checklist.
Research roadmap (small flowchart)
Collect questions
Search + forums
Scan top pages
Headings + examples
Find gaps
What is missing?
Decide angle
Your promise
Log sources
Dates + links
You can finish a basic version of this roadmap in about 90–120 minutes. Deeper research can take longer, but the order stays the same.
Step 2A — Write your simple research question
Before opening any tabs, write one question that will guide your research in plain language. This question comes from your plan in Step 1. It keeps you focused and saves time.
| Your goal from Step 1 | Good research question (plain words) |
|---|---|
| Download a weekly planning checklist | “What keeps beginners from planning a week, and what do they want to see in a simple checklist?” |
| Subscribe to the travel email list | “What are first-time travelers confused about, and what short answers convince them to subscribe?” |
| Start a free trial of a simple report tool | “What makes small teams delay trying a report tool, and what easy example helps them start?” |
Step 2B — Map the reader’s intent in everyday words
Intent is the reason behind the reader’s search or click. You will label the intent using simple words so the structure of your content matches what the reader expects. For this step, think about three kinds of intent and write a one-line label for your topic.
| Simple intent | What it means | What your content should do |
|---|---|---|
| Learning | The reader wants to understand a topic or process. | Give a clear overview, steps, and friendly examples. |
| Doing | The reader wants to complete a task now. | Give short instructions, a checklist, and a few quick answers. |
| Choosing | The reader wants to compare options or decide. | Give a simple comparison and a calm recommendation. |
For “weekly blog planning,” the intent is Doing. People want clear steps and a checklist, not a long history of planning methods. So your content will focus on practical actions with an easy download at the end.
Step 2C — Build a small list of reader words (seed terms)
Now write down ten to fifteen simple words or short phrases a beginner would type when looking for help on your topic. This is a brain dump, not a perfect list. Use words from your reader’s voice.
| Reader words | Why this helps |
|---|---|
| “plan my week blog”, “weekly blog checklist”, “simple content plan” | Shows real language a beginner uses; helps you scan search results quickly. |
| “what to write this week”, “how to schedule blog posts” | Reveals related questions and “People also ask” items to capture. |
| “example plan for 7 days”, “download weekly plan template” | Signals they want a working example and a downloadable file. |
Step 2D — Scan search results and collect the exact questions
Open a private or incognito window so your personal history does not change what you see. Type the reader words one by one, look at the top results, and copy the exact questions or headings you see into your notes. You are not copying their structure. You are collecting the questions the reader expects to see answered.
| What to copy | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Titles and the words they repeat | Shows common promises. You will write a clearer promise later. |
| “People also ask” questions | Short, real questions to answer directly in your content. |
| Headings (H2/H3) from two or three pages | Reveals common sections and missing parts (your chance to add value). |
| Any helpful examples or downloads | Shows what already exists so you can plan a better or clearer version. |
While scanning, you collect these short questions: “How do I plan blog topics for a week?”, “How many posts per week is right for beginners?”, “Is there a simple weekly content checklist?” You also notice most pages talk about “why planning is good,” but few show a filled weekly example.
Step 2E — Look in communities for real words
Visit a few public communities where beginners talk about your topic. Read the posts and comments and copy two or three real sentences that describe their problem in their voice. This keeps your content natural and kind.
Where to look
Forums, Q&A sites, social groups, or video comments where people ask simple questions.
Newbie-friendlySimple questionsWhat to capture
Short quotes that show fear, confusion, or a repeated task they cannot finish.
One-sentence quotesDates notedHow to use it
Turn each quote into a clear section or example in your content. Keep it respectful.
No private infoNo copy/paste wallsYou find a comment: “I open my laptop and freeze. I do not know what to write for the next seven days.” You will add a section called “A 10-minute start when you feel stuck,” and show three small prompts and a filled weekly example.
Step 2F — List three to five clear gaps
Look at your notes from the search scan and the community quotes. Write three to five short lines that describe missing or weak parts you can fix. These gaps will become the reasons your content is different and useful.
| Gap | What you will add |
|---|---|
| No filled weekly example | Provide one complete 7-day example with a short explanation for each day. |
| Weak checklist | Create a printable checklist with seven simple boxes and two optional steps. |
| Too much theory | Write short steps with a timer tip (“Do this in 10 minutes”). |
| No time estimate | Show the time required next to each step (“2 minutes” or “5 minutes”). |
Step 2G — Choose your angle (your promise)
Your angle is the short promise that makes your content different. It comes from your gaps list and your intent label. Write one sentence that says what the reader will get and why this is easier or clearer than other pages.
