A

Content Marketing Playbook

← Back to Console

Table of Contents

SEED — Business DNA Map

Before you build anything, map yourself.

SEED is a self-assessment framework. It tells you what business to build and who to build it for. Every client should run this before creating a single piece of content.

S — Skills E — Experience E — Expertise D — Demand

The Four Dimensions

💡 The strongest indicator of what business to build is NOT passion — it's what you actively consume in your free time. If you consume it, you understand the nuances. That's your edge.

How to Use It

  1. Map all four dimensions on paper — don't filter, just dump everything
  2. Look for overlaps — where do 2-3 dimensions intersect?
  3. That intersection is your niche. Build there.
  4. If you have five skills, ask: "Which ONE could I deliver on right now for $10K?"

The 4 Content Modes

Every piece of content must serve one mission. Tag it.
ModeGoalFrequency
ATTRACTWide hooks. Bring new people onto your page. Discovery-focused. Algorithm-friendly.Daily
NURTUREBuild deeper trust and rapport. Value-driven. Personal stories and behind-the-scenes.2-3x/week
POSITIONEstablish authority. Share frameworks, insights, case studies. "This person knows their stuff."1-2x/week
CONVERTGenerate leads or make direct sales. Comment-trigger CTA. This is the rarest type.1-2x/week
ATTRACTNew eyes
NURTUREBuild trust
POSITIONAuthority
CONVERTLeads / Sales
💡 Rule of Seven: A potential buyer needs to see your product 7 times before purchasing. A single post never converts. You need a launch sequence that compounds impressions.

Common Mistake

Most creators confuse the modes. They try to ATTRACT and CONVERT in the same post. The result: the algorithm doesn't distribute it (too specific for new audiences) AND warm followers don't convert (no trust built yet). One mode per post. Tag it before you write.

The Hook Formula (PIN)

The 3-part formula for headlines that stop the scroll.
P — Person I — Impact N — No-catch

Examples

Weak HookPIN Hook
"How to get more clients""For consultants who want 5 new clients per month without spending a dollar on ads"
"Content strategy tips""For business owners posting daily but getting zero leads — here's what's actually broken"
"Grow your Instagram""For coaches under 10K followers who want to book 3 calls per week from organic content alone"
💡 The hook must be WIDE for the algorithm. If only your niche understands it, Instagram won't distribute it. A wide hook catches the ICP without alienating everyone else.

The Script Structure

The skeleton of every video script you write.

Every script — short-form or long-form — follows this 5-part structure:

  1. STOP — The hook. First 2-3 seconds. Pattern interrupt. Bold claim, question, or surprising statement. If they don't stop scrolling here, nothing else matters.
  2. PAIN — Agitate the problem. Make them feel it. Use their exact language — the words they'd say to a friend at 11pm. Not marketing jargon.
  3. ANSWER — Deliver the core insight. Your framework, your method, your perspective. Be specific — name it, number it, give the exact steps.
  4. REVEAL — Proof. Show why this works. Client results, personal story, data. Mirror Method: show everything inside your solution before asking them to pay.
  5. KICK — CTA. Not "like and subscribe." Lead gen: "Comment CHECKLIST." High ticket: "DM me STRATEGY." Direct sales: "Link in bio."
✅ Long-form (YouTube): 800-1200 words, ~10 min spoken. Each section gets room to breathe.
✅ Short-form (Reels): 80-180 words, 30-90 sec. Compress each section to 1-2 lines.

The Reel Structure (SNAP)

4 beats. Every reel. Every time.
S — Snag N — Nudge A — Add value P — Push

The Copy Framework (GRIP)

The 4-step framework for writing anything that sells.
G — Ground R — Relate I — Ignite P — Push

Use GRIP for captions, carousels, landing page copy, email sequences, and ad copy. It works everywhere.

