The 5:3:2 rule for social posts: a practical Saudi business example
The 5:3:2 rule is a content-planning shortcut, not a platform requirement. In the version described by Hootsuite, ten posts are divided into five curated items, three original pieces and two personal or humanising posts. Use it to examine the balance of your content, then change the mix when customer needs justify a different plan.
In this guide
Define the categories before counting
Curated content selects useful outside information with context and appropriate attribution. Original content explains something from your own expertise or business materials. Humanising content shows the people or process behind the work, with permission and accurate representation.
Categories can overlap. A behind-the-scenes demonstration may also teach a useful skill. Assign its main purpose for planning rather than spend time arguing about the perfect label. The ratio is intended to prompt variety, not turn every customer question into a bookkeeping exercise.
References: Hootsuite: its explanation of content-mix frameworks · LinkedIn Help: Page analytics · Biaway social media management: published service scope
Create an illustrative ten-item plan
Imagine a Saudi supplier preparing a small content batch. Five curated items could highlight relevant manufacturer care instructions or official product documentation, each with a short original explanation of why it matters. Three original items could answer a sizing question, explain the quotation process and show a product comparison using verified facts.
Two humanising pieces might show the real packing checklist and introduce the person who handles enquiries, with consent. These are hypothetical planning ideas, not Biaway client examples. Do not invent a team, customer story or warehouse simply to fill the final category.
Make the geographic details useful
For the illustrative supplier, a Hofuf pickup explanation and a Mubarraz dispatch process may serve Al Ahsa customers. Delivery preparation for Dammam and Khobar can answer a different question. Riyadh and Jeddah orders may need packaging and shipping conditions explained. Saudi Arabia context should change the information customers receive, not merely add city names to otherwise identical captions.
Translate the meaning naturally into Arabic and English when both audiences need it. The content categories can stay aligned while the wording and examples reflect what each audience understands.
Treat curation as selection, not copying
Link to the original material and add a useful explanation. Credit does not automatically grant permission to reproduce photographs, videos or entire articles. Check the relevant rights and use only material you are entitled to share in the intended way.
Do not allow the curated quota to crowd out essential original information. If customers need your actual prices, specifications or service conditions, a large collection of outside links may make the account less useful. The ratio should adapt to the offer, not obscure it.
Review the mix against customer decisions
After a complete cycle, compare the questions received and the usefulness of each item. Did the comparison reduce confusion? Did the quotation explanation produce better prepared enquiries? Record evidence and uncertainty rather than conclude that ten posts caused a ranking or sales increase.
Keep the framework only if it helps the team plan useful work. You can change the proportions, reduce the number of categories or stop using the ratio. Consistent accuracy and a clear next step matter more than matching a memorable sequence of numbers.
References: Hootsuite: its explanation of content-mix frameworks · LinkedIn Help: Page analytics · Biaway social media management: published service scope
How this guide was prepared
Prepared with AI assistance, with platform and accessibility claims checked against the primary sources below at publication. The planning frameworks are Biaway’s editorial recommendations. Examples labelled illustrative are not client stories or measured results. Platform features and requirements can change.
Your questions.
01Must five out of ten posts always come from other sources?
No. That is the definition of this particular planning version, not an obligation. Your audience may need more original material.
02Will following 5:3:2 improve Google rankings?
The ratio itself is not evidence of a Google ranking benefit. Evaluate the usefulness of the content and actual observed website outcomes separately.