How to create content like a pro even if you are a novice?

I would be lying if I told you that content creation is easy. It’s not. In fact, with the deluge of content published every day, it is even more difficult to make your content stand out. So, what’s the best way to get started with content creation as a beginner?

Content creation for beginners: The 5-step framework

Hi, I’m Dev, your content creation expert. I simplify content creation for small biz owners, solopreneurs, social media professionals, content and copywriters so that they can create highly targeted content that works, every single time. If you’re looking to make content your superpower, sign up for Content Creation Academy.

Before we start with the framework, I want you to quickly answer the following questions. I promise, this is not just another redundant exercise, you’ll see how it all adds up.

Which of the following feels like you?

1. I am not a writer, how can I create content?
2. I don’t know how to design, how will my posts look professional?
3. I don’t have the time to post every day.
4. I am not skilled in content creation.
5. I am not creative at all.
6. I have never done it before.
7. I have a lot of ideas but I don’t know to turn it into a blog/social media post/newsletter?
8. I used to post but no one engages with my content at all. (or I have no followers)
9. So many people are already doing it.
10. I don’t understand how social media works.

If you answered yes to any of the above, I’ve got your back. As you start with content creation, it is so easy to fall into this trap and give up. But what if I told you that all the above obstacles can be easily overcome. I know, I know, you don’t trust me.

You must be thinking, Dev, I’m serious. I don’t know about content creation. I get you. And this brings us to our first step in the five-step framework.

Step One: It’s all about the mindset

If you have never tried this, oh dear, you’re gonna love this. Ready? Quickly, grab a pen and paper or just print out the handy sheet I made for you and start. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Write down the biggest obstacle for you in content creation
2. Write down what will happen if this obstacle was removed from your path
3. Write down the outcome when you’ve nailed this obstacle. What does the future look like? Trust me, envision that and write it down. (You’ll know why this is so helpful in the next steps)

Amazing! Look at you. Take a moment to look at the answers you have written. This is your creation. This is your content. And you’ve taken the first step to overcome the roadblock.

Ready for step two? Let’s hit it.

Step Two: Let’s do an idea dump

“The way to get good ideas is to get lots of ideas and throw the bad ones away.”

Linus Pauling

That seems simple, eh? And it is simple. That’s why I call it a dump. At this stage, you don’t have to filter anything. Keep your inner critic at bay because I know, how it will always jump in and trash everything.

Ok, here’s what you need to do. But before that, time for some housekeeping:

• Lock yourself in for 15 minutes
• Set a timer
• Put your phone on do not disturb
• Turn on music if that helps you think. I advice don’t do anything, just you and the notebook
• Get some stationery you love, yeah, time to take out those sharpies and sticky notes

How to do the idea dump?

1. Use your notebook or download the sheet I made for you
2. Think of one problem you solve through your product/service/business
3. Write down as many ways as you can think of to solve that problem
4. Write down everything, even the tiniest step
5. Here are some questions to get you started:
   1. What will someone need to do to solve that problem?
   1. How do you help?
   1. How does the solution look like?
   1. How long does it take?
   1. How much will it cost?
   1. Does it need a special skill?
6. Dump every single idea that comes to your mind
7. Don’t filter/judge/eliminate anything. Just keep writing

You see where this is going. Just a few hours ago, you were thinking content creation is not for you. Now, that you have a framework, look at how far you’ve come. Oh dear, you’re already at step three. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Step Three: It’s time to filter the ideas and map with strategy

Now, this one is gonna be super easy. You’ve already done the work. The ideas are right there in front of you (isn’t this a proud feeling? I get it all the time). In this step, we’ll filter the ideas and shape them to match your exact requirement.

You want your ideas to fetch you results, right? Ok, get back to the exercise you did in step one and revisit step 3 – your outcome.

By doing this work, you’re getting close to this outcome. See, how simple it is when you think through your content creation process.

