Problem-Solution Content Map
Turn real customer questions into a prioritized content pipeline
- Difficulty
- Starter
- Time to result
- ~days to results
- Steps
- 5
- Confidence
- 99%
The map reframes compelling content as a relevance problem rather than a personality contest. Start with a large T-shaped table: customer problems on the left and corresponding solutions on the right. Define the ideal buyer, list the specific obstacles that person encounters, and answer each obstacle directly. Every row becomes a potential video, article, or advertisement. When the creator lacks enough firsthand insight, search-demand tools such as AnswerThePublic can reveal the questions people ask around a topic and indicate relative volume. High-demand, urgent questions receive priority. Because the audience already wants these answers, the creator does not need an unusually dynamic personality to sustain interest. The output is a validated backlog of focused content that places the business at the intersection of an active problem and a useful solution.
Origin
Extracted from The Jasmine Star Show, where Billy Gene answered how someone without a dynamic on-camera personality could still produce interesting content.
Core principles
- 01Relevant answers are inherently interesting to people experiencing the problem
- 02Customer problems should drive topics
- 03Specific problems produce more useful content than broad themes
- 04Search behavior can reveal questions when direct research is unavailable
- 05Each distinct problem can become a separate content asset
How to run it
- 1
Create the map
Draw a large T and label the left side “problem” and the right side “solution.” Use it as the working structure for all subsequent ideas.
Pro tip Keep each row limited to one distinct problem and one direct response.
Watch out Do not combine several vague challenges into a single topic.
- 2
Define the customer
Specify the person you want to serve or attract. Their situation determines which problems belong on the map.
Pro tip Describe their current stage and desired outcome, not just demographics.
Watch out An undefined audience produces generic problems and generic content.
- 3
List specific problems
Write every obstacle the customer experiences, including small operational questions and major strategic barriers. Break broad issues into narrower, answerable units.
Pro tip Use the customer's own language whenever possible.
Watch out Avoid topics that showcase expertise but do not matter to the intended customer.
- 4
Supply direct solutions
Write a useful answer or next action beside every problem. Each problem-solution pair can become its own content asset.
Pro tip Aim to help the viewer make progress without needing unrelated context.
Watch out Do not withhold the useful part merely to force a sale.
- 5
Validate demand
If your list is incomplete, use AnswerThePublic or comparable search-question data to discover what people ask about the topic. Use demand indicators to prioritize production.
Pro tip Start with questions displaying both high demand and strong relevance to your offer.
Watch out Search volume alone does not guarantee that the searcher is your customer.
In the wild
A business coach defines first-time founders as the target customer. The coach lists problems involving customer acquisition, logos, websites, and hiring, then separates them into 30 specific questions. Search data identifies which questions recur most often, and the coach records one concise answer for each.
→ A blank content calendar becomes a demand-informed series of 30 useful videos.
Common mistakes
Trying to manufacture charisma
Creators may focus on becoming more animated instead of selecting questions their viewers urgently want answered.
Starting with the solution
Leading with what the business wants to discuss can disconnect content from the customer's actual priorities.
Is it for you?
Best for
Experts who struggle to appear interesting on camera or repeatedly run out of relevant content ideas.
Not ideal for
Creators whose primary goal is entertainment without a defined audience problem or area of expertise.
From the transcript
“And then on the left hand side, I want you to write problem. And then on the right hand side, I want you to write…”
“30 problems, it's 30 different videos.”
“So you literally just make your content based on what people are saying.”
From the episode
Letting Your Marketing Work For You with Billy Gene
Billy Gene