3 Outlines You Can Use To Write Guides, eBooks & White Papers With Ease And Efficiency

Introduction

Let’s be real.

The fact is that Guides, PDFs and White Papers – the big bad boys, are worth their weight in gold when it comes to building trust, authority, and a loyal following for your brand.

Think about it – who doesn’t love a well-crafted piece of content that actually helps them do their job better?

It’s like a little gift from the marketing gods, wrapped up in a neat PDF or white paper package.

And the best part? You gate that precious content and build yourself a shiny new mailing list of engaged prospects and customers.

Now, we all know that mailing list is the real deal here.

It’s your golden ticket to nurturing those leads through the marketing funnel, peppering them with irresistible offers, and ultimately, turning them into raving fans (or at least, loyal customers).

But here’s the catch – consistently churning out top-notch content assets is no walk in the park. That’s where a little creativity (and a sprinkle of AI magic) comes into play.

I have already dealt with how you can generate topics with AI Magic. We’re talking topic generation that keeps your audience hooked.

In this article, I explore ways to outline topics, especially for long-form PDFs, Whitepapers and Guides, that’ll put even the most seasoned writers to shame.

And guess what? I’ve got not one, not two, but three PDF, whitepaper, and guide outlines up my sleeve, ready to be tailored to your brand’s unique voice with the help of some nifty AI chatbots.So, buckle up, marketers!

I have also shared how to flesh out the content, once you have created an outline.

So gear up for the journey ahead.

Outline #1: The Comprehensive Outline For Blog/ PDF/ Whitepaper

Given below is an example outline that I have created for a SaaS Product. Go through this carefully.

The objective is to split a topic into 5 or more steps. Then expand each step, methodically. Top it up with a list of Resources/ Links, and finish it off with a summary/ conclusion.

After this outline, I have done two things, that you can use for all the outlines here:

• The exact AI query to replicate this outline and make it sing for your brand
• The precise query for fleshing out the outline that you have created for your brand using AI chatbots

Have fun!

Begin Outline

How to Implement a Successful Customer Onboarding Process for Your SaaS Product

Introduction

• Importance of an effective customer onboarding process for SaaS businesses
• Overview of the key steps involved

Step 1: Define Your Onboarding Goals and Metrics

• Identify your primary objectives (e.g., product adoption, user activation, customer retention)
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success
• Time to first value
• Product usage metrics
• Customer satisfaction scores
• Tips for setting SMART goals
• Recap importance of clear goals and metrics

Step 2: Map Out the Customer Journey

• Understand your target user personas
• Their roles, pain points, and motivations
• Their familiarity with your product category
• Identify key touchpoints and milestones
• Account provisioning and setup
• Product walkthroughs and training
• Achieving “aha” moments
• Tips for creating an engaging onboarding experience
• Recap the value of a well-designed customer journey

Step 3: Develop Onboarding Content and Resources

• Create a knowledge base with product documentation
• Getting started guides
• Feature tutorials and FAQs
• Leverage multiple content formats
• Interactive walkthroughs and tooltips
• Video tutorials and webinars
• Email sequences and in-app messaging
• Tips for creating user-friendly and engaging content
• Recap the importance of comprehensive onboarding resources

Step 4: Implement Automated Onboarding Workflows

• Leverage your product analytics to trigger automated actions
• Welcome emails and in-app messages
• Feature adoption prompts and nudges
• Integrate with communication tools (email, chat, etc.)
• Tips for creating seamless automated experiences
• Recap the benefits of automation in onboarding

Step 5: Continuously Optimize and Iterate

• Collect and analyze user feedback and behavior data
• A/B test different onboarding flows and content
• Identify areas for improvement and iterate
• Recap the importance of continuous optimization

Resources

• A list of 5 recommended onboarding tools and platforms
• 5 Case studies of successful SaaS onboarding examples
• 5 Additional reading options on user experience and customer success

Conclusion

• Recap the key steps for an effective SaaS customer onboarding process
• Emphasize the long-term benefits of investing in onboarding (product adoption, customer retention, revenue growth)
• Call-to-action to implement the outlined strategies

End Outline

The next bit is to replicate the above outline for your brand.

The steps for that are detailed below. This is the same structure for all the three outlines explored in this article.

Begin Prompt For Replicating The Outline above for your brand/ Modify this as you wish. Copy the example above and insert it into the structure portion of the prompt below.

[Role] =
As a B2B and Customer Onboarding Expert with over 20 years of experience, you bring a unique blend of content writing and program management expertise to help businesses design and execute highly effective onboarding programs. Your content writing skills include adaptability across industries and audiences, deep research proficiency, engaging storytelling, SEO knowledge, and user-centric UX writing. As an onboarding program leader, you excel at strategic planning aligned with business goals, process optimization to maximize efficiency and user experience, cross-functional collaboration, customer advocacy, and data-driven continuous improvement. By combining compelling content creation with expertly managed program execution, you deliver onboarding experiences that educate, engage and delight – driving strong customer satisfaction and employee productivity for the businesses he partners with.