The 3 Content Angles

Three lenses for generating raw material on any topic.
  1. Agree — Statements your ICP would immediately say "yes, exactly" to. These become your best hooks and headlines. They stop the scroll because the viewer feels seen.
  2. Challenge — Contrarian takes. Challenge a commonly held belief. These are the best pattern-interrupt hooks. Challenge the belief, then deliver your truth.
  3. Call Out — The things your ICP complains about to friends but never says publicly. Casual, spoken language. The more specific and colloquial, the more it resonates.

How to Use

Before writing any script, generate 3-5 raw statements for each angle. This gives you 9-15 potential hooks from a single topic. Pick the strongest and build the script around it.

The Batch Content System

90 unique content pieces from a single filming session.

The formula: 30 hooks × 3 body scripts × 3 CTAs = 270 possible combinations. You only need 90.

The Process

  1. Write 30 hooks (use the 3 Content Angles × 10 topics)
  2. Write 3 body scripts (different depths: quick tip, medium breakdown, deep dive)
  3. Write 3 CTAs (lead magnet, follow, high ticket DM)
  4. Film all 30 hooks back to back — just the first line, same setup, same lighting
  5. Film all 3 bodies back to back
  6. Film all 3 CTAs back to back
  7. In editing, mix and match any hook + any body + any CTA
✅ One filming session. 90 unique pieces. Posted daily = 3 months of content from one afternoon.

The Content Diagnostic

Diagnose exactly what's broken. Stop scrapping entire strategies.

Every piece of content has 3 variables: Angle (the theme), Hook (the first line), and Format (the delivery method). When content underperforms, only ONE variable is broken.

SymptomDiagnosisFix
Bad click-through rateFORMAT issueChange the format (reel → carousel, talking head → text overlay)
Low thumb-stop percentageHOOK issueChange the hook. Try a different angle from your 3 Content Angles.
Good watch time, no conversionsANGLE issueThe topic doesn't connect to a purchase decision. Change the angle to address a paying pain.
💡 This prevents the "nothing works" spiral. Something DOES work — you just need to isolate which variable to change.

The Lead Gen Content Formula

Lead gen content collects emails or DMs — NOT direct sales.

The goal is a micro-transformation that makes someone want more. Three parts:

  1. Address a specific pain the audience already has — real, immediate, recognizable. Not theoretical.
  2. Share how to achieve a desired outcome — educational, actionable, implementable TODAY. Don't gatekeep. Give them the how. They'll pay you for the implementation.
  3. Clear CTA that helps them implement — "Comment [KEYWORD] for the guide." / "DM me [KEYWORD] for the template." The CTA word triggers a ManyChat flow or manual DM.
Specific PainTheir words
Genuine ValueTeach the HOW
Clear CTAComment/DM keyword
Lead CapturedManyChat / Manual DM

Good vs. Bad Lead Gen Content

GoodBad
Addresses a specific painful problemFocuses on features of your product
Shares genuine value — teaches the HOWNo substance — just lifestyle flexing
Clear, specific CTA above the foldCTA buried in caption or vague

The Direct Sales Formula

Close a sale from a single post. Best for low-ticket offers ($27-$197).
  1. Showcase a transformation immediately — before/after. Don't describe features. Show the result.
  2. Price-to-value no-brainer — the perceived cost of their pain must be significantly higher than your price. Make it feel stupid NOT to buy.
  3. One focused ask — single landing page, one offer, one click. Don't send them to a page with multiple options. One page. One thing. One button.
💡 Don't sell — REMIND. Say "this is what I do" once a week. Then stack testimonials. People don't need convincing. They need reminding that you exist and deliver results.

