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Key Frameworks for AI Content Creation for Founders and Sales & Marketing Leaders

Writer's picture: Alison FrenchAlison French

By Alison French, Founder of LTO and Creator of ShowScout


After countless conversations with founders about how they're using AI, I've realized something crucial—we're all figuring this out as we go, but we're not all sharing what's working. As someone focused on helping B2B companies identify and capture revenue opportunities, I've spent months experimenting with AI tools to streamline my workflow, turning one sales call into multiple pieces of content, and using AI as my personal copy editor. The big shift came from treating AI as a practical tool to get things done, not a magical solution.


What I'm about to share isn't theoretical - it's my actual workflow for transforming complex business challenges into practical execution frameworks. Whether you're working on sales/marketing integration, trade show strategy, or scaling revenue, these are the practical strategies I use every day to drive measurable ROI while maintaining authenticity.


In This Guide


I'll walk you through five core frameworks I use regularly, along with the specific prompts that make them work. Each framework serves a distinct purpose:



Transform your website from an information dump into a compelling narrative that actually converts. I'll show you the exact prompts I use to maintain authenticity while leveraging AI for structure and clarity.


2. Blog SEO Optimization


Stop writing content that disappears into the void. Learn how to create posts that both rank well and genuinely help your readers, using AI to enhance (not replace) your expertise.


3. Value-Benefit-Feature (V-B-F)


One of the biggest mistakes I see in B2B messaging is leading with features instead of value. This framework comes from Emma Stratton’s book Make it Punchy. It helps you flip the script, and I'll show you how AI can help you maintain this focus consistently.


4. LinkedIn Article Creation


LinkedIn has become crucial for B2B thought leadership, but standing out requires more than good insights. I'll share the prompts I use to craft articles that drive engagement while maintaining my authentic voice.


5. SMIT (Single Most Important Thing)


This is another framework I learned from Emma Stratton. In a world of information overload, the ability to distill your message down to its essential core is invaluable. Learn how to use AI to identify and emphasize the one key takeaway that will actually impact decision-making.


How to Use This Guide


Before diving into the frameworks, let's get practical about setting up your AI workflow. You'll need:


  1. A primary AI tool (I use Claude for content creation)

  2. Google Docs for prompt management

  3. A system for organizing your content projects


The key is treating these frameworks as starting points, not rigid rules. I'll show you how to adapt them to your specific needs while maintaining your authentic voice.


 

1. StoryBrand Website Copy Framework


Tips for Using This Framework


You're going to want to use a project that contains assets about your products or services in order for it to have enough background information to successfully create this content.


Ideas for content to add to projects:


  • Customer personas

  • Sales collateral

  • Competitor research

  • Market research or industry trends

  • Emails or call transcripts that speak to the product or service


Main Prompt


Please generate compelling website copy for [COMPANY NAME] following the StoryBrand framework. Use the following information to create clear, customer-focused content that drives action.


Target Audience: [Define your ideal customer] Industry: [Specify your industry] Primary Product/Service: [Brief description] Years in Business: [Number] Key Differentiator: [What makes you unique]


Generate copy for each section following these specific guidelines:


Header Section


  • Create a concise headline (max 10 words) that clearly states:

    1. What you offer

    2. The primary benefit to customers

    3. A clear call-to-action

  • Include image direction describing the ideal hero shot


Stakes Section


Create two contrasting paragraphs:


  1. Paint a picture of the customer's current challenges without your solution

  2. Describe the positive transformation after using your solution Focus on both emotional and practical implications


Value Proposition


Generate three distinct benefit statements:


  1. [Primary Benefit] with matching icon suggestion

  2. [Secondary Benefit] with matching icon suggestion

  3. [Tertiary Benefit] with matching icon suggestion Each benefit should be exactly two sentences: Problem → Solution


Guide Section


Create:

  1. Two authority statements highlighting:

    • Specific achievements (numbers/statistics)

    • Industry recognition or credentials

  2. Two empathy statements that:

    • Acknowledge customer frustrations

    • Show understanding of their challenges


Plan Section


Develop a simple 3-step process:

  1. Initial Step: [How customers begin]

  2. Middle Step: [What happens next]

  3. Final Step: [How they achieve success] Each step should be exactly one sentence and action-oriented


Explanatory Paragraph


Fill in the following template with compelling details:


"At [COMPANY NAME] we know you want to be [IDENTITY TRANSFORMATION]. In order to do that you need [MAIN NEED]. The problem is [EXTERNAL PROBLEM], which makes you feel [INTERNAL PROBLEM]. We believe [PHILOSOPHICAL STATEMENT].