[Topic] = [Customer Onboarding Process for SaaS Product]

[Industry/ Vertical] = [B2B]

[Avatar] = [Product Managers, CEOs, Startup Founders who need ideas for onboarding their customers. SaaS and Technology segments.]

[Task]= [Write a Comprehensive Guide on the Topic]

[Structure] = [Insert the Comprehensive Outline here]

[Style and Tone] =
[Write in simple English, free of any jargon. Be crisp, succinct, without using unnecessary words. Do not repeat the same words/ phrases over and over again – use different words always to express the same thing. Do not hype up the messaging. Tell it as it is but uniquely.]

End Prompt

Once you have generated the outline, for your brand/ problem, the next step is to flesh out the outline using AI Tools. You can do this as explained below.

Begin Prompt to flesh out an outline. Modify it as you wish.

Given below is the precise outline of a Comprehensive Guide. I want you to expand each section/ step as explained in the outline.

Expand this one section/ step at a time. After writing each section/ step, ask my permission to proceed, before you move on to the next logical section. Do this till you complete all the sections/ steps.

[Style and Tone]: [Write in simple English, free of any jargon. Be crisp, succinct, without using unnecessary words. Do not repeat the same words/ phrases over and over again – use different ways to express the same thing. Do not hype up the messaging. Tell it as it is but uniquely.]

[Insert the outline for the comprehensive guide here]

End Prompt to flesh out an outline

Outline #2: Digital Marketing Strategies: Beginner to Advanced Levels

You can use this outline to create your own Beginner to Advanced Level outline on any Topic.

I shall show you how, at the end.

Begin Prompt

Introduction

• Overview of Digital Marketing Strategies
• Importance of mastering digital marketing
• What to expect from this book

Introduction to Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Introduction to SEO, Definition and importance of SEO, How search engines work

• Step 1: Keyword Research- Description of step
• Step 2: On-Page Optimization – Crisp Description/ actions of this step
• Step 3: Off-Page Optimization – Description, actions of step
• Step 4: Technical SEO – Description of step, actions
• Tips and Warnings: Common SEO mistakes to avoid, Best practices for staying up-to-date with SEO trends
• Summary: Key takeaways from the SEO section

Introduction to Social Media Marketing

• Introduction to Social Media Marketing, Overview of popular social media platforms, Benefits of social media marketing
• Step 1: Creating a Social Media Strategy- Description of step, actions
• Step 2: Content Creation and Curation – Description of step, actions
• Step 3: Engaging with Your Audience – Description of step, actions
• Step 4: Analyzing Metrics and Performance – Description of step, actions
• Tips and Warnings: Effective social media management tools, Avoiding social media pitfalls
• Summary: Key takeaways from the Social Media Marketing section

Introduction to Blogging and Content Marketing

• Introduction to Blogging and Content Marketing, Importance of content in digital marketing, How blogging drives traffic and engagement
• Step 1: Finding Your Niche – Description of step, actions
• Step 2: Creating High-Quality Content – Description of step, actions
• Step 3: Promoting Your Blog – Description of step, actions
• Step 4: Monetizing Your Blog – Description of step, actions
• Tips and Warnings, Content marketing best practices, Common content marketing mistakes
• Summary: Key takeaways from the Blogging and Content Marketing section

Introduction to Email Marketing

• Introduction to Email Marketing, Why email marketing is still relevant, Overview of email marketing platforms
• Step 1: Building an Email List, Description of step, actions
• Step 2: Creating Effective Email Campaigns, Description of the step, actions
• Step 3: Analyzing Email Campaign Performance, Description of the step, actions
• Step 4: Automating Your Email Marketing, Description of step, Actions
• Tips and Warnings, Ensuring compliance with email marketing laws, Tips for improving email open and click-through rates
• Summary: Key takeaways from the Email Marketing section

Introduction to Paid Advertising (PPC, Media Buys)

• Introduction to Paid Advertising, Overview of pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, Benefits of media buys
• Step 1: Setting Up a PPC Campaign, Description of the step, actions
• Step 2: Optimizing Ad Performance, Description of the step, actions
• Step 3: Budgeting for Media Buys, Description of the step, actions
• Step 4: Tracking and Analyzing Ad Success, Description of the step, actions
• Tips and Warnings: Avoiding common PPC mistakes, Maximizing ROI on media buys
• Summary: Key takeaways from the Paid Advertising section

Advanced Digital Marketing Strategies

• Introduction to Advanced Strategies: Exploring advanced tactics in digital marketing, The importance of continuous learning
• Step 1: Advanced SEO Techniques, Description of step, Actions
• Step 2: Utilizing AI in Marketing, Description of step, Description of step, Actions
• Step 3: Advanced Social Media Tactics, Description of step, Actions
• Step 4: Leveraging Data Analytics, Description of step, Actions
• Tips and Warnings: Staying ahead of digital marketing trends, Ensuring ethical marketing practices
• Summary: Key takeaways from the Advanced Strategies section

Conclusion

• Summary of all the topics covered
• Encourage readers to take action
• Final thoughts on mastering digital marketing strategies

End Prompt

Begin Prompt For Replicating The Outline above for your brand/ Modify this as you wish. Copy the example above and insert it into the structure of the prompt below.