The Lead Magnet Tiers

Not all lead magnets are equal. Four tiers ranked by trust-building power.
TierTypeTrust LevelConversion
1 (Best)Live Webinar or WorkshopHighest — Rule of Seven in one sitting5-15%
2Video-Based Free TrainingHigh — 3-7 day series, automated delivery3-8%
3Quiz or Assessment FunnelMedium — personalized result, routes ICPs2-5%
4Static Asset (PDF, Guide, Notion Doc)Lowest — but lowest friction to opt in1-3%

Conversion Rate by Tier

Live Webinar
5-15%
Video Training
3-8%
Quiz/Assessment
2-5%
Static PDF
1-3%

What Kills a Lead Magnet

The DM Close Sequence (CLOSE)

The 5-step framework for closing in DMs.
C — Connect L — Listen O — Open S — Solve E — Enroll
  1. Connect — Who to DM and when. 4 tiers by warmth: (1) people who commented, (2) people who liked, (3) new followers, (4) people engaging with competitors. Start warm.
  2. Listen — Open a conversation, don't sell. Ask: "Are you here for the content or are you actually trying to [solve the problem]?" Let them tell you their pain.
  3. Open — Present the transformation + price transparently. No bait-and-switch. Show what's inside (Mirror Method).
  4. Solve — Reflect their specific situation back to them. "Based on what you told me about [X], here's exactly how this would work for you."
  5. Enroll — Handle objections (see Objection Handling Scripts below). Close with confidence. If not now, nurture — don't burn the bridge.

The Cold Email Framework (INTRO)

The 5-step cold outreach formula. Works across email, LinkedIn, and Instagram DMs.
I — Impress N — Name the pain T — Tie solution R — Reveal yourself O — Open loop
  1. Impress — Lead with a genuine compliment about their work. Not generic flattery. Something specific that shows you've actually looked at what they do.
  2. Name the pain — Identify a problem they likely have based on your research. "I noticed you're posting daily but your engagement suggests the hooks might not be landing."
  3. Tie the solution — Connect your offer to their specific pain. Don't pitch features. Show the bridge between where they are and where they want to be.
  4. Reveal yourself — Brief credibility. One line. "I've helped 40+ coaches build content systems that generate 10+ leads per week."
  5. Open loop — End with a question, not a pitch. "Would it be helpful if I shared how we did this for [similar client]?" Give them a reason to reply.

Objection Handling Scripts

Acknowledge → Reframe → Redirect. Every time.

The formula: Acknowledge the concern (validate, don't dismiss), Reframe it (shift their perspective), Redirect (move toward the next step).

ObjectionReframe
"I can't afford it"What's the cost of staying where you are for another 6 months? The investment pays for itself when you land your first 2-3 clients from the system.
"I'm too busy"That's exactly why you need a system. Right now you're spending hours on content that doesn't convert. This replaces chaos with a machine.
"I'm not ready yet"Ready is a feeling, not a fact. The people who get results start before they feel ready. What specifically would make you feel ready?
"Will it work for my niche?"The frameworks are universal — the specifics are customized. Here's a client in a similar space... [show proof]

The 7-Day Email Sequence

When someone opts in, you have 7 days to convert them.
DayThemePurpose
1Your StoryWho you are, why you do this, your origin. Build connection.
2Their Biggest ProblemName the pain they're feeling right now. Show you understand.
3A Quick WinGive them something they can implement in 10 minutes. Prove your value.
4Client StoryBefore/after. Show someone like them who got the result.
5Market ContextWhy NOW is the right time. What's changing in the industry.
6Soft OfferIntroduce your offer. Show what's inside. Mirror Method — hide nothing.
7Final PushUrgency. Limited spots, price increase, or deadline. One clear CTA.

The Mirror Method

The biggest reason people don't buy is uncertainty, not price.

Show everything inside your offer before they pay. Give away 70-80% of the value free. The remaining 20% — the implementation, the accountability, the feedback loop — that's what they pay for.

How to Apply

💡 People don't buy information — they buy implementation. You can teach your entire system for free and people will still pay you to do it for them or guide them through it.

Funnel Architecture

Websites scatter. Funnels focus.

A website sends people in every direction. A funnel has ONE goal per page.

