If you want a handy outline for a persuasive blog post (or any other communications medium), try the "Decker Grid".

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1. Opening: SHARP (a "hook" to catch reader's attention), your point of view, general action step (what you're asking them to do), and what the benefit will be.

2. Main body (1): Key point, sub-point 1, sub-point 2, sub-point 3

3. Main body (2): repeat

4. Main body (3) repeat

5. Closing: restate your point of view, suggest a more specific action step, restate the benefit, and end with another SHARP (memorable hook).

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SendGrid's Elmer Thomas published a comprehensive write-up of the Decker communications training, including the grid, here: http://sendgrid.com/blog/principles-of-a-killer-hackathon-de...