[Role] =
As a B2B and Customer Onboarding Expert with over 20 years of experience, you bring a unique blend of content writing and program management expertise to help businesses design and execute highly effective onboarding programs. Your content writing skills include adaptability across industries and audiences, deep research proficiency, engaging storytelling, SEO knowledge, and user-centric UX writing. As an onboarding program leader, you excel at strategic planning aligned with business goals, process optimization to maximize efficiency and user experience, cross-functional collaboration, customer advocacy, and data-driven continuous improvement. By combining compelling content creation with expertly managed program execution, you deliver onboarding experiences that educate, engage and delight – driving strong customer satisfaction and employee productivity for the businesses he partners with.

[Topic] = [Customer Onboarding Process for SaaS Product]

[Industry/ Vertical] = [B2B]

[Avatar] = [Product Managers, CEOs, Startup Founders who need ideas for onboarding their customers. SaaS and Technology segments.]

[Task]= [Write a Comprehensive Guide on the Topic]

[Structure] = [Insert the Comprehensive Outline here]

[Style and Tone]: [Write in simple English, free of any jargon. Be crisp, succinct, without using unnecessary words. Do not repeat the same words/ phrases over and over again – use different words always to express the same thing. Do not hype up the messaging. Tell it as it is but uniquely.]

End Prompt

Outline #3: Generic Guide to Diverse Topics

Begin Prompt

The objective here is to split any topic into 3 main ideas and explore this in detail. We shall include additional ideas at the end.

Introduction

• Overview of Topics Covered
• Importance and Purpose of the Guide
• Structure and How to Use the Guide

Understanding Topic 1:

• Introduction to Topic 1, Definition and Key Concepts. Importance of Topic 1 with stats
• History of Topic 1: Origin and Evolution, Key Milestones
• Relevance and Utility: How Topic 1 Benefits Readers, Real-World Applications
• Tips for Maximizing Usefulness: Practical Tips and Best Practices, Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Case Studies or Examples: Two Illustrative Examples, Two Success Stories

[Insert an Expert Quote 1 here, contextual to the subject being discussed]

Exploring Topic 2

• Introduction to Topic 2: Definition and Key Concepts, Importance of Topic 2 with stats
• History of Topic 2: Origin and Evolution, Key Milestones
• Relevance and Utility: How Topic 2 Benefits Readers, 2 Real-World Applications
• Tips for Maximizing Usefulness: 2 Practical Tips and Best Practices, 2 Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Case Studies or Examples: 2 Illustrative Examples, 2 Success Stories

[Insert an Industry Statistic here, contextual to the subject being discussed]

Diving into Topic 3

• Introduction to Topic 3: Definition and Key Concepts, Importance of Topic 3 with stats
• History of Topic 3: Origin and Evolution, Key Milestones
• Relevance and Utility: How Topic 3 Benefits Readers, 2 Real-World Applications
• Tips for Maximizing Usefulness: Practical Tips and Best Practices, Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Case Studies or Examples: 2 Illustrative Examples, 2 Success Stories

[Insert an Expert Quote 1 here, contextual to the subject being discussed]

Additional Essential Topics

• Introduction to Topic 4: Definition and Key Concepts, Importance of Topic 4 with stats
• History of Topic 4: Origin and Evolution, Key Milestones
• Relevance and Utility: How Topic 4 Benefits Readers, 2 Real-World Applications
• Tips for Maximizing Usefulness: 2 Practical Tips and Best Practices, 2 Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Case Studies or Examples: 2 Illustrative Examples, 2 Success Stories with citations/ links

[Insert an Industry Statistic here, contextual to the subject being discussed]

Conclusion

• Recap of Topics Covered
• Key Takeaways and Insights
• Encouraging Action and Implementation
• Final Thoughts and Future Directions

End Prompt

Use the same prompt as given above in the first outline, to replicate this and expand this outline, for your brand.

AI Tools that you can use

The prompts on Phewture are AI tool agnostic. They should work on GeminiPro, ChatGPT, Claude and Perplexity. Even on free tools such as llama3 by Meta which you can install on your desktop.

• ChatGPT and Gemini Pro can read Google Files by way of attachment
• Claude can read PDFs.
• Perplexity can read text files and PDFs.

Use these capabilities to upload your prompts and get the best out of these tools.

You will have to use the following prompt, if you follow the upload method.
Please complete the tasks outlined in the attached document.

Read this article on how to install LLMs on your desktop.

Next Steps

1. To help you find your way around Phewture, I have put together a set of AI Recipes under Wayfinding. Do go through these and you’ll navigate like a pro through this stream of consciousness. 😄
2. The Learning Methods are exercises that I’d recommend if you wish to wrap your head around the possibilities of using AI Recipes at work, or for play.
3. Don’t forget to leave your comments below and share your joy with your friends on social media. Use the share icons below this post to gain some good karma.

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