A few years ago, I found myself in a frustrating loop. Every time I wanted to write a new blog post, I’d spend hours staring at my screen, brainstorming angles, and trying to predict what people wanted to read. Most days, I’d either give up or churn out something I wasn’t truly proud of. Then, one evening, I was chatting with a friend who had just managed to rank her blog post on Google’s first page. Curious, I asked, “How did you do it?” Her response changed my entire approach to blogging.
She told me, “The easiest way to figure out what to write is to look at what’s already working. If you type your main keyword into Google and check out the top results, you can see exactly how those successful posts are structured.” At first, it sounded almost too simple. But after giving it a shot, I realized just how effective it could be. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a similar rut, here’s how I learned to “borrow” blog outlines from first-page search results—without compromising originality.
Table of Contents
Find Your Anchor Keyword
The first step is all about choosing a keyword that really resonates with your blog’s focus. Think of this keyword as your anchor. It keeps your content grounded and helps search engines figure out what your post is all about. For instance, if you’re writing about healthy meal prep, your anchor keyword might be something like “easy meal prep ideas” or “beginner-friendly meal prep tips.”
In my case, I usually start by writing down a handful of topics my audience seems interested in. Then, I’ll use a free tool like Ubersuggest or a quick Google search to see how often people search for those topics. Once I see a keyword with decent search volume (and not too much competition), I know I’ve found a good starting point.
Peek at the First Page
After settling on a keyword, the next move is to head over to Google and type it in. The results that pop up on the first page are there for a reason: they’re doing something right. Take a moment to scan the headlines. Are they listicles, how-to guides, or something else? Notice any patterns in the way they’re titled or structured.
Back when I first tried this, I typed my chosen keyword—“content marketing strategy”—into Google and immediately spotted a pattern in the top five results. They all had some variation of “ultimate guide” or “step-by-step approach.” That was my clue that readers (and Google) liked a detailed, instructional style for this topic.
Open and Observe
This is where things get a bit more hands-on. Click on a few of those top-ranking posts and really dive into them. I’m not suggesting you copy their content. Instead, focus on the layout: the introduction, the subheadings, and how the sections flow. Do they start with a quick personal story? Do they use bullet points for clarity? Is there a common thread in how they present tips or steps?
When I did this for “content marketing strategy,” I noticed that each high-ranking article included an overview section defining the concept, followed by a breakdown of specific tactics. Most also wrapped up with a summary or conclusion that nudged readers to take action. These patterns gave me a template for my own post—something to build on without reinventing the wheel.
Gather the Main Themes
As you look through these top posts, start making notes of recurring themes or subtopics. If every article devotes a section to “Setting Goals,” for example, that’s a strong signal that this subtopic is both relevant and important to readers. The same goes for “Tracking Metrics” or “Using Social Media.” When several first-page articles agree on certain key points, you can safely assume that covering them will make your post more comprehensive.
Personally, I like to keep a simple document where I list out the most common headings I find. Then I rearrange them in a way that feels logical to me—maybe starting with the simplest concept and moving on to more advanced ideas.
Shape Your Own Outline
Now that you’ve gathered these recurring headings and subtopics, you can mold them into your own outline. Think of it like piecing together a puzzle. The first-page posts showed you what “picture” resonates with readers, but you still have the freedom to add your unique style. Maybe you want to include a personal anecdote under each heading. Maybe you prefer to use bullet points or a Q&A format.
For instance, if the top posts all talk about “Setting Goals” early on, you might decide to introduce your personal spin: “Why I Learned to Set Specific, Achievable Goals (and How You Can, Too).” This blend of proven structure and personal flair often results in content that feels fresh yet familiar.
Check for Gaps
Before you finalize your outline, it’s worth taking a second look. Ask yourself if there’s anything those top-ranking posts missed or glossed over. Could you offer a case study, a practical example, or a little-known trick that adds real value? Sometimes, the smallest details can make your post stand out.
For me, this step often involves reflecting on my own experiences. If a competitor’s post doesn’t mention a particular hack or anecdote that helped me, I make sure to include it. That extra insight can give readers a reason to prefer your version of the topic over others.
Write from the Heart
With your outline in place, the real fun begins: writing. Use your notes as a guide, but don’t be afraid to let your personality come through. Write as if you’re chatting with a friend who’s curious about your topic. Be honest about any challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them. The more genuine you sound, the more likely readers are to connect with your message.
Remember, the goal isn’t to clone what’s out there. You’re using a proven framework to ensure your post covers the essentials. Beyond that, you want to inject your own stories, opinions, and maybe even a sense of humor, so readers feel like they’re getting something unique.
Publish and Monitor
Once your post is ready, hit publish and keep an eye on its performance. Tools like Google Analytics can help you track page views, bounce rates, and other metrics. It might take a few weeks to see noticeable results, but if you’ve structured your post around what people are actively searching for, there’s a good chance you’ll start attracting more visitors.
Over time, you can tweak the post based on feedback or new insights. If you notice readers keep asking a particular question in the comments, consider adding a new section to address it. Blogging isn’t a one-and-done deal; it’s an ongoing conversation.
Final Thoughts
Stealing blog outlines from first-page search results isn’t about cutting corners or being unoriginal. It’s about studying successful patterns and using them to create something valuable in your own voice. Think of it like learning a new recipe: you might follow someone else’s instructions the first time, but you’ll gradually add your own spices and cooking methods until it becomes your signature dish.
So the next time you’re feeling stuck, remember: the best place to look for inspiration might just be the top of Google’s search results. Study what’s already working, piece together a solid outline, and then let your own creativity shine. Before you know it, you’ll be writing blog posts that feel authentic, resonate with readers, and—who knows?—maybe even land on that coveted first page yourself.
