Are you really supposed to think of new content to post every single week? The task can seem daunting. If you’re looking for a way to brainstorm endless amounts of content, the 4A content framework is here to help! By organizing your content into the 4 A’s, you can better plan out content weeks and even months in advance!
4A Content Framework
I’ve heard way too many times from influencers that they just throw content out there without much thought into it and just wait and see what sticks. This is survival mode. Sure, you might get a reel that goes viral, but this is not what’s going to get you that long-term success.
You need a solid content strategy and this 4A content framework will get you there. It helps you organize your content and directs you in creating various pieces of content. It also helps you reach different types of people within your niche who may not have otherwise noticed your content before you used the framework.
This 4A content framework will generate endless content for you AND explode your following. It’s a win-win! But first, let’s do the research and figure out how you can plug this framework into your content strategy.
What is the 4A Content Framework?
The 4 A’s in the 4A content framework stand for actionable, analytical, aspirational, and anthropological. These four categories help you organize your content and generate more specific ideas rather than a general list. Somehow when you get more specific it’s easier to come up with more ideas. (That’s the magic of niching down!)
Let’s break down the 4 As a bit further:
- Actionable – How to do something (tips, hacks, and how-tos)
- Analytical – Using numbers, frameworks, and processes to support an idea
- Aspirational – Inspiring your audience that they too can do something
- Anthropological – Why something happens or is the case. Answering the WHY question.
How to Use the 4A Content Framework to Generate Endless Content
Now that you know what the 4A content framework is, let’s take a deeper look at each one in depth. You can create content using each one at a time or you can even pair them together. I recommend putting at least two together because it will gain more traction.
For example, you could connect with your audience using anthropological content and then give them a simplified how-to using actionable content. When you pair at least two together you are touching multiple types of thinkers in one piece of content.
So let’s break down each type of framework and discuss how to create content for each type.
1. Actionable
This type is super easy to create content ideas for. This is mainly teaching something technical to your audience. Think step-by-step guides, tutorials, tips and tricks, etc.
Think about what kinds of things you are an expert on in your niche that you could teach someone who may be unfamiliar with your content. For example, if you are a plant shop owner you could give a step-by-step guide on how to take care of a specific plant.
Notice I said how to take care of a specific plant and not plants in general. Remember, the more specific you are the better. What’s something specific to your niche that you could elaborate on to your audience?
Actionable content can be quick and easy tips for common things such as the best tips for creating engaging reels. It can also be more in-depth content that breaks down a big topic that you know needs lots of details to help your audience understand it, such as how to use chatbot marketing to grow your business.
See an actionable content example HERE.
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2. Analytical
Where are all my strategic thinkers? You’re going to love this one. Analytical is all about using numbers, frameworks, etc. to support an idea. For example, I am always talking about strategies for growing your business online–specifically on Instagram–FAST. To help support this idea, I wrote a blog post titled How I Grew 100K Instagram Followers in 10 Months that you NEED to check out!
I used numbers to help illustrate the scope of the idea that it is possible to grow your Instagram account within months. These numbers catch your attention and even pique your interest in getting your Instagram account to explode too.
How can you catch your audience’s attention using numbers or frameworks? You could use a framework to help break down a topic within your niche. You could focus on a topic that seems complicated, but your framework can simplify it and it will draw people in because it’s something they are interested in and can finally easily understand.
See an analytical content example HERE.
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3. Aspirational
This is such a fun one! You’re basically telling your audience how amazing they are and empowering them to believe in themselves. It’s the best and always makes you feel so good when you create it and your audience feels good when they engage in it.
Aspirational content can come in the form of personal stories, quotes, a quick “you got this”, or any other way that shows you see them and where they are at. Meet your audience where they are and then gently pull them toward their better selves and better lives through your content and products.
Aspirational content is a great way to connect with your audience. And as your audience connects with you, they will start to trust you (and your business) more. Plus, this is the type of content that often gets shared more because it can relate to more people even if they are on the edge of your niche.
See an aspirational content example HERE.
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4. Anthropological
Anthropological content is all about answering the WHY. Why things are the way they are and your role in it. This type of content relates to those deep psychological thinkers–the ones who will not blindly believe you just because you said it. Take the time to explain things for what they are and you’ll draw this special type of group into your content and community.
See an anthropological content example HERE.
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Main Takeaways
Let’s review everything we discussed in this post. Here are your main takeaways on the 4A Content Framework:
- The 4A content framework helps you organize your content and generate specific ideas for content creation.
- Actionable content includes how to do something (tips, hacks, and how-tos).
- Analytical content involves using numbers, frameworks, and processes to support an idea.
- Aspirational content is inspiring your audience that they too can do something.
- Anthropological content answers why something happens or is the case. Answering the WHY question.
- Combining 1 or more frameworks when creating content can engage a larger audience.
Using 4A Content Framework to Generate Endless Content
I can’t wait for you to start using the 4A content framework to generate endless content. It’s going to be such a game-changer for you and your content strategy moving forward. Even when implementing new ideas into your strategy, remember to keep YOUR voice in it! That is what makes your business yours and what makes people follow you.
Looking for more information on your content strategy? Check out these other great blog posts!
- My 4-Step Formula for a Powerful Content Strategy
- 4 Instagram Lessons That Will Transform Your Marketing Strategy
- Quick & Easy Tips to Create Content With B-Roll
If you want more tips and strategies for growing your business on Instagram and beyond, follow me on Instagram @iammichellgifford. If you want to get serious about your Instagram strategy, join my Insta Social Society. It’s the perfect place to start.
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