And three more steps ...

7. Writing the body of your post (creating a first draft)

So ... You have an amazing headline and an interesting, exciting introduction. Great! The stage has been set ...

Now you'll have to put your butt down to create some real value ... Luckily, you already have a nice outline ... so, follow your outline! This way your post will follow an easy-to-digest logical flow from start to finish.

It may sound a bit strange, but probably this is the most challenging part of the content creation process. Why? Because, this is the point where you’ll have to create some new actual content. This is the first step where you need to carefully analyze your research data, and to elaborate your unique approach using your own valuable thoughts. But, don’t worry it’s not rocket science …

Here are some useful thoughts:

• use your initial outline and break your content up with logically organized headers (H1, H2, etc)
• expand the outlined content sections using lists, bullets, numbers, etc
• pick up the section that you have the most ideas or the best research for, and develop it further
• then pick up the next section and repeat the developing process

Once you have expanded each section or sub-topic, try to fit all together to create an easy-to-digest logical flow of ideas. At this point you should focus on elaborating your ideas and nailing down your thoughts, without worrying too much about transitions between sections. Just imagine that you are speaking to your ideal reader who is sitting across the table, and get your ideas down. You can worry about transitions, grammar, structure and semantic issues later in the editing stage.

And try to follow a few well-tested rules:

• clarity is vital; make sure the reader knows what to read in each section
• depending on the complexity of your topic, you should consider adding different value propositions to each section
• whenever you can, use outbound links to relevant research materials to support your content
• try to keep your paragraphs short and clearly delimited; and max 2-3 sentences per paragraph
• turn your initial outline headings into descriptive, eye-catching and attention-grabbing sub-headings that will keep your readers focused and interested
• don't focus on the length of your post! focus on VALUE and being thorough!
• don't make assumptions regarding your readers actions; if is needed, walk them through what you expect them to do
• don't neglect the visual aspect! using long text blocks without any kind of visual aid is definitely not a good idea

8. Writing a strong, to-the-point conclusion

First of all, make a quick recap and emphasize what your readers should have learned.

And again, a few must-follow tips:

• you should be able to summarize the very essence and the main point of your post in 2-3 sentences
• try to give them a memorable takeaway idea or one last interesting point to think about
• if appropriate, and with a strong and clear call-to-action

9. Getting a review

This is not a mandatory step, but if you have the chance to get one or two reviews from other people, you should include it in your content creation process. The more people you have – and the more they know about your topic -, the better off you are. Believe me, it’s extremely useful! Just give them your draft(s), and you’ll see, each person will catch different mistakes …

And, once you have your first draft – reviewed or not -, set it aside at least for one or two days! Which is a REALLY important and helpful “cooling off” period! Why? Because, after one or two days, when you are going to review your initial draft, you’ll be able to see – and to re-read – your work more objectively.