The Create Anything Framework

Here’s a secret: Never create anything from scratch.

The ability to create useful content consistently is the foundation of any successful content marketing strategy.

To do this, you have to learn to start a framework or any preset structure. Not only to create faster, but also to create better.

If I were to ask you how to write a blog post, you could rattle off a bunch of thoughts and tactics.

You’d probably tell me how you choose a topic or use short sentences to make your post more readable — both useful tactics to understand and utilize — but neither helps when you stare at the dreaded cursor as it menacingly blinks in your face.

The only thing that will help is never starting with a blank page. Instead, start with a framework.

There is a reason that novels, movies, and sitcoms follow proven structures and storylines — it’s because they work. And when you start with a framework, the process becomes simplified.

Originally published on November 2nd, 2017, this article was updated and republished on October 7th, 2024.

What Is a Framework?

A framework is a structural device that guides you through the process of creating your content from beginning to end. It acts similar to a blog outline. You copy and paste your framework design into a blank document and follow through each step until you finish your article. 

If you’re thinking, “I don’t need to create a framework.” Trust me, you do. Producing consistent, reputable content is the key to building an audience and a platform. 

Here’s why:

• Inspiration isn’t like a lightbulb; you can switch it on or off.
• A framework provides focus and clarity when you hit a creative block (which we all do!).
• It saves you time and helps you produce better articles consistently.

How does a framework help?

• You won’t lose time figuring out how to start your article or what to include.
• It acts as a proven formula to guide you step-by-step.

The result? Consistent, high-quality content that builds a loyal audience

Now, frameworks are a dime a dozen. You can use someone else’s, or you can create your own. I’ve veered towards looking at the frameworks already out there. 

The thing is, people have been developing frameworks for a long time. These days, there’s no such thing as an original one. Just look at movies and TV shows. How many times have you watched something and thought it felt familiar? 

The same goes for online content. All the pieces of content you see–and write–follow some sort of framework, even if followed subconsciously. 

So, instead of researching how to create a framework and trying to be unique, lean into the fact that frameworks are universal for good reason. Put simply, they work! They resonate with people. They’re engaging to read. And they create loyal audiences. 

Below, we’ll examine a go-to framework for all sorts of content: newsletters, blogs, and even podcasts. 

It’s called the Create Anything Framework, and I’m confident it will forever change how you approach content creation.

Create Anything Framework

At a recent conference, I learned about The Create Anything Framework. This is the exact process Dan Martell used to create over 160 YouTube videos and gain 13,000+ subscribers.

I’ve honed this process for myself and used it to write articles for large publications, outline podcast episodes, and create live workshops. This process works for any piece of content, and when used, it will enable you never to have to stare at a blank screen again.

It is a six-part framework for creating anything. Although each part varies in length, they follow consecutively from one through six every time you use it.

Opportunity: Sell the Outcome to Your Audience

We are busy, distracted, and have too many things battling for our attention. This is your opportunity to stand out and get noticed as a creator.

Your content needs to start with the opportunity awaiting your audience. What’s in it for them, and what will they get from paying attention to what you’ve created?

If you can quickly show your audience what their life will look like after consuming and implementing your content, you will make it clear that what you have created is for them and will make their life better, happier, or faster.

Take a look at this article I wrote on side hustle ideas. I introduce the opportunity for readers to start a side hustle immediately to earn extra income, whether online or offline. 

By highlighting the benefits upfront, I immediately hook the audience.

Challenge: What Hurdle Needs to Be Overcome?

You’ve sold your audience on the outcome and grabbed their attention. Now, you must use an old-school sales tactic and overcome (or at least acknowledge) their most apparent objection.

When you overcome or acknowledge their most obvious objection, they will immediately let their guard down. This is where they begin trusting and believing what you have to say.

It can be as simple as admitting that achieving the opportunity will not happen without hard work (and maybe a little luck).

Returning to the article I shared in the previous point, I acknowledge the challenge fairly early on: “Even if you don’t have a clue where to start or how to choose, this list will help you.” 

This addresses the common hurdle of indecision, making the reader feel supported and ready to move forward.

Expert Story Positioning: What Makes You the Expert?

This short section must reinforce to your audience why you are worth listening to.

Why are you the best person to help them with this problem?

What are your qualifications? Have you implemented this successfully or learned it from someone else?

Your goal in this section is to position yourself as the expert in your audience’s mind.

Think of the side hustle article I shared earlier. As someone who has started multiple successful businesses, many of which stem from side hustles, I have the chops to back up my claims. This gives me authority in this domain and positions my website as a go-to resource for actionable advice.

Framework: Getting Meta with It

When we structure our information as a framework, we make it easier for our audience to comprehend and retain what we teach.

By forcing yourself to put your content into a framework, you are forcing yourself to think systematically. A framework pushes you to a deeper understanding of your topic—both for yourself and your audience.

Think of the framework as a template for understanding. It doesn’t need to be called a framework, but it does give your audience the logical steps to solving or understanding their problem.

You can use checklists, bullet points, or step-by-step, but the goal is the same — giving your audience actionable steps to gain clarity or take immediate action.

Again, going back to my article on side hustles, I systematically grouped all 176 ideas by skills, earning potential, and type of work. This categorization acts as a framework, making the content digestible and actionable for the reader.

Review: Tell Them What You Told Them

A fundamental teaching technique is to:

• Tell them what you are going to teach them (opportunity)
• Teach them (framework)
• Tell them what you taught them (review)

This simple and powerful technique works by placing the lesson in context and using repetition and variation to help your audience remember it.

You don’t need to overthink this section, but you don’t want to gloss over or skip it. You need to review what you’ve covered in your piece of content.

In the side hustle article, a final review section recaps the most effective or fastest ways to earn money, reminding readers of the key points they just learned.

Call to Action: What Is the Next Step?

You’ve taken the time and effort to create great content and helped your audience seize an opportunity.

Now, they need to know what to do next. The next step you want them to take is explained with a call to action (CTA).

Call to action ideas:

• Call you for more information
• Join your email list for a special offer
• Sign up for your new course
• Leave a comment
• Subscribe to your podcast or YouTube channel
• Get on the waiting list for your new product
• Sign up to get a free report

The more in line your call to action is with your piece of content, the more effective it will be.

The more closely linked the offer is to the topic or problem, the more urgent the call to action becomes — and with urgency comes action.

Now that you understand the Create Anything Framework, you can use this six-part framework to create better content more efficiently and quickly.

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