As social media algorithms continue to evolve, content variety has become crucial for maintaining visibility and engagement. The 5:3:2 rule offers a strategic framework that’s gaining popularity among social media managers.
The 5:3:2 rule is a content curation and posting strategy for social media that helps create a balanced and engaging mix of content. Here’s a breakdown of the rule and how to implement it:
Breakdown of the 5:3:2 Rule
- 5 Curated Posts (50%): Share industry-related articles, news, or content from other sources that your audience would find valuable.
- 3 Created Posts (30%): Create and share original content directly related to your business, such as blog posts, product updates, or company news.
- 2 Personal Posts (20%): Share personal, non-business-related content to humanize your brand, like team members’ achievements or behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Implementing the Strategy Across Platforms
- Use a content calendar to plan and organize your posts across different platforms.
- Adapt content for each platform’s unique features and audience expectations.
- Utilize platform-specific tools like Instagram Stories, LinkedIn articles, or Facebook Live to diversify your content mix.
- Maintain consistent branding while tailoring content to each platform’s style.
Examples of Brands Successfully Using Content Variety
- GoPro: Uses hashtag campaigns to boost brand visibility through user-generated content.
- Lululemon: Created a community of super fans who generate content and host events, drawing customers into a personal brand experience.
- Coca-Cola: Leveraged AI-driven personalization in their “Share a Coke” campaign, resulting in a 2% increase in sales and 870% boost in social media engagement.
Tools for Planning and Scheduling a Balanced Content Mix
- Sprout Social: Offers comprehensive features for monitoring, scheduling, and reporting across major social platforms.
- Planable: Provides collaboration tools and multiple calendar views for efficient content planning and scheduling.
- Hootsuite: A classic social media scheduling tool supporting multiple platforms with robust analytics.
- Adobe Express Content Scheduler: Offers a free content planner with easy creation, planning, and preview features.
- Canva Pro Content Planner: Allows design and coordination of posts across multiple platforms with performance tracking capabilities.
By implementing the 5:3:2 rule and using these tools, brands can create a diverse content mix that maintains audience engagement, humanizes their brand, and saves time and resources in content planning and distribution.
