The 80-20 Rule
Using the 80-20 rule ensures your content engages and entertains your audience, keeping your followers interested and your engagement strong as you tame the wild west of social media.
In the world of social media, there's a golden rule that’s as legendary as the old cattle trails of the Wild West: the 80-20 rule. The idea is simple—80% of your content should entertain, educate, or engage your audience, while the remaining 20% can be used to subtly promote your products or services. But here’s the rub: in practice, many of us end up doing a 50-50 split—if we're lucky. And just like a herd of cattle that’s gone off course, it’s easy to find your social media content wandering into dangerous territory where your followers lose interest and engagement drops faster than a stone in a stock tank.
Why 80-20 Matters (and Why 50-50—Or Worse—Isn't Cutting It)
Picture this: You’re scrolling through social media, and all you see are posts trying to sell you something—over and over again. It’s like walking through a never-ending row of billboards along a dusty highway. Eventually, you tune it all out, right? That’s exactly what happens to your audience if your content becomes more about pushing products than building relationships.
The 80-20 rule is designed to keep your social media feed from turning into an infomercial. It’s about sharing content that’s as refreshing as a cold drink after a long day in the field, content that makes your audience want to stick around for more. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at your farm, a funny anecdote from the ranch, or tips on how to grow the perfect garden, the goal is to engage your followers, not just sell to them.
But let's be honest—sometimes that 80-20 balance feels more like trying to wrangle a stubborn mule. It’s easy to slip into the habit of promoting, promoting, promoting, especially when you’ve got products to move and a bottom line to think about. The trick is finding creative ways to make your 20% feel like it’s still part of the 80%. And that’s where Flying Cow Media comes in.
How to Tip the Scales Back to 80-20
Here are a few ideas to help you strike that perfect 80-20 balance, keeping your social media content as engaging as a Saturday night barn dance:
Storytelling with a Purpose: Instead of just showcasing your latest products, tell the story behind them. Share how your crops go from seed to harvest, or introduce your followers to the animals that make your ranch special. People love stories, especially when they’re authentic and relatable.
User-Generated Content: Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your products. A photo of someone enjoying your fresh produce or wearing your branded merchandise not only promotes your business but also builds a sense of community. Plus, it takes some of the content creation off your plate—win-win!
Educational Content: Post how-to videos, farming tips, or interesting facts about rural life. This type of content is valuable to your followers and positions you as an expert in your field. And when you do sprinkle in that 20% of promotional content, it feels more like helpful advice than a hard sell.
Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses: Let your audience in on what goes on behind the barn doors. Whether it’s a day in the life on the ranch or a peek at the early morning harvest, people love to see the process. It’s engaging content that subtly reinforces the quality and care you put into your products.
Mix Up Your Content Formats: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content—videos, polls, quizzes, and even memes. Variety keeps your feed interesting, and it’s a great way to sneak in promotional content without it feeling repetitive.
Flying Cow Media: Your Partner in Perfecting the 80-20 Balance
At Flying Cow Media, we know that finding the right balance on social media can feel like walking a tightrope over a rattlesnake pit. But with the right strategy, you can keep your followers engaged, build relationships, and still promote your products without your feed looking like a digital yellow book ad.
Our team specializes in helping rural businesses craft content that resonates with their audience while keeping that all-important 80-20 balance in check. From eye-catching graphics to compelling stories, we’re here to make sure your social media isn’t just another sales pitch—it’s a platform that truly reflects who you are and what you stand for.
The 80-20 rule is more than just a guideline—it’s the key to keeping your social media channels as lively and engaging as a summer hoedown. By focusing on content that entertains, educates, and engages, you’ll build a loyal following that’s not just interested in your products, but in the story behind them. And when you do slip in that 20% of promotional content, it’ll be as natural as a warm breeze through the cornfields. So, saddle up, find your balance, and let Flying Cow Media help you ride off into the social media sunset with a feed that’s worth following.
