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Niche Content Syndicate: Sponsored Editorial Hub

In brief: This business creates a zero-capital, ad-supported platform that curates and syndicates content from niche creators to sponsors. It solves the problem of fragmented niche audiences by providing a centralized hub for targeted advertising and editorial partnerships, generating revenue through sponsorship fees and ad…

Industry
Content & Media
Capital Required
$0 – $100 (Zero Capital)
Revenue Model
Ad-Supported & Sponsorships
Execution Mode
Solo Founder / No-Code
Detailed Business Model & Operational Concept
Core Operational Mechanism & Strategic Execution

The Niche Content Syndicate is a digital publishing and advertising platform designed for solo founders with zero capital. The core idea is to aggregate and syndicate content from creators operating in specific, underserved niches (e.g., sustainable urban gardening, vintage synthesizer repair, historical linguistics). The founder's role is to identify these niche creators, build relationships, and curate their best content onto a central website. Simultaneously, the founder identifies brands that would benefit from reaching these specific niche audiences. The platform then acts as a bridge, offering sponsored content opportunities (native advertising, sponsored articles, dedicated video segments) and direct ad placements to these brands. How it works:


1
Creator Onboarding: The founder identifies and recruits niche content creators who produce valuable, engaging content. Creators agree to syndicate their content to the platform, often in exchange for exposure, a share of ad revenue, or a small fee. 2. Content Curation & Syndication: The founder selects the most compelling content from creators, ensuring it aligns with the platform's editorial standards and niche focus. This content is then published on the syndicate's website, often with attribution to the original creator.


3
Sponsor Acquisition: The founder actively pitches brands whose target demographics align with the platform's niche audiences. The value proposition is access to a highly engaged, specific audience that is difficult to reach through mainstream channels.


4
Revenue Generation: Sponsors pay for various opportunities: sponsored articles integrated into the editorial flow, banner ads on specific content sections, dedicated email blasts to the platform's subscriber list (if built), or even co-branded content pieces. The platform takes a commission or a fixed fee for these placements.


5
Delivery: Content is published on the platform's website. Sponsored content is clearly marked. Ad placements are managed via ad server integrations or direct insertion. The founder handles all client communication, invoicing, and campaign management. Who Pays: Brands and advertisers seeking targeted reach into specific niche markets pay for sponsored content and advertising placements. Competitive Moat: The zero-capital, solo-founder model relies on agility, deep niche understanding, and strong personal relationships with both creators and sponsors. The moat is built on curated quality, hyper-targeted audience access, and efficient, low-overhead operations that larger, more generalized media companies cannot easily replicate without significant investment and complexity.

