AVITUDE BLOG POST 012 - Blog Post Formatting Prompts

Thu, 22 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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

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