Content Marketing Rule of Thirds in Digital Marketing
In the world of marketing, balance is everything.
Like an artist balances their canvas or a photographer aligns their shot, content marketers need a framework to keep their strategy well-rounded and effective.
That’s where the Content Marketing Rule of Thirds comes into play. This rule helps you create Content that engages, informs, and converts your audience while keeping things interesting.
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Table of Contents
The Principle of Three: Why Three Matters
Before we get into marketing, let’s take a moment to appreciate the magic of the number three.
You see it everywhere:
- Storytelling: Beginning, middle, and end.
- Design: The Rule of Thirds in photography and art divides an image into three sections for better composition.
- Speeches: Great speeches often come in threes (“I came, I saw, I conquered”).
- Comedy: Jokes often follow the rhythm of three for a punchline.
Humans love patterns, and three is just the right amount. It’s manageable, like five or six, but it’s more complex. It’s balanced.
And balance is key when you’re communicating with your audience.
Now, let’s connect this principle to content marketing.
What is the Rule of Thirds in Marketing?
The Content Marketing Rule of Thirds is a strategy that splits your Content into three main categories:
- Promotional Content (1/3): Content about your products, services, or brand.
- Educational Content (1/3): Content that informs, educates, and helps your audience solve problems.
- Engaging Content (1/3): Content that connects with your audience emotionally or sparks interaction.
Here’s why this works:
- Promotional Content sells your product and builds brand awareness.
- Educational Content positions you as an authority and builds trust.
- Engaging Content builds relationships and keeps your audience coming back.
By keeping a balance between these three types of Content, you avoid becoming too salty, too boring, or too distant. It’s all about delivering value while building relationships with your audience.
Brands That Use the Rule of Thirds Perfectly
Let’s take a look at a few brands that have mastered the art of balancing their Content:
- HubSpot
- Promotional: Showcases their CRM tools and case studies.
- Educational: Tons of blog posts, webinars, and free templates to teach marketing skills.
- Engaging: Shares relatable marketing memes and interactive polls on social media.
- Nike
- Promotional: Launches new shoes and campaigns.
- Educational: Fitness tips, workout guides, and athlete stories.
- Engaging: Motivational Content that resonates emotionally (e.g., “Just Do It” stories).
- Glossier
- Promotional: Highlights their beauty products.
- Educational: Shares skincare routines, beauty hacks, and tutorials.
- Engaging: User-generated Content, customer stories, and behind-the-scenes footage.
These brands know the importance of mixing value, information, and emotional connection to keep their audiences engaged and loyal.
Conclusion
Balance is Key
The Content Marketing Rule of Thirds isn’t just a strategy; it’s a mindset.
Splitting your Content into promotional, educational, and engaging types ensures your brand stays relevant, relatable, and reliable.
Need more promotional Content? You might drive people away.
Need more educational Content? Your brand might feel like a textbook. Too much engaging Content? You might need more direction or authority.
The magic happens when you strike the right balance.
So, the next time you plan your content calendar, ask yourself:
Am I balancing my thirds?
If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track to building a loyal audience that loves your Content.
At Windave, we believe in creating meaningful connections with audiences, and the Rule of Thirds is one way to make that happen.
Keep it balanced and human, and keep your audience at the center of everything you do.
Happy marketing!
