The 80/20 Rule of Marketing

Sep 30

Spoiler alert: not all marketing efforts are created equal. Some are straight-up confetti cannons - loud, flashy, and fun - but they fizzle fast and don’t actually drive your business forward. The 80/20 rule is your permission slip to stop trying to do everything and start doing the right things.

Wait, remind me what the 80/20 rule is?

The Pareto principle (aka the 80/20 rule) says that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Translation: most of what you’re doing is busywork, not needle-moving magic.

And in marketing? Oh, it shows up everywhere.

Where the 80/20 Rule Applies in Marketing

Here’s how I see it play out most often:

Content Creation: You’re cranking out daily posts, but it’s actually 1–2 that consistently perform. → Double down on those formats.
Platforms: You’re trying to be everywhere. Reality check: 80% of your customers probably hang out on one or two platforms. → Show up there with intention.
Customers: A small slice of your audience (loyal repeat buyers) generates the bulk of your revenue. → Nurture them like VIPs.
Campaigns: One well-thought-out launch or email series will outperform 10 scattershot social posts any day.

How to Find Your 20%

This is the part where you stop guessing and start digging:

Check Your Analytics: What content, emails, or offers actually drive clicks, sign-ups, or sales?
Listen to Your Customers: Ask them how they found you and why they keep coming back.
Audit Your Time: Track where you’re spending hours vs. what’s producing tangible results.

Why This Matters

Marketing burnout is real, friend. When you try to “do it all,” you end up with half-baked posts, inconsistent messaging, and very little energy left for the work that actually makes you money. By leaning into the 80/20, you reclaim time and focus… which is basically the entrepreneurial jackpot.