We understand [EMPATHY STATEMENT] which is why we [AUTHORITY STATEMENT].


Here's how we do it:


  1. [STEP ONE]

  2. [STEP TWO]

  3. [STEP THREE]


So, [CALL TO ACTION]. And in the meantime, download our [LEAD MAGNET] so you can stop [PAIN POINT] and start [DESIRED OUTCOME]."


Lead Generator


Create:


  1. Lead magnet title

  2. Bullet-point list of 3-5 key takeaways

  3. Compelling description (50 words max)

  4. Call-to-action for download


Junk Drawer Section


Generate a structured list of essential footer elements:


  • Contact information

  • Social media links

  • Legal requirements

  • Additional resources

  • FAQ topics


Style Guidelines


  • Use active voice

  • Keep sentences under 20 words

  • Maintain consistent tone throughout

  • Focus on benefits over features

  • Use power words that evoke emotion

  • Include clear calls-to-action

  • Write at 8th-grade reading level


Output Format


  • Organize content in clearly labeled sections

  • Include suggested placement for visual elements

  • Mark all calls-to-action in bold

  • Indicate where custom images/icons should be placed


2. Blog SEO Framework


Tips for Using This Framework


You're going to need more than just your product information to create SEO-optimized content that actually ranks and provides value. Here's what to include in your AI project:


  • Recent customer calls or feedback (helps align content with real pain points)

  • Industry research and trending topics

  • Competitor blog analysis (what's working in your space)

  • Your existing high-performing content

  • Specific examples and case studies from your experience

  • Key search terms your customers actually use (not just what you think they use)


Pro Tip: Before writing any blog post, spend 15 minutes searching your target keyword and reading the top 3 results. This gives you a baseline for what you need to exceed.


Main Prompt


Please write a blog post using the following instructions:


Topic: [DEFINE MAIN TOPIC/SUBJECT] Primary Keyword: [TARGET KEYWORD] Secondary Keywords: [2-3 RELATED KEYWORDS] User Intent: [WHAT IS THE READER TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH] Target Word Count: 1,200-2,400 words (based on search intent and topic depth)


Content Outline/Key Points to Cover: [INSERT BULLET POINTS OF MAIN IDEAS, CONCEPTS, OR SECTIONS YOU WANT INCLUDED]


Supporting Materials:


  • [LIST ANY RESEARCH, DATA, STATISTICS TO REFERENCE]

  • [LIST ANY EXISTING CONTENT TO DRAW FROM]

  • [LIST ANY EXAMPLES OR CASE STUDIES TO INCLUDE]


Key Requirements


  1. Demonstrate E-E-A-T:

    • Show first-hand experience with the topic

    • Include clear sourcing and evidence

    • Demonstrate deep subject matter expertise

    • Link to authoritative external sources

    • Address common questions and concerns comprehensively

  2. Audience Understanding:

    • The audience is [DEFINE TARGET AUDIENCE]

    • Reference [AUDIENCE RESEARCH/DATA] to understand their key pain points: [LIST 2-3 MAIN PAIN POINTS]

  3. Voice and Style:

    • Review [EXAMPLE CONTENT] to understand and maintain established voice and style

    • The tone should be [DESCRIBE TONE - e.g. professional but conversational, technical but accessible, etc.]

