How to post online (3 of 3)

This is my final post in the series of WHAT to post online:

• What your content pillars are here

• What format of posts to write here

• What topics to place in those pillars here

Finally, we are going to pull it all together in a framework that will give you endless content ideas, even when inspiration has left you in the dust.

We’ll be talking about the content categories all this stuff fits into. Where the rubber meets the proverbial road, as it were.

Here’s the categories I like to think about:

Spiky POV

A spiky point of view (POV) is something that you believe that is extremely polarizing. Sharing your spiky point of view makes you a beacon for like-minded people who think “finally someone said this” and want to dive deeper with you.

A couple of my examples:

• Humans weren't meant to retire; work on something you enjoy for the rest of your life.

• Freedom is more important than uncertainty.

Huger than Dallas

This is something my dad used say when referring to something really big. Huger is just appalachian for bigger. But the idea here is that you want to create a world with your content. When someone see this type of post, you want to make them feel part of something bigger.

Ways to do this:

• Break down trending topics using images and videos.

• Bright, accessible designs that pull you in.

Example of someone that does this really well: Trung Phan.

I2C

I2C = (Insights * ideas) + content.

This is the type of content that combines insights into current market trends in your niche and your ideas about how it will affect what you do and tactical ideas about how to use it to your advantage.

Fits really well into a list format.

Example of someone that does this really well: Greg Isenberg.

Lessa is more

This is named after my friend and one of my favorite writers, Lessa. It’s a content type she’s mastered that is just a 1-2 line tweet. Can be funny or a lesson in a few words. Don’t overthink it. Just get to the point. Has the possibility to go viral.

Thought sandwiches

This is the “What, Why, How” content type and is typically shorter form. Can be either a great way to put out an idea or a way to teach something very concisely.

Example: Dakota Robertson.

From the desk

From the desk is just a picture of what you’re working on. Could be an actual picture, or could just be a breakdown of the current progress of your projects. Also a great way to share your wins with your audience.

Example creator that does this well: Cristina Espinal.

Story time

It’s in the title. Just stories.

Stories are the best way to both share your authority and establish trust and connection with your audience. Also a great way to build in public and share your wins.

Example creator that does this well: Khalen Germain.

Take them to school

Lastly, this is just your hardcore, teaching and how-to content. Can be very technical and in-depth. Lends itself very well to teaching content.

Example creator: Dan Koe.

Now, to pull ALL OF THIS together, I like to think about it in terms of a candy bar vending machine analogy (because I’m a former fat kid).

You take your topics (that we identified last week) and “wrap” it up into a content type:

Now, once you have a wrapped up product (format + topic), put it in the vending machine (write it based on the pillar and category).

Here’s how it all fits together best in my mind:

The beauty of this framework is that once you have your topics, it’s basically plug and play.

You don’t have to think about it, just pick a topic wrap it in a format, then write to the type and pillar.

And that’s it!

Hope it was helpful.

I’ll be talking more about how to lay these out in a schedule and tactically writing each type later on this week, so stay tuned.

Cheers,

Swanagan