How Justin Welsh built 1.5M+ followers with a Content System

In today’s edition:

• Justin Welsh's Breakdown of His “Content” Empire

Justin’s Content System

Here are the 10 steps to Justin’s detailed content creation system:

1. Idea Capture: Researching topics from various sources

2. Research: Gathering supporting content and ideas

3. Newsletter Template: Following a structured format

4. Editing: Ensuring readability and clarity

5. Pre-Newsletter CTA: Teasing content on social media

6. Post-Newsletter CTA: Promoting the newsletter after publication

7. Twitter Thread: Breaking down the newsletter content

8. LinkedIn Carousel: Creating visual content from the Twitter thread

9. Short-Form Writing: Developing additional content pieces

10. Publishing & Scheduling: Distributing content over 4-6 weeks

Here are the AI prompts (best suited for ChatGPT) on how you can develop Justin’s Content System for your Online Business:

1. Idea Capture

AI Prompt:
"Generate a list of 10 content ideas for [insert business or industry] by researching trending topics, pain points, and interests relevant to [insert target audience]. Ensure the topics align with the business’s goals and audience preferences. Use insights from blog posts, social media trends, forums, and competitor content."

2. Research

AI Prompt:
"Research and compile supporting data, statistics, case studies, or insights for the topic '[insert topic].' Find at least 3 credible sources that back up key points. Summarize the core arguments from each source in 2-3 sentences, explaining how they strengthen the content."

3. Newsletter Template

AI Prompt:
"Create a newsletter based on the topic '[insert topic].' Follow this format:

1. Headline: Write a catchy, attention-grabbing title.

2. Intro: Provide a brief introduction (2-3 sentences) that sets the context or tells a story.

3. Main Content: Break down 3-5 key insights or arguments, each supported by data or examples.

4. Call to Action (CTA): Write a clear, action-oriented CTA encouraging readers to engage further.

5. Closing: Write a short recap or teaser for the next newsletter."

4. Editing

AI Prompt:
"Edit the following content to improve readability, clarity, and tone while maintaining a professional voice. Ensure the content is concise, free of complex sentences, and flows naturally. Here's the text: [insert newsletter draft]."

5. Pre-Newsletter CTA

AI Prompt:
"Write 3 short teaser posts for social media platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram) to build anticipation for an upcoming newsletter titled '[insert newsletter title].' Each post should highlight one key insight or question from the newsletter and include a call to action encouraging people to subscribe. Keep each post under 50 words."

6. Post-Newsletter CTA

AI Prompt:
"Create two promotional social media posts (one for LinkedIn, one for Twitter) to drive traffic to the newly published newsletter '[insert newsletter].' Focus on summarizing the value provided in the newsletter and include a strong CTA such as 'Read the full edition now.' Keep the LinkedIn post to 100 words and the Twitter post to 280 characters."

7. Twitter Thread

AI Prompt:
"Break down the key insights from the newsletter '[insert newsletter]' into a Twitter thread of 5-7 tweets. Each tweet should focus on one key point from the newsletter, keeping it concise and engaging. End the thread with a call to action, inviting readers to check out the full newsletter."

8. LinkedIn Carousel

AI Prompt:
"Create a LinkedIn carousel summarizing the key insights from the Twitter thread based on the newsletter '[insert newsletter].' Design each slide to focus on one core takeaway or data point, keeping text minimal and visual elements engaging. Conclude the carousel with a call to action, such as 'Read the full newsletter here.' Include suggestions for headlines and visuals for each slide."

9. Short-Form Writing

AI Prompt:
"Generate 3 short-form content pieces (100 words each) based on key points from the newsletter '[insert newsletter].' These pieces should be suitable for Instagram captions, Facebook posts, or blog snippets. Each piece should introduce the main idea, explain why it’s important, and include a call to action (e.g., 'Learn more in our full newsletter')."

10. Publishing & Scheduling

AI Prompt:
"Develop a content distribution schedule for the next 6 weeks to promote the newsletter '[insert newsletter].' Include the following steps:

1. Week 1: Tease the newsletter and publish the newsletter

2. Week 2: Post a Twitter thread summarizing key insights

3. Week 3: Post a LinkedIn carousel based on the thread

4. Week 4: Publish additional short-form content pieces

5. Week 5-6: Resurface the newsletter content with a fresh angle
   For each week, generate 1-2 specific post ideas for Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram."

Justin Welsh proves that you don’t need a massive team or endless resources to grow a million-dollar business—you just need a smart system. His content creation and distribution tactics are designed for efficiency and maximum impact, turning a single piece of content into a multi-platform strategy. 

By following his structured approach, you too can simplify your workflow, build an engaged audience, and see real results. 

Whether you're a content creator, marketer, or solopreneur, Justin’s blueprint is your fast track to scaling with intention.

Ready to start?

That’s all for today!

Thanks for reading.

Cheers,
Fabio

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