Content / Ads — Wide reach (ATTRACT mode)
Lead Magnet — Email capture (CONVERT mode)
Email Sequence — 7-Day Drip (NURTURE mode)
Sales Call — Qualification + Close
💰 Client

High-Ticket Funnel ($1,000+)

  1. Lead magnet opt-in (email capture)
  2. Thank you page with book-a-call CTA
  3. VSL or free training (builds trust + Rule of Seven)
  4. 7-Day Email Sequence
  5. Sales call (close)

Low-Ticket Funnel ($27-$197)

  1. Direct sales post or reel (The Direct Sales Formula)
  2. Landing page — transformation + price + testimonials + one button
  3. Checkout page
  4. Upsell page (optional)

The 70/80 Rule

Give 70-80% of the value free. They pay for the implementation.

70-80% of all content and ad traffic should go to lead magnets, not offers. You build the relationship first. The multi-day free training sequence builds the Rule of Seven into one automated system.

The 3-Phase Launch Plan

A launch is not a single post. It's a sequence.

Phase 1 — WARM (2-8 weeks before)

Build in public. Share the process. Talk about what you're building without selling it. Create anticipation. Collect early interest (waitlist).

Phase 2 — LAUNCH (3-4 concentrated days)

6 daily touchpoints across platforms. Stories, posts, reels, emails, DMs. Each touchpoint addresses a different objection or shows a different angle. Scarcity and urgency are real (limited spots, early-bird pricing).

Phase 3 — CHASE (1-2 weeks after)

Collect reviews and testimonials from buyers. Share them publicly. Return to normal content mix but reference the launch results. Plant seeds for next launch.

Sales Call System

Push show-up rate from 50% to 70-80%.
  1. Book within 48-72 hours — intent decays fast. Don't let a week pass.
  2. Send a personal email within 6 hours — "Hey [name], excited for our call. Here's what we'll cover..." Not automated. Personal.
  3. Use a Call Confirmed page — after booking, show a page that sets expectations: what to prepare, how long, what outcomes.
  4. Pre-qualify in Calendly — 3-4 questions: what's your biggest challenge, what have you tried, what's your budget range?
  5. The call itself — 30-45 minutes. Listen more than you talk. Ask about their pain, their dream outcome, what they've tried. Present your solution only after you understand their world.

Scaling Milestones

The 5 milestones from first sale to $100K+/month.
MilestoneRevenueFocus
1First 10 salesProve the offer works. Collect testimonials. Refine the pitch.
2$5-10K/monthSystemize delivery. Create SOPs. Stop doing everything yourself.
3$10-30K/monthHire a DM setter (~3% commission). They qualify, you close.
4$30-50K/monthHire a sales closer (~10% commission). You focus on content and strategy.
5$100K+/monthTeam runs operations. You're the face and the strategist. Content compounds.
💡 Consistency beats talent every time. The person who posts daily for 6 months will outperform the person who posts perfect content once a week.

Hook Stacking (5 Hooks Per Post)

Most creators use 1 hook. Stack 5 for maximum scroll-stopping power.

Every post should have multiple hooks working simultaneously. Each catches a different type of scroller.

  1. Visual Hook — Unusual setting, props, or activity. Standing at your desk, pouring something, building Jenga. Anything that's visually unexpected.
  2. Title Overlay — Text on screen: "I was wrong," "I disagree," "Nobody talks about this." Short, provocative, makes them read on.
  3. Content Clip — A small video playing beside you that you're about to react to or break down. Viewers stay to hear your commentary.
  4. Physical Prop — Cardboard cutouts to rip off, a whiteboard with hidden points, an object that doesn't belong. The cheapness is the hook.
  5. Outfit/Appearance — Unusual hat, high-vis jacket, something that makes you visually distinctive. You become memorable.
📊 Phil Harris grew to 420K followers using this method. Every single post stacks 5 hooks. You don't need all 5 to start — even 2-3 dramatically increases retention.