“In ten minutes, you will copy a simple 7-day plan with a printable checklist and a filled example you can match.”
Step 2H — Make a tiny facts & sources log
When you find a number, a quote, or a claim you want to include, add it to a small table with the date and link. This saves time later during editing and fact check.
| Claim or quote (short) | Source link | Date you viewed | How you will use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Planning in small steps reduces overwhelm.” | Link to the source | 2025-10-24 | One sentence in the “10-minute start” section; not the focus. |
| “Beginners prefer 2–3 posts per week.” | Link to the source | 2025-10-24 | Short note next to the filled weekly example as a friendly guide. |
Step 2I — Quick score to see if you are ready to outline
Give yourself a simple readiness score across four small items. This helps you see whether you can move to Step 3 (Outline & Angle) or you need ten more minutes of research.
| Item | What “ready” looks like | Quick visual |
|---|---|---|
| Intent labeled | You wrote “Learning,” “Doing,” or “Choosing” and a one-line reason. | |
| 3–5 gaps | Your gaps are concrete and you know how to fix them. | |
| Angle sentence | You wrote one clear promise in one calm sentence. | |
| Sources log | At least two useful sources saved with dates. |
Practice lab — Follow along step by step
Use the steps below like a practice worksheet. Each point includes a short example right under it so you can copy the pattern. This keeps everything in one place while you learn.
1) Write the research question
Write one sentence that ties your Step 1 goal to a question you will answer through research.
“What stops beginners from planning a week, and what would a simple printed checklist include?”
2) Label the intent
Choose Learning, Doing, or Choosing. Write one short reason for your label.
Doing — people want steps, not background.
3) Create a seed word list (10–15)
Use words that a beginner would type. Keep them short and friendly.
“weekly blog plan”, “simple content plan”, “what to write this week”, “download weekly checklist”.
4) Scan the search page
Open a private window, search each seed word, and copy titles, “People also ask” items, and 3–5 headings from two pages. Do not copy full paragraphs.
Collected questions: “How many posts per week?”, “What is a weekly content schedule?”, “Is there a simple template?”
5) Read two or three community threads
Copy one or two real sentences that show fear or confusion. Keep names private.
“I keep changing my plan and end up with nothing by Friday.”
6) Write 3–5 gaps
Turn your scan and quotes into small, fixable gaps.
“No filled example,” “No time estimates,” “No simple checklist.”
7) Choose the angle
Write one promise that fits the gaps and the intent.
“Copy a 7-day example and a printable checklist in ten minutes.”
8) Start the sources log
Write a short table with claim, link, date, and how you will use it.
Claim: “Short steps reduce overwhelm” — link — 2025-10-24 — one sentence in the “10-minute start” section.
Tiny visuals to make decisions easier
These small visuals help you decide without heavy tools. They use the same gentle blue as Step 1.
Readiness heatmap (waffle)
Fill more squares as each item becomes “ready.” When the first two rows are mostly filled, you can move to Step 3.
Simple trend lines (sparklines)
| Thing you track | What the line could show | Now vs target |
|---|---|---|
| Number of unique questions collected | ||
| Number of clear gaps |
Common mistakes and easy fixes
Good research
- Uses beginner words and short questions from real people.
- Finds 3–5 specific gaps to fill.
- Writes one clear promise (angle) in one sentence.
- Starts a small sources log with dates.
Weak research
- Collects random tabs with advanced terms.
- Copies headings without thinking about the reader.
- Makes many promises and doesn’t keep them.
- Forgets to save links and dates for later checks.
Quick checklists you can follow
Light research (about 90 minutes)
- Write the research question that matches your Step-1 goal.
- Label the intent (Learning, Doing, or Choosing).
- List 10–15 reader words in simple language.
- Scan search results and collect 6–10 real questions and 6–10 headings.
- Read two or three community threads; copy two short quotes.
- Write 3–5 gaps you can fix and one promise (your angle).
- Start your sources log with at least two links and dates.
Deeper research (half-day)
- Add a small poll or two chats with a real beginner.
- Skim five to seven pages and snapshot what they do well and what they miss.
- Collect one simple number or small dataset you can turn into a tiny table.
- Double-check any strong claims; remove weak or unclear ones.
