The 3 Types of Content Every Business Needs to Grow Online

If you’ve ever struggled with what to post, you’re not alone. Many businesses throw random content on social media, hoping something sticks—but without a strategy, they fail to attract, engage, or convert their audience.

The truth is, every successful brand online follows a simple framework: they create three types of content that work together to build trust, grow their audience, and drive sales.

In this post, we’ll break down the three essential types of content every business needs and how to use them to grow your brand.

1. Value-Based Content (Educate & Inform)

Why It Matters:

People follow brands that provide value. If your content doesn’t educate, entertain, or inspire your audience, they have no reason to engage with you.

What This Content Looks Like:

✅ Educational posts – Quick tips, industry insights, or how-to guides
✅ Behind-the-scenes content – Show your process and expertise
✅ Myths vs. Facts – Bust common misconceptions in your industry

Examples:

📌 A fitness coach shares a post: “The Top 3 Mistakes People Make When Trying to Lose Weight”
📌 A marketing agency posts: “5 Things Every Business Owner Needs to Know About Facebook Ads”
📌 A real estate agent creates a Reel: “The Biggest Home-Buying Red Flags Most People Ignore”

How to Use It:

• Educate first, sell later. This content builds trust so your audience sees you as an expert.

• Use carousels, reels, and blog posts—formats that provide real value and encourage sharing.

2. Engagement-Based Content (Start Conversations & Build Community)

Why It Matters:

People don’t just want information—they want connection. Engagement-based content boosts visibility and turns followers into an active community.

What This Content Looks Like:

✅ Polls & Q&A posts – Ask for opinions to spark conversation
✅ Relatable memes or industry humor – Fun, shareable content
✅ "This or That" choices – A/B options to encourage comments

Examples:

📌 A restaurant posts a poll: “Pineapple on pizza—yes or no?” 🍍🍕
📌 A branding expert shares a post: “What’s more important—logo or messaging? Drop your thoughts below!”
📌 A clothing brand posts: “Summer or winter fashion? Comment your favorite season below!”

How to Use It:

• Keep it short, fun, and easy to respond to.

• Reply to every comment to keep engagement high.

• Mix engagement posts between educational and promotional content to maintain balance.

3. Conversion-Based Content (Sell & Promote)

Why It Matters:

If you never ask for the sale, your audience won’t take action. Conversion-based content turns engaged followers into paying customers.

What This Content Looks Like:

✅ Case studies & client wins – Social proof builds credibility
✅ Behind-the-scenes of your service or product – Show the experience
✅ Direct offers & calls to action – Make it easy for people to buy

Examples:

📌 A web designer posts a before-and-after of a client’s website redesign.
📌 A coaching business shares a video testimonial from a happy client.
📌 A skincare brand posts a Reel: “Our best-selling serum is back in stock! Tap the link in bio to order.”

How to Use It:

• Show, don’t just tell. Let testimonials and case studies do the selling.

• Use urgency & scarcity. Phrases like “Limited spots available” or “Last chance to sign up” encourage action.

• Make the CTA clear. Whether it’s DM for details, click the link, or book a call, tell them exactly what to do next.

Bringing It All Together: The 30/30/30 Rule

A balanced content strategy should include all three types of content. Try this:
✔️ 30% Value-Based Content – Educate & provide insights
✔️ 30% Engagement-Based Content – Spark conversations
✔️ 30% Conversion-Based Content – Sell your products/services

The remaining 10% can be personal content, behind-the-scenes, or brand-building posts.

Final Thoughts: Are You Using These 3 Types of Content?

If you’ve been posting without a clear strategy, start by focusing on these three content types:
✅ Value – Give your audience knowledge they can use.
✅ Engagement – Create posts that spark conversation.
✅ Conversion – Make it easy for them to buy.

Now, take a look at your last 10 posts—are you balancing all three content types?