The $5 Content Rule

Make your content so good someone would pay $5 for it.

Not $100. Not $1,000. Just $5. If someone watches your reel and thinks "that was genuinely useful — I'd pay a five bucks for that tip," you've hit the quality bar.

How to Test

This one filter changes your entire content mindset. You stop posting to "stay consistent" and start posting to deliver genuine value.

Borrow Audiences (Influencer Coaching)

One right partnership can build an entire business.

The Method

  1. Find someone with 20-40K followers in your niche (sweet spot — big enough audience, small enough to reply)
  2. Offer to coach/help them for free — genuinely deliver results
  3. In exchange, they post about you 2x per month — "I'm working with [you], it's incredible"
  4. Every like and comment on THEIR post about you → you DM those people
  5. Even without the posts, being tagged gets you new followers organically
✅ One PT built a $30K/month business from a single influencer partnership. Find the right person and this alone can fill your pipeline.

Speed-to-Lead (60 Second Rule)

Their intent is never higher than the moment they opt in.

The Setup

  1. Lead opts into your training/lead magnet
  2. Zapier triggers a Slack notification immediately
  3. You (or your team member) call them within 60 seconds
  4. If they haven't watched the training: "I can condense the key points into 5 minutes for you right now"
  5. Book them on a closer call immediately

Why It Works

7 out of 10 people never watch your free training. They opted in with good intentions, then life happened. Calling immediately catches them while the intent is fresh. You're paying for these leads anyway — squeeze every drop.

💡 The old method: call 2 days later. The new method: call in 60 seconds. Same leads. Double the bookings.

CTA Templates

Copy-paste CTAs for every situation.

Lead Gen (Comment Trigger)

Lead Gen (Link)

High Ticket (Conversation Starter)

Never Use

Lead Magnet Suggestions by Topic

Match your script topic to the right lead magnet type.
Script TopicLead Magnet TypeExample
Content strategy / systemsChecklist PDF"The 7-Step Content System Checklist"
Hooks / viral contentSwipe file"50 Proven Hooks That Got 1M+ Views"
Funnel / lead genTemplate"The Lead Magnet Landing Page Template"
Brand voice / positioningWorksheet"Brand Voice Clarity Worksheet"
Offer design / pricingFramework PDF"The Offer Structure Blueprint"
Email sequencesTemplate"7-Day Email Sequence Template"
Content calendar / planningTemplate"30-Day Content Calendar Template"
DM closing / salesScript doc"The DM Closing Script (5 Messages)"
Objection handlingCheat sheet"Objection Handler Cheat Sheet"
Scaling / team buildingGuide"The First Hire Playbook"
Hook stackingChecklist"The 5-Hook Stacking Checklist"
Instagram growthSwipe file"30 Days of Reel Ideas (Copy & Customize)"
LinkedInTemplate"LinkedIn Profile Makeover Template"

Client Acquisition System

The agency playbook for turning content into paying clients.

The Client Acquisition Overview

Content → Leads → Clients. The entire system in one flow.
Post Daily$5 Rule quality
Hook Stack5 hooks per post
Engagement SweepDM every liker
Qualify in DMsCLOSE sequence
Book CallWithin 48hrs
💰 Client

The Two Revenue Channels

ChannelMethodCostSpeed
Organic ContentPost daily → DM engagers → qualify → closeFree (time only)Slower but compounds
Paid + Speed-to-LeadAds → lead capture → instant call → closeAd spend + phone timeFaster, immediate ROI
✅ Both channels feed the same pipeline. Organic builds brand long-term. Paid fills gaps short-term. Use both.

