You have probably heard of the Rule of 7 before but you might not be exactly sure how it works or if it even matters today. Well, here is the truth. People need to see your marketing message several times before they trust you enough to buy and that is exactly what the Rule of 7 is all about.
Originally the Rule of 7 in marketing meant your potential customer needed to see or hear your message at least seven times before they would take action. And today with so much noise online it is even more important. If you are not repeating your message across multiple channels consistently your audience will simply forget about you.
So, how do you make this rule practical in your own marketing? Let’s break it down with real examples.
First: What Exactly Is the Rule of 7?
The Rule of 7 says that your potential customer needs to interact with your brand around seven times before they feel comfortable enough to purchase from you. Why does this matter? Because:
- People rarely buy after the first interaction
- You need repeated interactions to build trust
- Familiarity leads to sales eventually
Now let’s jump straight into examples of how this really works.
Example 1: Email Marketing That Drives Conversions
Email marketing is perfect for the Rule of 7 because you can easily interact multiple times with your audience. Here is an example email sequence you could use:
- First, a welcome email introducing your business clearly
- Next, an educational email sharing useful tips and ideas
- Then, a testimonial email showcasing real results from clients
- A problem-solving email addressing common customer concerns
- After that, a special offer email giving people a reason to act now
- Follow it up with a reminder email gently reinforcing your offer
- Lastly, a final email creating urgency and prompting immediate action
By the seventh email your audience knows you better, trusts you more, and is ready to take action.
Example 2: Social Media Retargeting That Actually Converts
Retargeting ads fit the Rule of 7 perfectly because people rarely buy the first time they see an ad. Here is how retargeting creates multiple interactions naturally:
- First your audience sees your ad once and keeps scrolling
- Later they see another ad on Instagram
- Then they see another retargeting ad when browsing websites
- They notice a video you shared on LinkedIn
- Another ad pops up in their Facebook stories
- Again they encounter your ad on another site they visit
- Finally they click after seeing your ads several times because your brand feels familiar
Repeated touchpoints across multiple channels make conversion much more likely.
Example 3: Content Marketing Across Multiple Channels
Using content marketing across multiple platforms naturally builds on the Rule of 7. For example:
- Your audience first discovers your blog through a Google search
- Then they watch your YouTube video on the same topic
- Next they download your helpful guide from social media
- They subscribe to your newsletter
- Later they attend a live webinar you host
- They hear you featured on a podcast episode
- Finally they get a personalized email inviting them to book a call
Multiple platforms allow you to consistently stay in front of your audience and build trust step by step.
Example 4: Effective Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing leverages the Rule of 7 perfectly because your audience sees your brand repeatedly from trusted people. A realistic example could look like this:
- An influencer mentions your product casually in an Instagram story
- They create a detailed YouTube review
- Next they discuss your brand on an Instagram Live session
- They feature you in their email newsletter
- Another respected influencer or blog mentions your product
- You repost influencer content to your own channels
- Finally they share a special discount or affiliate link prompting immediate action
Repeated authentic mentions build trust quickly and boost conversions.
Example 5: Combining Online and Offline Marketing Strategies
Mixing online and offline marketing helps you utilize the Rule of 7 effectively:
- Someone notices your billboard or local ad first
- They visit your website to learn more
- Next they download your free ebook
- You follow up with emails reinforcing your offer
- They start seeing retargeting ads online
- You send them a direct mail piece reminding them about your service
- You follow up personally with a phone call or DM inviting action
This multi-channel approach creates stronger brand recall and trust.
Example 6: How the Rule of 7 Works for E-commerce Stores
For e-commerce businesses the Rule of 7 is especially important because customers rarely buy immediately:
- A customer visits your online store but leaves without buying
- Retargeting ads remind them about your product on social media
- They sign up for your newsletter for a discount
- They receive reminders about the abandoned cart via email
- They see testimonials from other satisfied customers
- Another email arrives offering a special discount or limited-time offer
- Finally, after repeated reminders, they return and complete the purchase
Multiple touchpoints boost customer trust and significantly increase conversions.
How to Actually Use the Rule of 7 Effectively
For this rule to work in your favor you have to approach it strategically:
- Don’t just repeat yourself. Add value and slightly vary your message.
- Use multiple platforms consistently rather than just one channel.
- Make sure you understand your audience well and speak directly to their needs.
- Focus on building relationships and trust gradually rather than making quick sales.
When done correctly this builds long-term customer loyalty and consistent revenue growth.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
The Rule of 7 is powerful when you use it right. Your audience needs repeated interactions to trust you enough to buy. Instead of thinking of it as just repeating yourself think of it as building relationships.
If you want help creating a marketing strategy that truly leverages the Rule of 7, schedule a free consultation with our team at InboundMarketer.co. We help businesses like yours attract the right audience, build strong relationships, and consistently drive conversions through thoughtful marketing strategies.
Ready to make your marketing more effective? Let’s talk today.