Rule of Thirds: Strategies for Personal, Engaging Posts, and Promotional Content

The best social media strategies rely on personality and human connection. Even if you're operating a business page, you still need to represent your brand authentically. Most social plans are either built on the Rule of Thirds, or some other mix of personal, business, and educational content.

Personal Content Ideas

• Family pictures, trips, and events

• Content related to your interests — golf, biking, whatever it is

• Personal recommendations as the local area expert

• Favorite local spots — what's your go-to place in the fall?

• Photos with friends

• Pet pictures

• Kids — sports, milestones, big updates

• Stories from your own life worth sharing

• Projects or committees you're involved with

• Appreciation posts for the people around you

Engagement and Sharing Ideas

• Industry trivia

• Local area content

• Building connections through shared experiences

• Contests

• Q&A

• Motivational quotes

• Open-ended questions

• Getting-to-know-you posts

• Behind the scenes

• Holiday content

Promotional Content Ideas

• Success stories and testimonials

• Educational content — articles, tips, and the like

• Market updates

• Events and training opportunities

• FAQs

• Industry-based tips

• A day in the life of your business

• Giving back to the community

• Product or service of the week

• Cross-promoting other industry professionals

Stay Consistent

Whatever mix you choose, consistency is what makes it work. Use your social presence to actually learn about your audience, then adjust based on what performs best.

Find your balance, build a simple content map to keep yourself on track, and make sure your page always has complete, valuable information for potential clients. Avoid long stretches of inactivity, respond to comments and messages, and keep testing new ideas as you go.