Weekly Rhythm

ATTRACT posts
7x / week (daily)
NURTURE posts
3x / week
POSITION posts
2x / week
CONVERT posts
1x / week
DM Sweeps
Daily (every engagement)

The Content-to-Client Funnel

How a single reel becomes a paying client.
🎬 Short-Form ReelHook-stacked, $5 Rule quality, one idea
💬 CTA: "Comment SYSTEM"Triggers ManyChat or manual DM
📥 Lead Magnet DeliveredChecklist, template, or framework
📧 7-Day Email SequenceStory arc → soft offer → final push
📞 Discovery CallQualify + present transformation
💰 PAID CLIENT

Alternative: Direct Sales Path (Low-Ticket)

Reel / CarouselTransformation shown
Link in BioOne landing page
💰 Purchase$27-$197

The Engagement Sweep

Turn passive engagement into active pipeline. Every like = a conversation.

The Process

Someone likesor comments
You DM themWithin 24 hours
Opening question"Content or solving?"
QualifyCLOSE sequence
Book call

The DM Script

  1. Opener: "Hey, I noticed you engaged with my post about [topic]. Quick question — are you here for the content or are you actually trying to [solve specific problem]?"
  2. If they respond: Ask 2-3 qualifying questions — what's their biggest challenge, what have they tried, what does success look like?
  3. If qualified: "I think I can help with that. Would it make sense to hop on a quick 15-min call to see if we're a fit?"
  4. If not ready: Send them the relevant lead magnet. They enter the 7-Day Email Sequence. Nurture, don't burn.

Engagement Priority Tiers

Commenters
Highest intent — DM first
DM replies
Already in conversation
Story viewers
Warm — they watch regularly
Post likers
Interested but passive
New followers
Cold — welcome + qualify

The Boost & Capture Cycle

Let Instagram tell you what works. Then put money behind the winner.
Post dailyOrganic content
Instagram signalsOne post gets traction
Boost for $5/dayTargeted to ICP
30+ new followers/dayFrom one piece
DM every oneEngagement Sweep

When to Boost

The Math

MetricValue
Boost spend$5/day = $150/month
New followers/day~30 (from one boosted post)
New followers/month~900
DM conversion to call~5-10%
Calls booked/month~45-90
Close rate~20-30%
New clients/month~9-27
✅ $150/month in boost spend → potentially 9-27 new clients. This is the highest-ROI paid strategy at early stage.

Audience Borrowing

Coach one person. Reach their entire audience.
Find influencer20-40K followers
Coach them freeDeliver real results
They post about you2x per month
DM their engagersEngagement Sweep
Pipeline fills

Finding the Right Partner

Audience SizeResponse RateReachVerdict
Under 10KHighLowNot worth the trade
20-40K (sweet spot)GoodHighBest ROI
50-100KMediumVery highWorth pursuing
100K+LowMassiveHard to land, but game-changing

The Pitch

  1. Follow them. Engage with their content genuinely for 1-2 weeks first.
  2. DM: "Hey, I've been following your content and love what you're doing with [specific thing]. I run a content strategy system and I'd love to put you through it — completely free. No catch. I just want a case study in [their niche]."
  3. Deliver incredible results. Over-deliver.
  4. Ask them to share their experience 2x per month. Most will do it naturally if the results are real.

Platform Compounding

Post once. Distribute everywhere. YouTube compounds forever.

Platform Characteristics

YouTube
Compounds — videos from 3 years ago still bring leads
LinkedIn
Wide open — only 1% post weekly
Instagram
Best for DM sales — direct access to audience
TikTok
Discovery engine — brings new eyes fast
X / Twitter
Authority building — threads and takes

The Repurpose Flow

📹 10-Min YouTube VideoLong-form. Deep trust. Compounds.
🎬 3-5 ReelsCut from video
📸 CarouselKey framework
📖 Story SequencePersonal angle
📝 LinkedIn PostOpinion + insight
Cross-post to TikTok + YouTube ShortsAutomatic via VA or tool
💡 One YouTube video = 3-5 reels + 1 carousel + 1 story sequence + 1 LinkedIn post + TikTok/Shorts cross-posts. That's 7-9 pieces of content from one filming session.

Why YouTube First