  4. SEO-optimized Headline Requirements (50-60 characters):

    • Includes the primary keyword naturally

    • Clearly communicates value

    • Avoids clickbait or exaggeration

    • Drives clicks from search results

  5. Content Structure Requirements:

    • Begin with a compelling introduction that previews value

    • Use descriptive H2 and H3 subheadings with keywords where natural

    • Keep paragraphs short (2-3 sentences maximum)

    • Use bullet points and numbered lists for scannability

    • Include transition words between sections

    • Use white space effectively

    • Break up text with relevant images, charts, or graphics

  6. Content Quality Requirements:

    • Share practical, actionable advice

    • Include specific examples and case studies

    • Provide original analysis or insights

    • Use data and statistics to support claims

    • Address potential questions or objections

    • Add relevant context where needed

    • Focus on long-term value over quick tricks

  7. Featured Snippet Optimization:

    • Include clear definitions

    • Create step-by-step instructions

    • Add FAQ section targeting related queries

    • Use proper markup and formatting

  8. Conclusion Requirements:

    • Summarizes key takeaways

    • Provides clear next steps

    • Includes relevant call-to-action

    • Encourages engagement

  9. Meta Elements:

    • Write compelling meta description (150-160 characters)

    • Create SEO-friendly URL structure

    • Add descriptive alt text to images

    • Include schema markup where relevant

  10. Quality Check Requirements:

    • Provides substantial value compared to other search results

    • Demonstrates clear expertise and knowledge

    • Shows first-hand experience with the topic

    • Is well-researched and accurate

    • Includes proper citations

    • Maintains consistent quality throughout

    • Is free from spelling and grammar errors

    • Avoids AI-generated or thin content

    • Uses clear, professional language


3. Value-Benefit-Feature (V-B-F) Framework


Tips for Using This Framework


The V-B-F framework works best when you have rich customer insights to draw from. Include in your project:


  • Customer success stories

  • Sales call transcripts

  • Support ticket themes

  • Competitor positioning

  • Product feedback and feature requests

  • Win/loss analysis


Pro Tip: Start by asking Claude to write out all your features, then force yourself to answer "So what?" three times for each one (or ask Claude “so what?” and get ready for some unexpected inspiration). This brainstorm helps you climb from features to benefits to true value.


Main Prompt


Core Principles


  1. Start with Value Proposition (V):

    • Focus on the customer's broader goals and aspirations

    • Address what they ultimately want to achieve

    • Connect to larger business objectives

    • Example format: "Generate more revenue, faster"

  2. Follow with Benefits (B):

    • Highlight new capabilities or improvements customers gain

    • Focus on what customers can do, be, or feel

    • Make it action-oriented and outcome-focused

    • Example format: "Reduce manual work and errors"

  3. End with Features (F):

    • Describe specific product capabilities or characteristics

    • Keep technical details in supporting role

    • Only mention features that directly enable the benefits

    • Example format: "AI-powered revenue predictions"


Writing Guidelines


Use these techniques for clear, approachable messaging:


  • Write at conversational level ("Write like you speak")

  • Prioritize clarity over cleverness

  • Use simple words over complex ones:

    • "Do" instead of "Accomplish"

    • "Use" instead of "Utilize"

    • "Now" instead of "Currently"

    • "Give" instead of "Provide"


Message Altitude Check


Ensure messaging hits the right level:


  • Too low: Focuses only on technical features

  • Too high: Makes vague, general claims

  • Just right: Connects specific capabilities to clear outcomes


Validation Questions


Test your messaging by asking:


  1. Does it lead with customer goals rather than product features?

  2. Can you clearly trace features to benefits to broader value?

  3. Would a customer immediately understand what's in it for them?

  4. Is the language simple and conversational?

  5. Are technical details supporting rather than leading?


Writing Process


  1. Start by asking "How does this help the reader?"

  2. Define clear communication goals

  3. Write initial draft focusing on V-B-F order

  4. Review and simplify language

  5. Test clarity by reading aloud

  6. Refine until message is clear and compelling


Remember: The goal is to show customers what they can achieve, not just list what your product does. Keep asking "So what?" until you connect features to meaningful customer outcomes.