Market Demand & Value Hook Solves critical operational friction in Content & Media by providing streamlined access to verified frameworks without requiring heavy upfront capital.
Monetization Strategy Leverages high-margin Ad-Supported & Sponsorships cash flows from Day 1 to ensure positive operational margins from the first paying customer.
Suggested Brand Names & Brand Identity
Curated naming options tailored specifically for Content & Media
60 names
01 NichePulse Media
02 SyndiSpark
03 AdVantage Content
04 SponsorSphere
05 Editorial Echo
06 Content Canopy
07 NicheStream Ads
08 BrandBroadcast Hub
09 CreatorConnect Ads
10 MediaMomentum
11 ContentHub
12 ContentLabs
13 ContentWorks
14 ContentStudio
15 ContentHQ
16 ContentBase
17 ContentFlow
18 ContentLoop
19 ContentPilot
20 ContentForge
21 ContentNest
22 ContentGrid
23 ContentCraft
24 ContentWave
25 ContentSpark
26 ContentDeck
27 ContentBridge
28 ContentStack
29 ContentPath
30 ContentSphere
31 ContentPeak
32 ContentLine
33 ContentPoint
34 ContentYard
35 NovaContent
36 ApexContent
37 AriaContent
38 VelaContent
39 OrbitContent
40 LumenContent
41 VertexContent
42 ZenithContent
43 CobaltContent
44 EmberContent
45 OnyxContent
46 CirrusContent
47 QuillContent
48 AtlasContent
49 KindredContent
50 SableContent
51 TerraContent
52 HaloContent
53 IrisContent
54 CedarContent
55 BrightContent
56 SwiftContent
57 ClearContent
58 TrueContent
59 BoldContent
60 PrimeContent
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
  • Ultra-low overhead due to zero-capital, solo-founder, no-code model.
  • Agility and speed in identifying and capitalizing on emerging niche trends.
  • Deep, authentic connections with niche creators and highly engaged audiences.
  • Ability to offer hyper-targeted advertising solutions unmatched by generalist platforms.
Weaknesses
  • Limited scalability without additional human resources or investment.
  • Heavy reliance on the founder's personal network and ability to build trust.
  • Potential for content quality dilution if creator relationships falter or curation is rushed.
  • Vulnerability to algorithm changes on platforms used for creator discovery (e.g., social media).
Opportunities
  • Expansion into new, underserved niche verticals as they emerge globally.
  • Development of proprietary content analysis tools to identify high-potential creators.
  • Building a proprietary email list for direct audience engagement and monetization.
  • Offering premium services like co-branded content creation or exclusive creator spotlights.
Threats
  • Increased competition from other niche content aggregators or platforms.
  • Changes in advertising platform policies or ad-blocking technology impacting revenue.
  • Economic downturns affecting brand advertising budgets.
  • Creator burnout or shifts in creator loyalty to other platforms.
Ideal Customer Persona
The Niche Brand Marketer, 38.
This persona is typically a marketing manager or specialist, aged 30-45, working for a mid-sized to large company with a specific product or service that appeals to a distinct subculture. Their income level allows for strategic budget allocation, and they are digitally savvy, operating within global markets.
Pain Points
  • Difficulty reaching highly specific, engaged niche audiences effectively.
  • Wasted ad spend on broad campaigns with low conversion rates.
  • Time-consuming process of identifying and vetting individual niche creators.
  • Lack of trusted, consolidated platforms for niche advertising opportunities.
Buying Triggers
  • Demonstrated access to a demonstrably engaged and relevant niche audience.
  • Clear ROI potential with measurable campaign results.
  • Simplified campaign management and reporting process.
  • Credibility and authenticity of the content and platform.
Minimum Investment & Initial Sourcing
Carrd / Webflow Stripe Checkout Make.com Automations Apollo.io Google Workspace Canva Pro

Starting a business can feel overwhelming. Below is an itemized breakdown of exact startup costs, including what each tool does and why it is necessary to launch safely with minimal capital.

