The Simple Content System Every Founder Should Be Using

If you’ve ever lost a great idea because you didn’t write it down—or struggled to turn random thoughts into structured content—you’re not alone.

Content creation becomes easier with a system. One that supports your idea capture process in real time, expands on them intentionally, and consistently turns those sparks into high-impact content.

This is the exact content system for founders I use to organize my thinking and publish more content with less friction.

Want help building a content creation system that keeps your ideas flowing and your output consistent? Schedule a Discovery Call and we’ll help you set it up.

Step One: Capture Ideas Instantly—Wherever You Are

Great ideas don’t arrive on schedule. They show up while walking, driving, or mid-meeting. That’s why you need a reliable idea capture process.

Tools I use to capture content ideas:

1. Pocket Notebook

I carry a compact notebook—usually Field Notes—and pair it with a Sharpie S-Gel pen. One idea per page, with a title on top.

Why it works:

Keeps thoughts organized
Easy to flip through later
Clean, distraction-free capture

2. Index Cards

Perfect for long-form content, workshops, or content series. I write one idea per card, which makes it easier to sort and structure later.

Inspired by a content system for founders used by writers like Ryan Holiday and Robert Greene.

3. Smartphone Notes

I use Notion for mobile capture. It syncs everywhere, supports tagging, and integrates into my digital spark file content strategy.

Pro Tip: Add more context than you think you’ll need. Future-you will thank you.

Step Two: Expand Ideas in a Thinking Notebook

Once ideas are captured, I move them into my thinking notebook—usually an A5 Leuchtturm.

This is where rough thoughts become structured ideas.

I use this space to:

Explore and combine related notes
Expand key ideas into rough outlines
Sketch frameworks or post structures
Clarify tone, message, and purpose

This step bridges the gap between capture and execution. It helps refine raw sparks into something tangible and worth building on.

Step Three: Organize Everything in a Spark File

Your spark file is your idea database.

It’s where captured ideas, notebook entries, and half-drafts all go to live, grow, and resurface when you’re ready to use them.

Why I use Notion:

Tagging by topic, format, or campaign
Easy linking between notes
Filters to sort by stage (idea, outline, draft)
Integrated with AI tools for expansion and suggestions

Tools like Obsidian, Evernote, or Google Docs with AI overlays also work—just pick one and commit.

Bonus Tip: Scroll through your spark file weekly. Rediscover gems you forgot—and connect them to your next project.

Step Four: Use ChatGPT to Add Structure and Expand

Once I have a working idea, I often drop it into ChatGPT to help structure or explore new angles.

Use AI tools to:

Break ideas into outline format
Rewrite intros or calls to action
Suggest titles, hooks, or formats
Clarify your message or improve tone
Push your thinking with counterpoints or expansions

Treat ChatGPT like a creative partner, not a replacement for your insight.

Step Five: Finalize and Publish in Google Docs

When I’m ready to publish, everything moves into Google Docs.

Why it works:

Familiar and fast formatting
Easy collaboration
Quick export to slides, PDFs, or web
Compatible with Grammarly and AI tools

I complete my final draft here, then polish it with ChatGPT and run a last pass through Grammarly for clarity, grammar, and flow.

Important: Keep your voice. Don’t let tools flatten your tone.

Recap: The 5-Step Content Creation System That Works

Here’s the full workflow:

Capture ideas anywhere using notebooks, index cards, or apps
Expand in a thinking notebook—explore, outline, and reflect
Organize a spark file content strategy—tag, connect, and store for future use
Refine with ChatGPT—add structure, improve flow, and unlock angles
Publish in Google Docs—edit, finalize, and ship

This system helps you publish more consistently, with less friction and more clarity.