The 70-20-10 rule in content planning is a strategic approach that helps organizations effectively allocate resources and efforts across different types of content. This method ensures a balanced mix of content that caters to various audience needs and maximizes engagement. By following this rule, businesses can create a diversified content strategy that promotes both innovation and consistency.
What is the 70-20-10 Rule in Content Planning?
The 70-20-10 rule is a content strategy framework that suggests dedicating:
- 70% of your content to core, proven content that resonates with your audience.
- 20% to innovative content that builds on the core content.
- 10% to experimental content that explores new ideas and trends.
This approach helps maintain a balance between tried-and-true methods and new, creative ideas, ensuring continuous growth and engagement.
Why Implement the 70-20-10 Rule?
Ensures Consistency and Reliability
By dedicating 70% of content to core topics, businesses can consistently deliver content that is familiar and valuable to their audience. This core content should align with the brand’s primary message and audience interests, ensuring that the bulk of your content is reliable and relevant.
Encourages Innovation
Allocating 20% to innovative content allows for the exploration of new formats and ideas that still relate to your core message. This might include new types of blog posts, videos, or interactive content that engage your audience in fresh ways. Innovation is crucial for keeping your audience interested and for adapting to changing trends.
Promotes Experimentation
The 10% dedicated to experimental content provides room for testing out bold new ideas without significant risk. This could involve trying out new platforms, styles, or topics that are outside your usual scope. Experimentation can lead to breakthroughs that set your brand apart from competitors.
How to Apply the 70-20-10 Rule in Your Content Strategy
Step 1: Identify Core Content
Determine what content consistently performs well and aligns with your brand’s message. This content forms the backbone of your strategy and should be regularly updated and optimized.
Step 2: Develop Innovative Ideas
Look at your core content and brainstorm ways to expand or enhance it. This might include adding multimedia elements, creating series, or collaborating with influencers to add new dimensions to your existing content.
Step 3: Experiment with New Formats
For the experimental portion, consider emerging trends or audience interests that you haven’t explored yet. This could involve launching a podcast, creating interactive infographics, or utilizing new social media features.
Example of the 70-20-10 Rule in Action
A tech company might use this rule by:
- 70%: Publishing regular blog posts about software updates and tutorials.
- 20%: Creating video demonstrations and webinars to complement blog content.
- 10%: Experimenting with virtual reality experiences or AI-driven content personalization.
Benefits of the 70-20-10 Rule
- Balanced Content Portfolio: Ensures a mix of reliable and innovative content.
- Audience Engagement: Keeps your audience engaged with a variety of content types.
- Strategic Flexibility: Allows adaptation to new trends without abandoning core strengths.
People Also Ask
What Types of Content Should Be Core Content?
Core content should be the material that consistently performs well and represents the foundation of your brand’s message. This includes evergreen topics, FAQs, and content that addresses the primary needs and interests of your audience.
How Do You Measure the Success of Each Content Type?
Success can be measured using metrics such as engagement rates, conversion rates, and audience feedback. For core content, look at long-term performance; for innovative and experimental content, focus on short-term engagement and feedback.
Can the 70-20-10 Rule Be Applied to Social Media?
Yes, the 70-20-10 rule can be applied to social media by ensuring that most posts are consistent and on-brand, while a portion includes innovative content that encourages interaction, and a smaller portion tests new platforms or content styles.
Is the 70-20-10 Rule Suitable for All Industries?
While the 70-20-10 rule is versatile, it may need adjustments based on industry-specific dynamics and audience preferences. Industries with rapidly changing trends might require a higher percentage of innovative or experimental content.
How Often Should the Content Mix Be Reviewed?
Regular reviews, at least quarterly, are recommended to ensure that the content strategy remains aligned with business goals and audience interests. This allows for adjustments in response to performance data and market changes.
Conclusion
Implementing the 70-20-10 rule in content planning provides a structured yet flexible approach to content creation. By balancing core, innovative, and experimental content, businesses can ensure consistent audience engagement while remaining adaptable to new trends and opportunities. Start by evaluating your current content strategy and consider how this rule might enhance your approach to content planning.
