From Spaghetti to Systems


Let’s talk about that moment in the creator's journey that feels... kinda embarrassing.

That “WTF am I doing with my content” stage.

You know — the part where you’re writing blog posts, staying busy, publishing stuff, maybe even getting some traffic, but deep down it feels like you’re aimlessly throwing content at the wall and praying something sticks.

Two creators in our group said it perfectly:

“I started making content but I feel like I have no sense of direction in the monetization of my website. What should I be doing other than writing posts?”
​
“I feel the same way (no sense of direction)! I have a blog and a niche, but everything I publish just feels random.”

This is something we all feel alone in, but the truth is, every creator hits this wall at some point.

That “what am I doing?” phase is practically a rite of passage.

You’re not broken — you’re just missing a system.

But before we dive into how to fix that, here’s a quick shoutout for today’s sponsor — a tool that helps creators get more organized and more profitable with their content:

Sponsored by: Lasso​

Affiliate marketing is a grind. Managing links, updating displays, tracking earnings—it all adds up. And when it slips through the cracks, you leave money on the table.

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With Lasso, you can boost Amazon commission rates on eligible products, automatically update your YouTube description links, and even tap into global revenue with localized Amazon links.

For my WordPress people, you get clean, high-converting product displays that look professional (we all know how janky some affiliate displays can look).

Whether you're just starting to scale your niche site or looking to optimize your existing content, Lasso streamlines the whole process so you can focus on what matters - creating killer content and growing your business.

Ready to level up your affiliate game?

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​

Alright — now let’s talk about getting past that feeling of being directionless.

A Behind-the-Scenes Confession

After we got hacked in late 2023 (still not sure who did it — but I hope they have carpal tunnel now), our traffic plummeted.

We’d worked hard to get our toughest blog posts ranking on the first page of Google, and in a snap, they were gone.

(if you were affected by the Helpful Content update, you probably know exactly how that felt)

We were in full-blown survival mode. So what did we do?

We panicked.

And we started publishing anything that felt remotely “SEO friendly.”

No more strategy.

We wrote any content, even if it wasn't related to our core offer.
​
Just rapid-fire content.

Just chaos.

No plan. No anchor.

Hoping something sticks.

We were in creator fight-or-flight mode — posting just to stay afloat.

And yeah, a couple of those posts did okay, but mostly? We were trying to bail water out of a sinking ship with a colander.

If you're feeling scattered, random, or unsure of what the hell you’re building…

You're not alone. We've all been there.

But if you’re ready to stop throwing spaghetti and start building something that works, here’s a framework to help turn it around.

Start With a Simple Value Ladder

For as long as I have been a consultant I have used this core idea: "Same offer, different access."

Your audience doesn’t always need more information — they want access to the right solution at the level that makes sense for them.

Here’s how that breaks down:

  • Free: A lead magnet — guide, checklist, or template that solves a real problem and builds your email list.
  • Level 1 ($27–47): A low-risk, high-value product. Plug-and-play templates, a short training, or mini-guide. Quick win.
  • Level 2 ($97–197): A structured course, live challenge, or group workshop. More access, more depth.
  • Level 3+ ($497+): Personalized coaching, consulting, or advanced programs for people who need serious transformation.

You don’t need all these levels right now.

Just start with one core paid product that solves one clear problem and one free lead magnet to it.

One problem. One person.

Solve it so well they’d pay twice.

Then — and only then — move on.

That becomes your monetization anchor — and suddenly, all your content, freebies, and emails have a direction.

Map Your Content to Real Business Goals

(a.k.a. No More Posting Just to Post)

Once you have something to sell, you stop writing content that sounds smart and start writing content that moves people closer to a sale and the outcome they want.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Pick 3–5 core content pillars tied directly to your offer.
  2. For each pillar, create one cornerstone article (3,000+ words) that solves a major problem your audience has.
  3. Then build supporting content around each — shorter posts that link to the cornerstone and solve related problems.
  4. Every piece should end with a clear call to action — freebie, product, or consultation.
This turns your blog from a content stream into a strategic content engine.

Example:

Let’s say you’re selling a $47 meal prep template for busy moms.

Your pillars:

  • Quick healthy meals
  • Grocery budgeting
  • Family nutrition habits

Cornerstone post:​
​“The Ultimate Meal Prep System for Busy Moms Who Hate Cooking”

Supporting posts:

  • “15 Costco Hacks That Save You $100/Month”
  • “How I Prepped a Week of Family Dinners in 90 Minutes”
  • “Healthy Toddler Lunches That Don’t Suck (or Cost a Fortune)”

Each post leads back to the offer.
Each post solves something specific.
Each one matters.

If you're struggling with this, ask these 3 questions before writing:

  • Does it directly solve a pain point your audience has?
  • Does it tie into one of your offers or freebies?
  • Can you clearly define the next step for the reader?

If not, don’t write it. You're not a content mill — you’re building a business.

Run a 30-Day Value Discovery Phase

Before creating anything new, run this process:

  • Document every question your audience asks you (or Google).
  • Track which of your posts get the most engagement.
  • Start noticing patterns. What actually moves people?
  • Build your Pain Point Database — a list of problems your ideal reader wants solved.

This becomes your content goldmine and informs everything from free content to paid offers.

Build Your Monetization Framework

Once your value ladder and content strategy are dialed in, here’s where your revenue comes from:

  • Digital products that solve validated problems
  • Coaching/consulting for those who need personal help
  • Affiliate partnerships with tools and services you trust
  • Memberships for deeper, recurring support

If it doesn’t solve a specific problem for a specific person?

It’s not a product. It’s a distraction.

Optimize Your Content Mix

Not all content serves the same purpose.

A keyword having a high search volume doesn't mean it's a good use of your time.

Most creators don’t need more traffic. They need a clearer product.​
​
If you want to get into a better rhythm you can use this as a rule of thumb:

  • 70% educational content – Teach. Solve problems. Build trust.
  • 20% relationship-building – Stories, mindset shifts, behind-the-scenes.
  • 10% promotional – Showcase your products and offers directly.
This is how you build a brand, not just a blog.

Track What Actually Matters

Here are the metrics we track consistently to make sure what we're doing moves the needle:

  • Email list growth rate
  • Content engagement (time on page, comments, shares)
  • Return visitor rate
  • Revenue per visitor
  • Lead magnet and product conversion rates
  • Lifetime Value (LTV)

If a piece of content doesn’t move one of these metrics? Either fix it, test it, or move on.

TL;DR — The Checklist That Brings It All Together

If you're feeling:

  • Directionless → Your content isn't mapped to a system.
  • Frustrated → You don’t have a monetization anchor.
  • Overwhelmed → You’re building without a blueprint.

Here's your new checklist:

✅ Value ladder: Same offer, different access​
âś… One offer, clearly defined
âś… Content mapped to that offer
âś… Metrics tracked and reviewed monthly
âś… Every post has a next step

This is how we get back on track when we stray.

This works.

Not just because it sounds good — because it’s been tested.
​
Stop creating chaos and start creating cash flow.

You’ve got this.

Now go clean that spaghetti off the wall and build something that lasts.

— Noah

P.S.

We've been building a tool over the last 14 months to help creators implement this entire system and more in 90 days or less. We sent out a post to get 10-15 beta testers and the response was MASSIVE. I'm so grateful. If you didn't make the beta test round, don't fret we have access for everyone coming soon 🤎

Quote of the Week

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one most adaptable to change.”​
— Charles Darwin

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