Today on the Better Human Business Podcast, I’m excited to dive into a content marketing strategy that has significantly contributed to my success. Since 2011, this strategy has helped me scale from $10,000 a month to $100,000 and beyond, proving its timelessness and resilience against ever-changing trends. Let’s break down this evergreen content marketing strategy that I’ve coined as the 4F Framework.
The Genesis of the 4F Content Marketing Strategy
My journey began in 2011 as a blogger, frequently writing and experimenting with various content forms. Over time, I noticed patterns: some blogs soared in popularity while others didn’t perform as well. This observation led me to focus on creating high-quality, impactful content—those long, detailed guides on topics like DIY projects or how-to tutorials that really resonated with my audience.
The 4F Framework Explained
The 4F Framework consists of four critical stages that any content creator or marketer can implement to enhance their online presence and business growth:
- Flagship: Start with creating flagship content. This is the content that defines your brand—it’s high-quality, engaging, and provides real value to your audience. Whether it’s a blog post, a YouTube video, or an Instagram post, ensure it’s polished and well-produced. The success of your flagship content is gauged by its helpfulness and shareability.
- Followers: Once you have your flagship content, the next step is to promote it to garner more followers. This isn’t about direct selling but about boosting your content’s reach through platforms like Instagram or YouTube. The goal is to attract more viewers and establish a broader audience base by showcasing your best work.
- Funnel: The funnel phase is about conversion. Direct the audience gained from your flagship content into a funnel. Options include signing up for newsletters through lead magnets or making a low-ticket purchase that offers immense value. This stage is crucial for building your email list or beginning to monetize your audience effectively.
- Follow Up: Lastly, the follow-up is where you solidify your relationship with your audience. Whether they’re a paying customer or an email subscriber, this step involves regular communication to provide continuous value and build lasting relationships. Your approach here should be personal and responsive, fostering a community around your brand.
Why the 4F Framework Works
This framework isn’t just about creating content; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem where each part supports and amplifies the others. By focusing on quality from the outset and strategically promoting and leveraging that content, you create a self-sustaining cycle that grows your business organically and effectively. The focus on building an email list ensures you own the communication channel, reducing dependency on social media algorithms.
Implementing the 4F Strategy
Implementing the 4F Framework requires consistency and attention to detail at each stage:
Follow Up: Maintain engagement through regular, valuable communication that respects and values your audience’s attention.
Flagship: Invest time and resources to create exceptional content that stands out.
Followers: Use targeted advertising to increase visibility and attract genuine followers.
Funnel: Develop compelling offers that encourage subscriptions or sales, making the transition from follower to customer seamless.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Time-Stamped Show Notes
- 0:30 – Introduction to the content marketing strategy.
- 2:00 – Storytime: How I started and what I learned from blogging.
- 4:30 – Detailed breakdown of the 4F Framework.
- 6:15 – Discussing the importance of flagship content.
- 8:00 – Strategies for expanding followers through targeted promotions.
- 10:00 – Funnel strategies for converting followers to subscribers or customers.
- 12:00 – Best practices for follow-up communications to build and nurture relationships.