Mini templates you can copy
1) One-page research note
| Research question | (One sentence) |
|---|---|
| Intent label | (Learning / Doing / Choosing) + one-line reason |
| Reader words | (10–15 short phrases) |
| Collected questions | (6–10 short lines from search or forums) |
| Gaps | (3–5 clear items you will add) |
| Your angle | (One sentence promise) |
| Sources log | (Claim | link | date | how you will use it) |
2) “People also ask” capture sheet
| Question | Where you saw it | How you will answer it |
|---|---|---|
| How do I plan blog topics for a week? | Search page question box | Show a 3-step mini process + link to the checklist. |
| How many posts should a beginner write per week? | Search page question box | Offer a simple range (2–3), explain why, and link to deeper tips. |
3) Source log (copy this as a table in your doc)
| Claim or quote | Link | Date | Use in content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short steps reduce overwhelm | (paste link) | (date) | One sentence in starter section |
| Beginners prefer 2–3 posts per week | (paste link) | (date) | Small note near example plan |
Demo: apply Step 2 to a new topic
Let us practice with a different topic so you can see how the steps repeat. We will keep the sentences long and friendly, with examples under the content as before.
Topic: Travel adapter guide for first-time travelers
Research question: “What do first-time travelers find confusing about plug types, and what simple table and checklist would help them pack correctly?”
Intent label: Doing — the reader wants a quick answer and a small list to follow.
Reader words: “travel adapter type”, “which plug in Europe”, “simple adapter guide”, “packing checklist adapter”.
Collected questions: “What adapter do I need for country X?”, “Do I need a converter or only an adapter?”, “Can I charge my phone safely?”
Gaps noticed: Many pages are long or country-by-country; few give a small table for quick packing; many do not explain converter vs adapter in one friendly line.
Your angle: “A one-page table of plug types with a tiny checklist so you pack the right adapter without reading a long article.”
You plan to include a simple table with regions in the left column and plug types in the right column, plus a one-line rule of thumb that a phone charger often only needs an adapter, not a heavy converter.
Topic: Morning routine for beginners
Research question: “What stops beginners from building a short morning routine, and what 10-minute plan would they actually follow?”
Intent label: Doing — quick steps, not long background.
Reader words: “simple morning routine”, “10 minute routine”, “how to start mornings better”.
Collected questions: “What is the first thing to do?”, “How long should it be?”, “How do I keep it simple?”
Gaps noticed: Many pages list long options; few provide one tiny routine with a timer; few include a printable card.
Your angle: “A 10-minute routine you can print like a small card and check off each morning.”
You will include a mini table with three steps (drink water, stretch, plan three tasks) and a small printable card layout.
Accessibility, safety, and kindness
Write as if a new friend is reading. Explain unfamiliar words the first time you use them. Add alt text for images. If your topic touches health, finance, or safety, include a short note that encourages readers to speak with a professional for personal advice. This protects the reader and keeps your content respectful.
Hand-off notes (prepare for Step 3)
Put your research note, your gaps list, your angle sentence, and your sources log into one folder. Give the folder a clear name and the current date. This makes it simple to start Step 3 (Outline & Angle) without searching for files.
Everything in one view (short summary table)
| Part | What you do | Example under the content |
|---|---|---|
| 2A — Question | Write one plain research question linked to your Step-1 goal. | “What keeps beginners from planning a week…?” |
| 2B — Intent | Label as Learning, Doing, or Choosing with one reason. | Doing — people want steps and a checklist. |
| 2C — Reader words | List 10–15 beginner words or phrases. | “weekly blog plan”, “simple content plan”. |
| 2D — Search scan | Copy titles, “People also ask”, and a few headings. | “How many posts per week?”, “Is there a template?” |
| 2E — Communities | Read a few threads; copy short quotes in kind language. | “I freeze when I try to plan seven days.” |
| 2F — Gaps | Write 3–5 small fixable gaps. | “No filled example”, “No time estimates”. |
| 2G — Angle | Promise one short outcome that fits the gaps and intent. | “Copy a 7-day example with a printable checklist.” |
| 2H — Sources | Save claims with links and dates. | Two links with dates for later checks. |
| 2I — Ready check | Use tiny visuals to confirm you can move on. | Heatmap mostly filled → go to Step 3. |
Your next step after research
You now understand what your reader wants, what pages already do, and what useful parts are missing. You also wrote a one-sentence promise and saved your sources. You are ready for Step 3, where you will turn your findings into a clean outline that flows from the first question to the last action in a friendly way.