V-B-F Creation Prompt


When I ask you to create messaging using the V-B-F framework, please:


  1. Structure your response in this exact order:

    • Value Proposition: State the customer's broader business goal or aspiration

    • Benefits: Explain what new things the customer can do/be/feel

    • Features: List the specific product capabilities that enable these benefits

  2. Follow these writing rules:

    • Use conversational language

    • Write at an 8th-grade reading level

    • Keep sentences short and clear

    • Avoid jargon and buzzwords

    • Use active voice

  3. For each piece of messaging you create, first state:

    • Which part is the Value Proposition

    • Which parts are the Benefits

    • Which parts are the Features

  4. Then ask yourself "So what?" after each feature and benefit to ensure you're connecting it to meaningful customer outcomes.


Example: Value = Eat healthier every day Benefit + Feature = Make vitamin-packed smoothies in a snap with our commercial-grade blades.


4. LinkedIn Article Framework


Tips for Using This Framework


LinkedIn success comes from consistency in both posting and voice. Your project should include:


  • Your best-performing LinkedIn posts

  • Common themes from your customer conversations

  • Industry trends you have a unique perspective on

  • Personal experiences that illustrate your points

  • Comments and engagement from previous posts

  • Audience questions and feedback


Pro Tip: Before writing any LinkedIn article, review your last three highest-performing posts. What themes or approaches resonated with your audience?


Main Prompt


Core Instructions


Please write a LinkedIn article using the following guidelines:


  1. Audience Understanding:

    • The audience I'm writing for is XXXX

    • Reference [ICP DOCUMENT] and [SURVEY RESULTS] to understand challenges

    • Consider their frame of mind and specific pain points

  2. Voice and Style:

    • Review previous LinkedIn posts for tone consistency

    • Maintain conversational, passionate style

    • Include personal anecdotes or experiences

  3. Content Structure:

    • Follow provided outline

    • Add narrative elements

    • Polish and enhance content flow

  4. Headline Requirements:

    • Create compelling headline (40-49 characters)

    • Clearly convey article's value

    • Attract attention effectively

  5. Formatting Requirements:

    • Begin with captivating introduction (story or question)

    • Use clear subheadings

    • Keep paragraphs short (2-3 sentences)

    • Include bullet points for key takeaways

    • Target 1,500-2,000 words total

  6. Voice Maintenance:

    • Use conversational yet professional tone

    • Include personal experiences where relevant

    • Add occasional humor or wit

    • Keep reader engaged throughout

  7. Content Value:

    • Provide actionable advice

    • Include practical insights

    • Ensure immediate applicability

  8. Conclusion Elements:

    • End with strong call-to-action

    • Encourage comments and engagement

    • Invite experience sharing

    • Promote connection

  9. Bio Section:

    • Add brief, relevant bio

    • Highlight expertise

    • Invite further connection

  10. Overall Quality:

    • Demonstrate thought leadership

    • Maintain approachability

    • Provide clear value to audience


5. SMIT (Single Most Important Thing) Framework


Tips for Using This Framework


The SMIT framework is my go-to for refining landing pages or long-form content. Sometimes Claude can be a bit verbose, almost repetitive, so wrapping up your content creation by running your output through this prompt is deceptively simple way to create impactful content. Include in your project:


  • Voice of customer data

  • Sales objections and how you overcome them

  • Customer success metrics

  • Competitive differentiators

  • Key product benefits

  • Most common customer questions


Pro Tip: Run the V-B-F Framework first to really hone in on the value you’re creating. Then add that output + the content you’re trying to revise to Claude and run this prompt. The output is as close as I’ve got to capturing lightning in a bottle on my content creation journey.


Main Prompt


Core Question


"If my reader/viewer only remembers ONE thing after consuming this content, what should it be?"


Evaluation Framework


For any piece of content, identify the SMIT by evaluating these three potential areas:


  1. Customer Goal & Product Solution

    • What specific goal is your customer trying to achieve?

    • How does your product uniquely help them reach that goal?

    • Example: "Our AI-powered software streamlines your workflow by automating manual tasks"

  2. Key Customer Benefit

    • What tangible value does your customer receive?

    • What pain point is eliminated or gain achieved?

