Paragraph Mapping: How to write the content Google loves, fast

Everybody wants their content to get to the top of Google Search results.

To get to the top of Google Search results, you need to understand Google’s Helpful Content Update. The Helpful Content Update priorities content which is original, insightful and therefore helpful to users. If you were hoping to use AI to write great content, you’re out of luck. Unoriginal, generated content is exactly what the update was designed to exclude.  

It isn’t easy creating content which fulfils all of the Helpful Content Update’s priorities at once, but it is possible. 

One trick I find very helpful is something I call Paragraph Mapping. In this article, I’m going to explain how you can use Paragraph Mapping to write quickly and clearly to your audience, so you can focus on your area of expertise, not your prose. 

Creating your Paragraph Map

Paragraph Mapping means writing out the argument of a piece of content in single sentences which logically flow from one to the next.

These sentences can then be fleshed out into full paragraphs, while maintaining a clear logical flow between each paragraph. 

We can use the Paragraph Map I created for this article as an example. Note that each new point follows logically from the previous one and sets up the next. 

1. Everybody wants their content to get to the top of Google Search results.
2. To get to the top of Google Search results, you need to understand Google’s Helpful Content Update.
3. The Helpful Content Update priorities content which is original, insightful and therefore helpful to users.
4. It isn’t easy creating content which fulfils all of the Helpful Content Update’s priorities at once, but it is possible.
5. One trick I find very helpful is something I call Paragraph Mapping.
6. Paragraph Mapping means writing out the argument of a piece of content in single sentences which logically flow from one to the next.
7. These sentences can then be fleshed out into full paragraphs, while maintaining a clear logical flow between each paragraph.
8. We can use the Paragraph Map I created for this article as an example. (YOU ARE HERE!)
9. What Paragraph Mapping does is help you put your argument in clear, simple, logical terms.
10. Once you have your Paragraph Map, you can expand on each point with examples and any elaboration, but that fundamental structure is always there.
11. Not only does Paragraph Mapping help you create original, digestible content that meets Google’s standards – it also helps you do it quickly. 
12. It can be particularly useful if you want to help make team members into thought leaders.
13. When you write a huge amount of content like I do, Paragraph Mapping is a lifesaver.

What Paragraph Mapping does is help you put your argument in clear, simple, logical terms. To create this article, I knew I wanted to share this technique. So, all I did was write out those points as above, made sure each one logically led to the next, then went back to flesh out each one. To keep it clear, I’ve kept each of the points in my Paragraph Map in this article verbatim, but there’s no reason you can’t rephrase or reorder points as you go. 

Once you have your Paragraph Map, you can expand on each point with examples and any elaboration, but that fundamental structure is always there. If you find no elaboration is necessary, you can combine several points together into a single paragraph or let a point stand on its own for emphasis. Don’t be afraid not to elaborate either – only do so when the information you’re adding adds value. Go back to the intro of this article, for example, and you’ll see many of the points in the original Paragraph Map were combined into single paragraphs, making the intro clear and to the point.

The benefits of Paragraph Mapping

Not only does Paragraph Mapping help you create original, digestible content that meets Google’s standards – it also helps you do it quickly. Paragraph Mapping helps you avoid getting lost in the fine print, but it also stops you from being intimidated by the big picture. Its your compass, your guiding light. You always know what you’re writing about, and you always know what’s next. 

It can be particularly useful if you want to make team members into thought leaders. Often you’ll have people on your team (or clients) who are very confident in their area of expertise, but don’t feel confident writing about it. Paragraph Mapping is a really simple way to help them get their thoughts on paper. Then, elaborating on each paragraph becomes an easy step-by-step process for people with less writing experience but a lot to say. 

When you write a huge amount of content like I do, Paragraph Mapping is a lifesaver. It keeps you focused on your goals, keeps your writing clearly marching towards its conclusions and lets you – and your teammates – focus on what they’re going to say, not how they’re going to say it. That’s how you get the kind of clear, helpful content that your organisation – and Google – wants to see. 

Now you know how to make a Paragraph Map, the only thing left to do is find a clever way to sign off at the end of your article.

… I haven’t figured that out yet.

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Want to get in touch about content marketing? Drop me an email at [email protected].