Step 3 — Outline & Angle (Beginner-Friendly)

What “outline & angle” means in simple words

“Outline & angle” means you choose the story path and the promise before you write full sentences. The outline is a simple list of sections in the order they will appear. The angle is a one-sentence promise that says what makes your content helpful and different. When you finish this step, you will have a set of headings (H2/H3) with short notes, a place for examples and small visuals, and the exact spots where you will show the action at the end.

How Step 3 connects to Steps 1 and 2

Roadmap for this step (small flow)

Step 3A — Refine your promise into a single calm line

Start by rewriting your promise from Step 2 until it sounds like something you could read aloud to a friend in ten seconds. This line should clearly state what the reader will be able to do at the end and how your content keeps it simple. Avoid big claims. Use everyday words.

Step 3B — Choose a simple outline “shape”

An outline “shape” is the basic form your content takes. Pick one shape that matches the intent you wrote in Step 2. Do not mix many shapes; this keeps the reading path simple.

Step 3C — Map sections from promise to action

Write your headings in order. Under each heading, add two or three short notes in everyday words: what you will explain, what example you will show, and what small visual you will include (table, diagram, or checklist). Mark where the end action will appear (usually near the top and near the end).

Step 3D — Write a friendly hook that matches the promise

Your hook is the short opening that makes the reader feel understood and shows the end result. Keep it to three or four sentences. Do not write a long story. Show the outcome and the first tiny step.

Step 3E — Turn each section into short, teachable notes

Under every heading, write short notes that say exactly what you will show. Use full sentences in simple words. Add an example immediately below the notes so a new reader can understand without prior knowledge.

Step 3F — Mark the action spots (CTA) clearly

Place the action near the top (after the hook) and again near the end. Use the same words both times. Keep the button or link text short and action-focused. Explain what happens when the reader clicks.

Step 3G — Plan small visuals that truly help

Choose visuals that make learning easier. Do not add decorative images. Use tiny tables, checklists, flow lines, or short diagrams that remove confusion. Put a small note in your outline about each visual so you remember to create it later.

Step 3H — Create a tiny asset tracker inside the outline

Make a small table that lists each asset (table, checklist, or figure), who owns it, and when it is needed. Keep it inside your outline so it is easy to see.

Step 3I — Check the “one-line per section” rule

Before you call the outline ready, look at each section and write one calm sentence that states the value of that section. If you cannot do this, your section may be too big or unclear. Split it or move extra parts to a short FAQ.

Step 3J — Build a friendly FAQ with short answers

Pick 3–5 questions you saw in Step 2 that block action. Answer each in three or four sentences. Use clear statements. Link to a deeper guide only if needed.

Quality bar for outlines (quick compare)

Swimlane — who does what before drafting

This view helps small teams see responsibilities quickly. If you work alone, keep the same steps — you will just wear more than one hat.

Practice lab — outline two different topics

Use the patterns above to outline two new topics. Keep the sentences calm and the examples right under each point.

Topic A: Travel adapter guide

• Promise: “Find your adapter in one short table and print a tiny packing list.”
• Shape: FAQ with a tiny table.
• Sections: Hook & quick table → Short note “adapter vs converter” → Tiny packing list → FAQ (3 answers) → Action to print list.
• Examples under sections: Show a sample phone charger note; highlight a region row in the table.
• Action spots: “Print the adapter list” near top and end.

Topic B: Morning routine for beginners

• Promise: “Follow a 10-minute routine you can print and check off.”
• Shape: How-to with 3 short steps and a printable card.
• Sections: Hook & timer → Step 1 water → Step 2 stretch → Step 3 plan three tasks → Small card → FAQ → Action to print card.
• Examples under sections: One sentence for each step and a gentle safety note.
• Action spots: “Print the 10-minute card” near top and end.

Troubleshooting — common outline problems

Ready check before drafting

Give yourself a quick score on five items. If the first four are strong, you can start drafting. If two or more are weak, spend ten more minutes on the outline.

Mini templates you can copy

1) Outline skeleton (How-to shape)

2) Outline skeleton (FAQ shape)

3) Outline review checklist

• Promise fits in one calm sentence.
• One outline shape only.
• H2/H3 order follows the reader’s path.
• Each section has an “example under the content.”
• Small visuals noted, not decorative.
• Action at top and end with the same words.

Examples: two finished mini-outlines

Example 1 — Weekly planning (How-to)

Example 2 — Travel adapter (FAQ)

Kindness, clarity, and safety

Write for a new friend. Explain any word that is not common the first time you use it. If your topic touches health, finance, or safety, add a short note that encourages readers to speak with a professional for personal advice. Keep examples respectful and do not share private details.

Hand-off notes (ready to draft)

Place your outline document, promise line, asset tracker, and FAQ in one folder. Give it a clear name and date. You are now ready for Step 4 (Drafting). When you start drafting, you will simply expand each section and keep the examples you promised.