The Three Circles Content Audit
Score yourself across the Legible-Compelling-Differentiated framework, diagnose your missing circle, build your creator premise, map competitor white space, and audit your content for systemic blind spots.
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Three Circles Scorecard
Rate yourself 1-10 on each circle. Be honest - the gaps reveal your biggest growth opportunities.
| Circle | What It Means | The Fatal Problem If Missing | My Score (1-10) | Biggest Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legible | A stranger instantly understands your value | Confused audience - they don't get what you do | ||
| Compelling | Your audience lights up with genuine desire | Ignored - your content doesn't spark action | ||
| Differentiated | Your angle feels fresh and distinct | Outcompeted - you blend in with everyone else |
The Core Framework
George Kao's three circles model says every successful creator sits at the intersection of all three: Legible (people get it), Compelling (people want it), and Differentiated (only you offer it this way). If any circle is missing, you have a specific, diagnosable problem.
Missing Circle Diagnosis
Identify which circle you are weakest in and plan your fix.
Legible + Compelling - Differentiated
Result: Outcompeted
People understand you and want what you offer, but so do ten other creators. You need a unique angle, methodology, or lens.
Legible + Differentiated - Compelling
Result: Ignored
People understand you and you are unique, but nobody lights up. You need to connect to a desire, fear, or aspiration your audience actually feels.
Compelling + Differentiated - Legible
Result: Confused
People are intrigued and you are unique, but a stranger cannot quickly explain what you do. You need a clearer one-line value statement.
The Napkin Test
Russ Cummings' napkin test: Can someone who just discovered your content write what you do on a napkin within 10 seconds? If not, your legibility needs work. Test this by asking a friend who has never seen your content to describe what you do after watching one piece.
Creator Premise Builder
Build your content premise across all three circles.
Circle 1 - Legibility
Circle 2 - Compelling Factor
Circle 3 - Differentiation
Competitor White Space Map
Map 5 competitors to find gaps in the market you can own.
| # | Creator / Channel | Their Main Premise | Audience They Serve | What They Do NOT Cover | White Space Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||||
| 2 | |||||
| 3 | |||||
| 4 | |||||
| 5 |
3-Version Message Test Planner
Test three versions of your content message, each leading with a different circle. Post all three within the same week.
Version A - Legibility First
Version B - Compelling First
Version C - Differentiation First
How to Run the Test
Post all three versions within the same week on the same platform. Track which drives the strongest response in terms of saves, shares, DMs, and questions. The winner reveals which circle your audience responds to most - double down on that angle in future content.
Content Audit Tracker
Audit your last 6 pieces of content against the three circles to find systemic blind spots.
| Content Title / Topic | Platform | Legible? | Compelling? | Differentiated? | Missing Circle | Fix for Next Piece | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|