| name | content-idea-generator |
| description | Generate content ideas rooted in positioning. Use when someone needs "content ideas," "what should I post," "blog topics," "LinkedIn ideas," or is stuck on what to create. |
Content Idea Generator
Content without positioning is noise. Before generating ideas, confirm positioning is clear. If not, run positioning-basics first.
Mode
Detect from context or ask: "Quick ideas, full strategy, or complete content system?"
| Mode | What you get | Best for |
|---|
quick | 5 ideas, immediate output, no deep research | Breaking a block, starter brainstorm |
standard | 10–15 positioned ideas with formats and rationale | Regular content planning |
deep | Full content calendar system: pillars, formats, cadence, 30-day plan | Launching or overhauling content strategy |
Default: standard — use quick if they just need to start. Use deep if they want a repeatable system, not just today's ideas.
Context Loading Gates
Before generating any ideas, collect:
Positioning gate: If the user cannot complete the positioning sentence with specifics, stop:
"Content without positioning produces random posts. Complete this first: 'I help [specific audience] achieve [specific outcome] through [unique approach].' If you need help, run positioning-basics first."
Phase 1: Context Analysis
Before generating ideas, reason through:
- Positioning strength: Is the one-liner specific enough to anchor content ideas? A vague positioning produces vague ideas.
- Proof point audit: What real results, experiments, or opinions does the user have? Generic ideas come from generic inputs — specific proof points produce specific content.
- Platform match: Different platforms need different idea formats. LinkedIn rewards frameworks and stories; Twitter rewards brevity and contrarian takes; newsletters reward depth and curation.
- Content gap: What has the user NOT covered yet that their ICP is actively asking about?
Output a brief analysis:
"You're creating content for [audience] as a [role]. Your strongest proof point is [X]. I'll generate ideas anchored to that — the biggest content gap I see is [specific gap]."
Phase 2: Freshness Check (Tool Call)
Run a search before generating the batch:
web_search('[Topic] trending [Month Year]')
web_search('[ICP role] biggest challenges [Year]')
Use results to:
- Identify timely angles on evergreen topics
- Spot what competitors aren't covering (your opportunity)
- Include at least 1 current-moment hook in the batch
Phase 3: Idea Generation with Quality Filter
Generate ideas using these 6 frameworks:
1. The Problem Call-Out
Name the pain your audience won't admit publicly.
Template: "The #1 mistake [audience] makes with [topic]"
2. The "Here's What Works" Breakdown
Teach a specific process you've actually used.
Template: "How to [achieve outcome] without [common obstacle]"
3. The Contrarian Take
Challenge something everyone assumes is true.
Template: "Stop [common advice]. Here's what actually works."
4. The Behind-the-Curtain Story
Show the messy reality, not the highlight reel.
Template: "I [tried thing]. Here's what actually happened."
5. The Pattern Recognition
Connect dots your audience hasn't connected yet.
Template: "What [experience A] taught me about [topic B]"
6. The Resource Stack
Curate genuinely useful tools.
Template: "[Number] tools I actually use for [outcome]"
Phase 4: Quality Filter (Run Every Idea Through This)
Each idea must pass all 3 tests before being included in the output:
- Specific? — Does it have a concrete angle? ("How to use LinkedIn" → fails. "How to get DMs from framework posts with <500 followers" → passes.)
- Has a hook angle? — Can you write a specific first line that stops the scroll?
- Connects to ICP pain? — Does it address a real, named frustration of the target customer?
Reject and replace any idea that fails 2 or more tests.
Phase 5: Self-Critique Pass (REQUIRED)
After generating the full batch, evaluate:
Flag and replace any ideas that don't pass: "Idea 3 ('thoughts on AI in marketing') is too broad for your positioning as a [specific role]. Replaced with: [specific angle]."
Fluff Filter: Do Not Include
❌ "Grateful for the journey" posts — show the work instead
❌ Generic motivational quotes without a specific take
❌ Vague "thought leadership" with no actual opinion
❌ Engagement bait with no value ("Agree? Comment below")
❌ Topics outside the stated positioning
The test: Would you stop scrolling and read this if someone else posted it?
Output Structure
## Content Ideas: [Name] — [Date]
**Positioning used:** [one-liner]
**Freshness search:** [query + key finding]
---
### Quick Wins (Post This Week)
*5 ideas ready to create now*
**1. [Title/Angle]**
- Hook: "[First line that stops the scroll]"
- Core insight: [The one thing they'll remember]
- Platform fit: [LinkedIn / Twitter / Newsletter]
- ICP pain: [What frustration this addresses]
- Quality check: [Specific ✅ | Hook ✅ | ICP ✅]
[Repeat for ideas 2–5]
---
### Authority Builders (This Month)
*3 ideas worth the investment*
**1. [Title/Angle]**
- Hook: "[First line]"
- Core insight: [Key takeaway]
- Platform fit: [Platform]
- Research needed: [What to find first]
- Estimated production time: [X hours]
[Repeat for ideas 2–3]
---
### Self-Critique Notes
[Any ideas replaced, gaps noted, or freshness findings]
### Multi-Agent Handoff
For each approved idea → pass to Scribe with format:
[Idea title] | [Platform] | [Hook] | [Framework type] | [ICP pain addressed]
Skill by Brian Wagner | AI Marketing Architect | brianrwagner.com
