Applying the 70-20-10 Rule to Digital Marketing Prioritisation
When you’re juggling multiple digital marketing tasks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You want to grow your brand, engage your audience, and convert leads, but where should you focus your energy? That’s where the 70-20-10 rule comes in. This simple framework helps you prioritise your marketing efforts so you can get the best results without burning out or spreading yourself too thin.
Let me walk you through how you can apply this rule to your digital marketing strategy. You’ll learn how to balance tried-and-true tactics with innovative ideas and experimental campaigns. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to boost your online presence and attract more clients.
Why Digital Marketing Prioritisation Matters
Digital marketing is a vast landscape. There are countless channels, tools, and strategies to explore. Without a clear prioritisation method, you risk wasting time on low-impact activities or missing out on opportunities that could drive real growth.
Prioritising your marketing efforts means focusing on what works best for your business. It’s about allocating your time, budget, and resources wisely. When you do this, you’ll see better engagement, higher conversion rates, and a stronger brand presence.
The 70-20-10 rule is a perfect fit for this. It breaks down your marketing activities into three categories:
70% on core, proven strategies that deliver consistent results.
20% on new tactics that have shown promise but need more testing.
10% on experimental ideas that could lead to breakthroughs.
This approach keeps your marketing balanced. You maintain a solid foundation while still innovating and adapting to changes.
How to Apply the 70-20-10 Rule in Your Digital Marketing Strategy
Let’s get practical. Here’s how you can divide your digital marketing efforts using the 70-20-10 rule.
70% Core Marketing Activities
These are your bread-and-butter tactics. They’re proven to work and form the backbone of your strategy. For most small businesses and entrepreneurs, this includes:
Content marketing: Blog posts, newsletters, and social media updates that engage your audience.
SEO: Optimising your website and content to rank well on search engines.
Email marketing: Building and nurturing your email list with valuable offers and updates.
Paid ads: Running ads on platforms like Google or Facebook that consistently bring in leads.
Spend the majority of your time and budget here. These activities build trust, drive steady traffic, and convert prospects into customers.
20% Emerging Strategies
Next, allocate some resources to new or growing tactics that show potential. These might not be fully proven yet, but they’re worth exploring because they can give you an edge. Examples include:
Video marketing: Short videos on TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube.
Influencer collaborations: Partnering with micro-influencers in your niche.
Chatbots and automation: Using AI tools to improve customer service and lead capture.
Interactive content: Quizzes, polls, or calculators that engage users.
Test these strategies carefully. Track your results and refine your approach. If something works well, it can move into your core 70% activities.
10% Experimental Ideas
Finally, dedicate a small portion of your efforts to bold experiments. These are high-risk, high-reward projects that might not pay off immediately but could transform your marketing. Think of:
Launching a podcast or webinar series.
Trying out new social media platforms.
Creating viral campaigns or contests.
Using emerging tech like augmented reality or NFTs.
Keep these experiments small and manageable. The goal is to learn quickly and pivot if needed.
What is the 3-3-3 Rule for Marketing?
While the 70-20-10 rule helps you prioritise your marketing mix, the 3-3-3 rule is a handy guideline for content creation and communication. It suggests that your marketing messages should be:
3 seconds: Capture attention quickly.
3 words: Use concise, impactful language.
3 times: Repeat your key message enough to stick.
This rule reminds you to keep your messaging clear and memorable. In digital marketing, where attention spans are short, it’s crucial to get your point across fast and effectively.
For example, when crafting social media posts or ads, focus on a strong headline or hook that grabs attention in the first few seconds. Use simple, powerful words that resonate with your audience. Then, repeat your core message across different channels and formats to reinforce it.
Combining the 3-3-3 rule with the 70-20-10 framework ensures your marketing is not only well-prioritised but also sharp and engaging.
Real-Life Examples of the 70-20-10 Rule in Action
To make this more concrete, here are some examples of how small businesses and entrepreneurs can apply the 70-20-10 rule.
Example 1: A Local Coffee Shop
70%: Regular social media posts showcasing daily specials, customer stories, and behind-the-scenes content. Running Google Ads targeting local coffee lovers.
20%: Creating short videos of baristas making coffee and sharing them on Instagram Reels.
10%: Hosting a virtual coffee tasting event or launching a podcast about coffee culture.
Example 2: An Online Fitness Coach
70%: Publishing weekly blog posts on fitness tips, sending email newsletters, and running Facebook Ads for coaching packages.
20%: Collaborating with fitness influencers for Instagram takeovers.
10%: Experimenting with live-streamed workout sessions or a fitness challenge app.
Example 3: A Handmade Jewelry Brand
70%: SEO-optimised product descriptions, regular Instagram posts, and email campaigns with exclusive offers.
20%: Testing TikTok videos showing the jewellery-making process.
10%: Launching a contest for customers to design a new piece or trying augmented reality to let customers virtually try on jewellery.
These examples show how you can tailor the 70-20-10 rule to your unique business and audience.
Tips for Making the 70-20-10 Rule Work for You
Here are some actionable tips to help you implement this rule effectively:
Track your results: Use analytics tools to measure the performance of each category. Adjust your allocations based on what’s working.
Be flexible: The digital landscape changes fast. Be ready to shift your 20% and 10% efforts as new trends emerge.
Set clear goals: Define what success looks like for each activity. This keeps your efforts focused and purposeful.
Use your strengths: Play to your business’s unique skills and resources when choosing which tactics to prioritise.
Stay consistent: The 70% core activities need regular attention to build momentum and trust.
By following these tips, you’ll create a balanced, dynamic marketing strategy that grows with your business.
Taking Your Digital Marketing to the Next Level
Applying the 70-20-10 rule digital marketing framework is a smart way to organise your efforts and maximise your impact. It helps you focus on what works, explore new opportunities, and innovate without losing sight of your core goals.
Remember, digital marketing prioritisation isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about making smart choices that lead to steady growth and meaningful connections with your audience.
Start by reviewing your current marketing activities. Identify which ones fall into the 70%, 20%, and 10% categories. Then, plan your time and budget accordingly. Keep testing, learning, and adapting.
With this approach, you’ll build a digital marketing strategy that’s not only effective but also sustainable. You’ll attract more clients, stand out from the competition, and grow your business with confidence.
Ready to take control of your digital marketing? The 70-20-10 rule is your roadmap to success.
Comments