"The Time Traveler Framework": A 3-Step Process For Turning Mistakes Into Viral Content

10-second thought experiment:

Imagine being able to travel back in time to warn your audience about mistakes they’ll make.

Think of a few. 

In the next 3 minutes, you’ll learn a 3-step framework for turning those mistakes into viral content ideas impossible to scroll past.

Here’s how it works:

1. Identify your audience’s most important mistakes using the T-E-M-M categories.

2. Pair each mistake with an actionable solution. 

3. Package the mistakes into 1 of 4 viral headline templates. 

We’re about to go through this process step-by-step. 

At the end, you’ll get a ChatGPT prompt that uses this framework to generate 20 viral content ideas for your niche in 3 seconds.

The Irresistible Psychology Of Mistake-Focused Content

Content that warns about mistakes taps into powerful psychological triggers:

• Curiosity: People want to know what they’re doing wrong (or could do wrong). 

• Fear of Loss: The fear of wasted time, effort, or money drives action. 

This dead-simple combination of triggers often leads to viral content that delivers huge value.

Step 1: Categorize Mistakes Into The T-E-M-M Buckets

From your position of experience, think of mistakes they’re likely to make in these four categories:

• Time Mistakes: Wasting time on things that don’t work.

• Effort Mistakes: Wasting effort and energy on things that don’t work.

• Money Mistakes: Spending too much or failing to invest where it matters.

• Mindset Mistakes: Beliefs or attitudes that hold back growth or success.

You’ll use your knowledge of what goes wrong to warn your audience before they make the mistakes.

Examples

Realtors:

• Time Mistake: Touring homes before getting pre-approved for a mortgage.

• Effort Mistake: Focusing on aesthetics over location and resale value.

• Money Mistake: Ignoring additional costs like inspections and closing fees.

• Mindset Mistake: Believing the highest bid always wins.

Travel Agents:

• Time Mistake: Booking flights without factoring in layovers.

• Effort Mistake: Overpacking itineraries, leaving no time for relaxation.

• Money Mistake: Overspending on accommodation.

• Mindset Mistake: Thinking travel has to be expensive to be enjoyable.

These buckets apply to any niche and provide a clear framework for spotting mistakes your audience needs to know. 

Step 2: Pair Each Mistake With Actionable Solutions

For each mistake, offer practical and specific solutions in the content itself.

Yep — it’s really that simple. 

Each viral content idea generated by this framework follows the same formula: 

1 mistake + solution(s) = 1 viral content idea.

Example (Realtors):

• Mistake: Touring homes before mortgage pre-approval.

  • Solution: "Get pre-approved to save time and boost your credibility as a buyer."

• Mistake: Ignoring closing costs.

  • Solution: "Budget for additional fees like inspections and moving expenses to avoid surprises."

Step 3: Package The Mistakes Into 1 Of These 4 Viral Headline Templates

To get the click, the headline should hint at the mistake without revealing what it is. 

I’ve analyzed thousands of viral headlines. 

Below you’ll find 4 mistake-focused headline templates inspired by proven pieces of content. 

Templates designed to package your content ideas in ways that compel your audience to click and view.

You’ll then get a ChatGPT prompt that’ll use these headline templates to generate 20 viral content ideas for your niche in 3 seconds.

Reuse it whenever you need more.

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