Structure your Writing with The What - Why - How Framework

Yooo!

Introducing a NEW mini-series on the first Element of the Digital World: Writing. 

In this series, I'm going to be sharing everything I've learned about writing on the internet so far over these past 6 months. We're starting with mastering writing because writing is the foundation for the 3 other Elements of the Digital World: video, branding, and monetizing. 

Everything is writing, so good writing is everything. 

How so?

The movies you watch, the books you read, the ads you sit through waiting to skip, the websites you online shop on...it's all built off of writing. 

To help you master the art of online writing, I'm going to be sharing techniques, tips, and tactics to help you capture the reader's attention in some ways you may have never considered before. 

So, without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to the first framework that I've been using throughout this email, and in most of my content (both in written form, and as the underlying scripts for my videos).

I started using this framework because I realized that I lacked structure, which caused the reader/viewer to not really know what value I could provide to them.

They (you) were confused (whether you knew it or not).

And confusion kills.

So I did some research, and I came across this structure, which has simplified my content and, in turn, has gathered a lot more attention. 

It's called The What - Why - How Framework, and it works like this...

 (how'd you like those cheeky edits..? video mini-series loading... 👀 )

The What - Why - How Framework

This structure helps your reader (or viewer) feel like they're on a path to gaining something valuable by making it abundantly clear what the value is, why it's important, and how they can take action with this information. 

Let's break it down:

1. What - What's the problem? 
   • Clearly identify the problem you're addressing.
   • If the problem resonates with your audience, they'll think, "Yes, I have this problem. What's next?"
2. Why - Why's it important? 
   • Explain why this problem is important.
   • Even if your audience acknowledges their problem you've highlighted, you need to emphasize why it's crucial for them to solve it.
   • Without they "why", they might think, "Okay, well I've had this problem for a long time; why bother solving it now?"
3. How - How can they solve it? 
   • Provide a solution.
   • You are the guide, and your audience is the hero.
   • Show them how they can solve the problem you've identified.

Example:

Let’s say you're speaking to someone who doesn't love their job and doesn’t want to work for a corporate company forever.

Here's how you could apply the What - Why - How framework:

• What: You want to work towards your own dreams, not someone else's.
• Why: Because if you don't act now, you might live a life full of regrets and never see your dreams come true.
• How: Learn these digital skills to turn you interests into income. Here’s a step-by-step guide to start...

Putting It All Together

Have you noticed...I've been using this in pretty much everything? 

In my videos, I've been starting with a problem, explaining why it's important, and then ending with a lesson or action items.

Even in this very newsletter that you're reading, I’ve..

1. identified the problem: lack of structure
2. explained why it’s important: it helps create engaging, easy-to-understand content
3. and provided the solution: The What - Why - How Framework

Boom! Mind blown, I know I know. That's how I felt, too, when I discovered that this structure is everywhere. 

You won't be able to unsee it now. And you won't be able to not use it in your own writing, because it's such a great way to structure any idea you're trying to get across.

I've even used this for various tasks/meetings in my day job, and yes, it still works there as well. Quite well, in fact. It's such an effective way to communicate your ideas around literally any problem with ease.

So, there you have it....

The What - Why - How Framework. 

You now have it in your own writing arsenal. 

Make it clear:

1. What the problem is.
2. Why it's important.
3. How your audience can solve it.

Thank you for reading!

If you found this useful, feel free to share it with a friend who might benefit from it.

Your support means a lot to me ❤️ 

Peace, see you next week.

-Ryan