Campus Rec Magazine: 7 Actionable Insights for the Rule of 7
Matt Schmiedl, CENTERS Enterprise Marketing Manager and frequent guest columnist for Campus Rec – This Week shares insights on applying the Rule of 7 to boost the efficacy of your marketing.
When it comes to communication, cutting through the noise nowadays to reach your audience and make your message stick is a very real challenge – and not just in marketing. Students, colleagues, your members, basically everyone, are bombarded by constant communications. So, how can you break through the clutter and boost the efficacy of your messages?
Enter the Rule of 7. This classic concept, dating back to the 1930s, is a well-known principle that suggests a prospect needs to encounter your brand, message, or offer at least seven times before they take action or make a purchase. In essence, more frequency yields more conversions, although there’s more to it than that. While it originates from the marketing world, it’s an effective goal-achievement strategy for any department or business area. So, in the spirit of the principle itself, let’s dive into seven ways you can put the Rule of 7 into practice.
1. Repetition Builds Recognition
2. Tailor Your Message for Different Channels
3. Leverage Data to Optimize Touchpoints
4. Use Personalization to Enhance Efficacy
5. Integrate Offline and Online Strategies
6. Leverage Partnerships for Broader Reach
7. Reinforce Through Visual and Emotional Impact
The Rule of 7 isn’t about pestering people—it’s about persistence and purpose. By thoughtfully layering your messages across platforms and interactions, you’ll get your audience’s attention while earning their trust and buy-in. So, start small, stay consistent, and watch as seven becomes your lucky number for success.
About the Author:
Matt Schmiedl has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and graphic design working in a variety of industries and sectors, most notably higher education and publishing. He has been working with CENTERS, LLC for more than a decade at Cleveland State University (CSU), leading marketing and business development on behalf of the University Recreation and Wellbeing department. He has developed and launched a number of initiatives to catalyze business growth and implemented new marketing strategies to build engagement with both the CSU and Cleveland communities. Most recently, Mr. Schmiedl was tapped to lead Enterprise marketing efforts for CENTERS as he brings his marketing expertise to new and existing CENTERS’ clients. Matt is a nine-time NIRSA Creative Excellence Award recipient, the recipient of the CENTERS Quest for X Award in 2017, and the winner of an APEX Award of Excellence and Magnum Opus Honorable Mention Award, both in 2011.