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Blog Post Formatting Prompts#

Here are pre-scripted prompts you can use to format different types of blog posts. Source: Claude 3.7 Sonnet

General Blog Post Structure#

Create a well-structured blog post titled “[TITLE]” about [TOPIC]. Include:

  • An attention-grabbing introduction
  • 3-5 main sections with descriptive subheadings
  • Relevant examples or statistics in each section
  • A compelling conclusion with a call-to-action
  • Format for easy readability with short paragraphs, bullet points where appropriate, and subheadings

List-Style Blog Post#

Create a list-style blog post titled “[TITLE]” featuring [NUMBER] [TOPIC]. For each item:

  • Include a bold subheading
  • Write 2-3 paragraphs explaining the item
  • Add a key takeaway or practical tip
  • Format for skimmability with plenty of white space

How-To Tutorial Blog Post#

Create a step-by-step tutorial blog post titled “How to [TASK]” that includes:

  • A brief introduction explaining why this skill matters
  • Required materials/prerequisites list
  • Numbered steps with clear instructions for each
  • Screenshots or image placement recommendations
  • Troubleshooting tips for common issues
  • A conclusion summarizing the benefits of mastering this skill

Product Review Blog Post#

Create a comprehensive product review blog post for [PRODUCT NAME] including:

  • Opening with key specifications and overview
  • Pros and cons section with bullet points
  • Detailed analysis of main features
  • Comparison with similar products
  • User experience section
  • Value for money assessment
  • Final verdict with star or numerical rating
  • Who should buy this product

SEO-Optimized Blog Post#

Create an SEO-optimized blog post about [TOPIC] that:

  • Uses the target keyword “[KEYWORD]” in the title, first paragraph, and 3-5 times throughout
  • Includes 3 related secondary keywords naturally throughout
  • Contains H2 and H3 subheadings with keywords where appropriate
  • Is 1200-1500 words in length
  • Includes meta description suggestion of 150-160 characters
  • Suggests 2-3 internal linking opportunities
  • Has a readable, conversational tone while maintaining expertise

Example blog:

https://waitbutwhy.com/2014/06/taming-mammoth-let-peoples-opinions-run-life.html

https://waitbutwhy.com/2015/01/artificial-intelligence-revolution-1.html

Tim Urban-Style Instructional Blog Post Prompt#

INTRODUCTION#

  • Start with a relatable, everyday scenario that illustrates why people struggle with [TOPIC]
  • Use a conversational, slightly self-deprecating tone
  • Introduce an intriguing question or problem that will hook readers
  • Add a humorous aside or parenthetical thought (Tim often uses these)
  • Promise a deep dive that will genuinely help readers understand this complex topic

THE BIG CONCEPT#

  • Introduce a central metaphor or mental model that will frame the entire post (like the “Social Approval Mammoth” or the “Instant Gratification Monkey”)
  • Define this concept with simple language but profound implications
  • Create a simple stick figure illustration using basic shapes and lines to represent the concept in a humorous way.
  • Explain why this mental model is useful for understanding the topic

EVOLUTIONARY/HISTORICAL CONTEXT#

  • Go back to prehistoric times or historical origins to explain why humans think/behave this way
  • Connect ancient patterns to modern problems
  • Use humor to make this history lesson entertaining

BREAKING DOWN THE PROBLEM#

  • Divide the main concept into 3-5 distinct components or patterns
  • For each component:   * Create a catchy, slightly absurd subheading   * Explain with a mix of logic and humor   * Provide real-world examples that readers will recognize in their own lives   * Include a surprising insight or counterintuitive fact

THE SPECTRUM#

  • Create a spectrum or matrix showing different types of people/behaviors related to the topic
  • Label the extremes with humorous but accurate descriptions
  • Place yourself somewhere on this spectrum (usually not at the ideal point)
  • Explain the consequences of being at different points

GOING DEEPER (THE TANGENT)#

  • Take a fascinating detour into a related but unexpected aspect of the topic
  • Start with “Now let’s talk about something interesting…”
  • Make connections that most explanations of this topic don’t cover
  • Return to how this connects to the main concept

PRACTICAL STRATEGIES#

  • Introduce 5-7 actionable techniques for mastering this concept
  • For each technique:   * Give it a memorable name   * Explain the psychology/science behind why it works   * Provide a concrete example of implementing it   * Address common obstacles or misunderstandings

PHILOSOPHICAL IMPLICATIONS#

  • Zoom out to the bigger life questions this topic connects to
  • Discuss what mastering this concept means for human happiness/fulfillment
  • Share a personal reflection or realization
  • Acknowledge the difficulty of implementing these ideas

CONCLUSION#

  • Return to the central metaphor/mental model
  • Summarize the key insights in a non-generic way
  • End with a thought-provoking question or call-to-action
  • Add a humorous final stick figure or aside

BONUS SECTION#

  • Include a “Wait But What About…” section addressing common questions/objections
  • Add a recommended reading list with quirky descriptions of each source

NOTES:#

  • Intersperse humor throughout, especially when explaining complex concepts
  • Use casual language and occasional profanity for emphasis
  • Create simple but effective diagrams at key points
  • Make paragraphs short and readable
  • Use bold text for key concepts worth remembering
  • Include numerous examples that make abstract ideas concrete
  • Embrace occasional tangents if they’re genuinely interesting
  • Don’t be afraid of length - Wait But Why posts are comprehensive