Between juggling multiple accounts, an endless flood of content ideas, and the constant pressure to deliver results, a social media manager is a true picture of pressure in motion. However, the Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule, may provide a ready answer for the struggling social media manager.
The Pareto principle emphasizes identifying the 20% of your activities that yield 80% of the results and streamlining your workload. Sounds simple enough, right? However, the Pareto principle may not be for everyone. And this is because while the Pareto Principle provides a valuable starting point, applying it successfully to social media requires a nuanced approach. Here’s how you achieve more with less effort, without sacrificing long-term success.
Identifying Your “20%” on Social Media
The crucial 20% of your social media activities will likely involve these elements:
- Optimal Platforms: Not every platform is equally effective for every client. Analyze past performance and audience demographics. Prioritize where you see the best ROI.
- High-Impact Content: Is it short-form videos, informative carousels, or behind-the-scenes glimpses that resonate with your target audience? Double down on proven winners.
- Focused on the End Goal: Are you aiming for brand awareness, website traffic, or direct lead generation? Tailor your content mix with these business objectives in mind.
A Practical Example
Imagine you manage social media for a small e-commerce brand selling handmade jewellery and you want to increase sales using the Pareto principle(You can also check out this post if this is your goal). Your analysis might reveal the following:
- Top Platform: Pinterest, due to its visual nature and shopping-focused audience
- Best Content: Product closeups, creative styling ideas, user-generated content
- Business Goal: Drive sales through the online shop
Following the Pareto principle will mean keenly focusing on posting your best content types that drive sales on Pinterest. But wouldn’t that be incredibly monotonous?
Beyond the 80/20: Why the “Other Stuff” Matters
Real-life social media success isn’t only about producing high-performing posts. Here’s where the Pareto Principle needs tailoring.
- Community Engagement: Social media is about conversations. Spend time responding to comments, and participating in industry groups – this builds long-term loyalty.
- Trend Monitoring: Staying up-to-date with platform changes and viral trends prevents your content from becoming stale. This takes time but is crucial.
- Adapting to Change: What drives engagement today might not be as effective next month. Continuous re-assessment of your analytics is essential.
Think of these activities as part of your broader “impactful 80%”. While less immediately tangible, they contribute to a healthy and sustainable social media presence.
Applying the Pareto Principle for Long-Term Success
Here’s how to use the Pareto Principle as a strategic framework:
- Schedule for Sanity: Utilize scheduling tools during your most productive hours. This batching approach frees up time and ensures consistency.
- Content Repurposing: A well-written blog post can become a Twitter thread, an Instagram carousel, or a TikTok video with some tweaks. Maximize high-quality content.
- Selective Outsourcing: If resources permit, outsource less impactful tasks (e.g., basic image editing) to focus your own energy where it brings the most value.
- Review & Revise Regularly: Your focus areas will evolve. Regularly review analytics to ensure your efforts align with current results and client goals.
Key Takeaway: The Pareto Principle as Your Guide
The Pareto Principle is a powerful tool for boosting social media efficiency. It provides a framework for focusing on what matters most. However, treat it as a starting point, not a rigid formula. True social media management success demands responsiveness, fostering relationships, and a healthy dose of experimentation. Strike a balance between immediate wins and long-term brand health – this is where the Pareto Principle will lead you to sustainable, fulfilling results.
Still need help applying the nuances of the Pareto principle to your social media page so you can achieve your business goals? Consider outsourcing your online efforts to a social media management agency.