Don’t stop now. You’re almost there. You need to do the following:

1. If you haven’t already, download my free Unlimited Content Ideas Generator Ebook
2. Choose the stage in the buyer’s journey you want to target
3. Select all your ideas from step two and run them through this exercise
4. E.g.
   1. The idea in your workbook: These foods are responsible for fatty liver
   2. The stage you want to target: Awareness
   3. The combination you want to choose: What; How; Why
   4. Based on your idea, fill in the blanks and voila, you have a filtered idea
   5. Don’t like the ideas? No worries. Pick another from the ideas dump worksheet and repeat.
   6. Generate at least 10 ideas before moving to step four

Step Four: Expand the ideas

There, you just crossed another hurdle. Doesn’t it feel amazing? When you get the clarity, the process, the framework, all challenges look within reach. You’re just one step away from seeing your validated idea come to life.

Ready, let’s dive into step four. Here’s what you need to do now:

1. Pick a catchy title (See how to write the perfect headlines here)
2. Create an outline. Follow this exact flow:
   1. What is the problem/challenge?
   2. How is the problem challenge preventing the reader from reaching their goal?
   3. What will happen if they don’t solve it right now?
   4. What is the solution (your product/service/business)?
   5. How to get this solution?
   6. What next (CTA or call to action)?
3. Pick some cool pictures. Here, use these free resources:
   1. Pexels
   2. Unsplash (Recommended)
   3. Freepik
   4. Canva (Recommended)
4. It’s time to create (and celebrate too, come on, you’ve just crossed your biggest hurdle. Let’s show the world what you can do)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dev | Content Marketer-Creator (@contentmarketingninja)

Step Five: Content creation time! Hurray!

This is going to be the easiest of them all. And you thought this is the hardest part? See, I told you it’s all about the mindset. Before we jump into the final battle, revisit the things you finished in step one.

Never lose sight of what is stopping you and what will happen when you overcome them. This is exactly what you’re going to achieve now. Let’s get started:

1. Pick one idea that you have expanded in step four
2. Select what you want to create. I advice starting from the format you are most comfortable with. One that requires the least resistance. If you struggle with design, go for a blog. If words escape you, create a social media post.
3. Here’s how to go about it:
   1. Blog: Start with 500 words. Expand the outline you created in step four above
   2. Social media post – Instagram: Don’t try to get too fancy. Stick to the basics first. Create a square image in Canva, add title, caption, hashtags, CTA
   3. Social media posts – Facebook/Pinterest: Resize the above post in Canva and just tweak the captions. Do not recreate from scratch. Use the same visuals, headline, and content
   4. Social media post – Twitter: Pick 2-3 highlights from the blog post/caption and tweet
4. Here’s the bonus content you can create once you’ve posted any of the above:
   1. Share the post to stories on Facebook and Instagram
   2. Resize and animate the post using Canva and share it as Reels on Instagram or TikTok video
   3. Record the blog post and share it as a Podcast
   4. Go live on Facebook or Instagram: Talk about the problem and the solution and refer to your post or blog. Save this video on your page
   5. Add the link to the video on your blog post for maximum reach

I understand. All this looks overwhelming, right? But Dontcha worry. When you are starting, pick one format that takes you the least amount of time and create. The key here is to have an idea, refine the idea and turn it into a piece of content.

Over time, you will get comfortable and confident to explore multiple content formats. Don’t get stuck on one step. Move. The more you publish, the better you’ll get.

Conclusion

There you are! If you’ve done all the work as mentioned in the five steps above, by now you’ll have a mix of ideas ready to be expanded and turned into content. Celebrate your accomplishment. And put out that content in the world. Share, interact, promote your content.

To conclude, here are the five steps again:

That’s all folks! How do you like this 5-step framework? I promise, if you do the work, this process is going to give you results. Have questions? Drop them in the comments below and I’ll be happy to answer them all.

For more content inspiration, join the Content Creation Academy newsletter. You can also follow me on Instagram where I share more such tips every other day. Happy content creation, you champion!