The 70/20/10 rule is a strategic framework that enhances content marketing by guiding how resources are allocated across different types of content. By adopting this approach, businesses can effectively balance innovation with proven content strategies, ensuring both engagement and growth.
What is the 70/20/10 Rule in Content Strategy?
The 70/20/10 rule is a content strategy model that suggests allocating 70% of your content to tried-and-true formats, 20% to innovative or experimental content, and 10% to high-risk, cutting-edge content. This method helps businesses maintain a stable foundation while exploring new opportunities.
How Does the 70/20/10 Rule Work?
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70% Core Content: Focus on reliable, high-performing content that resonates with your audience. This includes blog posts, social media updates, and newsletters that have consistently driven engagement.
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20% Innovative Content: Experiment with new types of content or formats that have shown potential. This could involve interactive content, videos, or podcasts that align with audience interests.
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10% High-Risk Content: Invest in bold, experimental content that could lead to significant breakthroughs. This might include emerging platforms or technologies like virtual reality or AI-driven content.
Why Use the 70/20/10 Rule in Content Strategy?
Implementing the 70/20/10 rule ensures a balanced approach to content creation, allowing businesses to capitalize on proven methods while remaining agile and forward-thinking. Here’s why this model is beneficial:
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Consistency and Stability: By dedicating 70% of resources to core content, you ensure a steady stream of reliable material that keeps your audience engaged.
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Room for Innovation: The 20% allocation encourages experimentation, allowing you to test new ideas and formats without significant risk.
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Encourages Creativity: The 10% high-risk portion pushes creative boundaries, fostering innovation and keeping your brand at the forefront of industry trends.
Practical Examples of the 70/20/10 Rule
Consider a company that primarily produces written content. Here’s how they might apply the 70/20/10 rule:
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70%: Continue producing well-researched blog posts and articles that have consistently attracted readers. These pieces should align with SEO best practices and target long-tail keywords like "effective content strategy."
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20%: Develop a series of video tutorials or webinars that dive deeper into topics covered in the blog posts, providing additional value and engagement.
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10%: Experiment with augmented reality experiences or interactive infographics that offer a unique perspective on industry trends.
How to Implement the 70/20/10 Rule Successfully
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Analyze Current Content: Assess your existing content to identify what works well and what doesn’t. This will inform your 70% core content strategy.
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Set Clear Goals: Define what you hope to achieve with your 20% and 10% content. This could be increased engagement, brand awareness, or entering new markets.
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Allocate Resources Wisely: Ensure you have the right tools and team members in place to execute each portion of the strategy effectively.
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Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review the performance of all content types. Be prepared to shift resources between categories based on what delivers the best results.
People Also Ask
What Are the Benefits of the 70/20/10 Rule?
The 70/20/10 rule benefits content strategy by providing a structured approach to balancing reliability with innovation. It ensures consistent audience engagement while allowing for creative exploration and adaptation to changing market trends.
How Can Small Businesses Use the 70/20/10 Rule?
Small businesses can use the 70/20/10 rule by focusing their limited resources on proven content strategies while still leaving room for experimentation. This approach can help them compete with larger companies by staying agile and innovative.
Is the 70/20/10 Rule Applicable to Social Media?
Yes, the 70/20/10 rule is highly applicable to social media strategies. It allows brands to maintain a consistent presence with reliable content, test new formats like Stories or Reels, and explore emerging platforms to reach new audiences.
How Does the 70/20/10 Rule Support SEO?
By ensuring a steady flow of high-quality content (70%), the 70/20/10 rule supports SEO efforts by improving search rankings and driving organic traffic. The innovative and high-risk content (20% and 10%) can attract backlinks and increase visibility.
Can the 70/20/10 Rule Be Modified?
The 70/20/10 rule can be adjusted based on a business’s specific needs and industry dynamics. Companies might shift the percentages to better fit their goals, such as increasing the focus on innovation if they operate in a rapidly changing field.
Conclusion
The 70/20/10 rule is a versatile and effective framework for content strategy, providing a balanced approach to content creation. By allocating resources wisely across core, innovative, and high-risk content, businesses can maintain engagement, foster innovation, and stay ahead in the competitive landscape. To maximize the benefits of this strategy, regularly assess your content’s performance and be open to adjusting your approach as needed. For further insights, explore how to integrate content marketing with social media strategies or delve into advanced SEO techniques.
