What is the 70 20 10 Rule on Social Media?
The 70 20 10 rule on social media is a strategic guideline for content creation and sharing. It suggests that 70% of your content should be valuable and relevant to your audience, 20% should be shared from other sources, and 10% should be promotional. This approach helps maintain engagement and build trust with your followers.
Understanding the 70 20 10 Rule
Why Use the 70 20 10 Rule?
The 70 20 10 rule is designed to balance content types to maximize engagement while maintaining authenticity and trust. By following this rule, you can ensure that your social media presence is not overly promotional, which can deter followers. Instead, it focuses on delivering value and fostering community.
How to Implement the 70% Value Content?
The largest portion of your social media content—70%—should be informative, entertaining, or educational. This could include:
- Blog posts that address common questions or challenges in your industry.
- Infographics that present data in an engaging way.
- Videos that offer tips, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes looks.
- User-generated content that showcases customer stories or testimonials.
The goal is to provide content that resonates with your audience’s interests and needs, positioning your brand as a valuable resource.
What Constitutes the 20% Shared Content?
The next 20% of your content should come from external sources. This involves sharing content from industry leaders, partners, or influencers that aligns with your brand values. Examples include:
- Articles from respected publications in your field.
- Posts from influencers or thought leaders.
- Trends or news updates relevant to your audience.
This strategy not only diversifies your content but also builds relationships with other creators and positions your brand within a broader community.
How to Use the 10% Promotional Content?
The remaining 10% of your social media content can be promotional. This includes:
- Product launches or updates.
- Special offers or discounts.
- Calls-to-action encouraging followers to try your service or product.
While promotional content is necessary for business growth, keeping it to a minimum ensures that your audience doesn’t feel overwhelmed by sales pitches.
Benefits of the 70 20 10 Rule
- Enhanced Engagement: By focusing primarily on value, you keep your audience interested and engaged.
- Increased Trust: Sharing content from other sources and limiting promotions builds credibility.
- Stronger Relationships: Engaging with content from other creators can lead to collaborations and partnerships.
Practical Example of the 70 20 10 Rule
Consider a company that sells eco-friendly products. Here’s how they might apply the 70 20 10 rule:
- 70% Value Content: Share tips on sustainable living, DIY eco-friendly projects, and customer stories using their products.
- 20% Shared Content: Post articles from environmental blogs, share posts from sustainability influencers, and highlight relevant environmental news.
- 10% Promotional Content: Announce new product lines, offer limited-time discounts, and encourage followers to sign up for newsletters.
People Also Ask
What are the benefits of using the 70 20 10 rule on social media?
The 70 20 10 rule helps maintain a balanced content strategy that maximizes engagement while building trust. It encourages brands to focus on delivering value, fostering community, and minimizing promotional overload, leading to a more loyal and engaged audience.
Can the 70 20 10 rule be applied to all social media platforms?
Yes, the 70 20 10 rule is versatile and can be adapted to any social media platform. However, the specific content types may vary based on platform characteristics. For example, visual content may dominate Instagram, while LinkedIn might focus more on professional insights.
How often should I review my social media strategy?
It’s advisable to review your social media strategy quarterly. This allows you to assess engagement metrics, adjust content types, and ensure alignment with business goals. Regular reviews help maintain relevance and effectiveness.
Is the 70 20 10 rule suitable for small businesses?
Absolutely. The 70 20 10 rule is particularly beneficial for small businesses as it provides a structured approach to content creation, ensuring a balanced mix of engagement and promotion without overwhelming resources.
What if my audience prefers more promotional content?
If your audience shows a preference for promotional content, you can adjust the percentages slightly. However, it’s crucial to maintain a balance to avoid alienating followers. Regularly analyzing engagement data can guide these adjustments.
Summary
The 70 20 10 rule on social media is a strategic framework that helps brands balance value, shared content, and promotions. By focusing primarily on delivering valuable content, businesses can enhance engagement, build trust, and foster community. This approach is adaptable across platforms and beneficial for both small and large businesses. Consider reviewing your strategy regularly to ensure it aligns with your audience’s needs and preferences.