    • Example: "Save 10 hours per week by eliminating manual data entry"

  3. Customer Pain/Frustration Resolution

    • What specific frustration does your customer experience?

    • How do you resolve or eliminate that frustration?

    • Example: "No more late nights spent on tedious manual tasks"


Application Process


  1. Brain Dump

    • Write out all potential messages and benefits

    • Don't filter or edit at this stage

    • Get everything onto the page

  2. Identify Your SMIT

    • Review your brain dump through the evaluation framework above

    • Select the ONE message that would provide most value to your customer

    • Remember: If they forget everything else, what's the one thing they should remember?

  3. Refine & Support

    • Rewrite your content focusing on your SMIT

    • Remove any information that doesn't directly support your SMIT

    • Move tangential ideas to separate content pieces


Key Principles


  1. Focus on Customer Impact

    • Frame your SMIT around what the customer can do, be, or feel

    • Avoid focusing on product features or technical capabilities

    • Connect to real human experiences and emotions

  2. Keep It Simple

    • Resist the urge to add "just one more thing"

    • If adding information doesn't strengthen your SMIT, remove it

    • Remember: clarity trumps comprehensiveness

  3. Use Customer Language

    • Draw from actual customer conversations and feedback

    • Write how your customers talk about their challenges

    • Avoid jargon, buzzwords, and technical terminology


Validation Checklist


Before finalizing your content, verify: □ Can you clearly state your SMIT in one sentence? □ Does every element of your content support this SMIT? □ Have you removed all tangential information? □ Is it written in customer-focused language? □ Would your customer immediately understand the value?


Common Pitfalls to Avoid


  • Trying to cover too many benefits or features

  • Leading with technical capabilities rather than customer outcomes

  • Using industry jargon instead of customer language

  • Burying your SMIT under supporting information

  • Being vague or abstract instead of specific and concrete


Example Transformation


BEFORE (Product-focused, multiple messages): "Our AI-powered platform leverages machine learning algorithms to provide real-time data analytics through intuitive dashboards with customizable reporting features and seamless integration capabilities."


AFTER (Customer-focused SMIT): "Stop wasting hours trying to make sense of your data - get the insights you need in seconds with dashboards anyone can understand."


Remember: The goal isn't to say everything - it's to say the ONE thing that matters most to your customer.


 

Taking Action: Your Next Steps


If you're like most B2B leaders I work with, you're probably thinking, "This all makes sense, but where do I start?" Here's my practical advice for implementing these frameworks in your business:


Start Small, But Start Today


  1. Pick ONE framework that addresses your most pressing content need:

    • Need to clarify your website messaging? Start with StoryBrand

    • Trying to build thought leadership? Focus on LinkedIn Article framework

    • Working on product messaging? Begin with V-B-F

  2. Create a simple project in your preferred AI tool (I use Claude or ChatGPT) with:

    • Your company background

    • A few examples of your writing style

    • Key customer pain points

    • Core value propositions

  3. Run a test piece of content through your chosen framework. Don't aim for perfection - focus on learning the process.


Common Pitfalls to Avoid


Through my experiments with these frameworks, I've noticed a few places where people tend to get stuck:


  • Trying to use every framework at once instead of mastering one

  • Accepting AI output without reviewing it against your brand voice

  • Getting lost in endless refinements instead of shipping content

  • Forgetting to save successful prompts for future use


Making This Sustainable


The real value comes from building these frameworks into your regular workflow. Here's what works for me:


  1. Keep a Google Doc of your most successful prompts

  2. Schedule regular content creation blocks in your calendar

  3. Build a simple review process to maintain quality

  4. Track what resonates with your audience and adjust accordingly


Need Help Getting Started?


If you're looking for more guidance on implementing these frameworks or want to see examples of them in action, I share practical tips and real-world applications on LinkedIn. Connect with me there or visit joinLTO.com for additional resources.


Remember: The goal isn't to create perfect content - it's to consistently produce valuable content that drives results for your business. Start with one framework, learn from the process, and build from there.


The tools are ready. The frameworks are proven. The only question is: which one will you implement first?


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