Total Estimated Capital Required
The absolute minimum investment required is approximately $20-$50. This includes:
Domain Name Registration
Essential Tool
What it is: Your official web address (e.g. yourcompany.com). Essential for brand trust and professional email delivery.
Recommendation & Pricing: ~$10-20 per year (e.g., Namecheap, GoDaddy).
No-Code Website Builder
Essential Tool
What it is: Necessary operational component for setting up this business tier.
Recommendation & Pricing: Many platforms offer free tiers (e.g., Carrd, WordPress.com, Substack for newsletter-focused content). A premium plan for enhanced features might cost $10-30/month if needed later.
Payment Gateway Setup
Essential Tool
What it is: Allows you to process credit cards & subscriptions online. Free setup ($0 upfront); charges only ~2.9% when you get paid.
Recommendation & Pricing: Stripe Checkout has no setup fee. Standard processing rates apply: ~2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Essential tools like Canva for basic branding, Google Workspace for professional email and document management, and free tiers of outreach tools can be utilized initially. No upfront inventory or significant software subscriptions are necessary to begin.
Competitor Intelligence
Niche Blog Networks (e.g., Mediavine, AdThrive)
Why they succeed: These networks aggregate numerous blogs within specific verticals, offering advertisers a consolidated audience. They have established ad technology and sales teams, providing a professional and scalable solution for advertisers and publishers.
Core weakness: Their high barrier to entry (traffic minimums) and standardized ad offerings make them less accessible for micro-niches and solo creators. They often lack the deep, personal connection with hyper-specific audiences that a dedicated syndicate can foster.
Influencer Marketing Platforms (e.g., Upfluence, AspireIQ)
Why they succeed: These platforms connect brands with individual influencers, facilitating sponsored campaigns. They offer robust tools for campaign management, analytics, and influencer discovery, streamlining the influencer marketing process.
Core weakness: They focus on individual creators rather than curated content hubs, which can lead to fragmented campaigns and less cohesive brand messaging. The cost per acquisition can be high due to individual influencer fees and platform commissions.
Generalist Content Marketing Agencies
Why they succeed: Agencies offer comprehensive content creation and distribution services across various industries. They have established processes, teams of writers, and client management expertise, providing a full-service solution.
Core weakness: Their broad focus means they often lack the deep understanding and authentic connection required for hyper-niche audiences. Their overhead is significantly higher, making them less competitive for a zero-capital, solo-founder model.
Direct Creator Monetization Platforms (e.g., Patreon, Substack)
Why they succeed: These platforms empower creators to build direct relationships with their audience and monetize through subscriptions or direct support. They provide tools for content delivery and community building, fostering creator independence.
Core weakness: They are primarily focused on creator-to-audience revenue, not brand sponsorship aggregation. While creators might syndicate content, these platforms don't inherently offer a B2B advertising solution for brands seeking niche audiences.
Strategy to Win: The core strategy is to leverage hyper-niche focus and extreme agility. Unlike large blog networks or agencies, the syndicate will cultivate an unparalleled depth of understanding for each specific niche, enabling more relevant content curation and more precise audience targeting for advertisers. By building genuine, personal relationships with both creators and sponsors, the syndicate can offer a level of trust and customization that automated platforms cannot match. The zero-capital, no-code approach minimizes overhead, allowing for more competitive pricing and faster adaptation to market shifts. Furthermore, by acting as a single point of contact for multiple niche creators, the syndicate simplifies the process for brands looking to access these specialized audiences, offering a more streamlined and effective alternative to managing numerous individual creator partnerships or navigating complex influencer platforms.
Financial Roadmap & Unit Economics
Sponsored Post Package
$499 / post
Starter entry offering
Monthly Sponsorship (3 posts + banner)
$1,299 / mo
Core growth driver
Annual Niche Dominance Package
$9,999 / yr
High-value package
Target Monthly Revenue
$10,000 / month
Est. Margin: 90%
Marketing Budget Allocation
Total Monthly Budget: USD 500/month
LinkedIn Outreach (Direct Messaging & Content Sharing) 40% — USD 200
This channel is ideal for directly reaching brand marketers and decision-makers in target companies. The focus will be on personalized outreach and sharing case studies or insights relevant to niche marketing challenges, leveraging the platform's unique value proposition.
Niche Community Engagement (Forums, Discord, Reddit) 30% — USD 150
Actively participating in relevant niche communities allows for organic discovery and relationship building. This involves providing value, answering questions, and subtly introducing the syndicate as a solution for brands seeking these audiences, fostering trust and credibility.
Content Marketing (Blog, SEO) 20% — USD 100
Creating valuable content about niche marketing trends, audience engagement strategies, and the benefits of hyper-targeted advertising will attract organic traffic. This establishes the syndicate as a thought leader and provides a resource for potential clients researching solutions.
Email Marketing (Lead Nurturing) 10% — USD 50
Building a small, targeted email list of interested brands and nurturing them with valuable content and exclusive offers will convert leads into clients. This is a cost-effective way to maintain ongoing communication and drive conversions.
Step-by-Step Execution Roadmap

Follow this 4-phase checklist to launch safely. Check off each step as you complete it to track your progress!

Phase 1
Legal & Setup
Phase 2
Content & Creator Acquisition
Phase 3
Sponsor Acquisition & Launch
Phase 4
Operations & Scaling
Workforce & AI Automation Plan
Essential Human Roles: The solo founder is the linchpin, responsible for strategic vision, relationship management with creators and sponsors, content curation oversight, and business development. A highly skilled freelance content curator/editor is essential for maintaining editorial quality and ensuring content aligns with niche standards and audience expectations. A dedicated freelance sales/business development representative is crucial for actively pitching and securing sponsorship deals, leveraging their expertise in outreach and negotiation. A freelance web developer or no-code specialist is needed for initial platform setup and ongoing technical maintenance, ensuring the website is functional, user-friendly, and optimized for syndication and ad delivery.
Content Curation & Basic Editing Jasper.ai (for initial content summarization/repurposing), Grammarly (for advanced grammar and style checks) Reduces freelance editor hours by 40-60%, saving $500-$1500/month, and speeds up content processing time significantly.
Basic Social Media Posting & Scheduling Buffer (with AI assistant features), Hootsuite (with AI content suggestions) Frees up founder's time by 5-10 hours/month, equivalent to $200-$400 in opportunity cost, and ensures consistent posting.
Market Research & Trend Identification (initial stage) Google Trends, Exploding Topics, ChatGPT (for brainstorming niche ideas and audience analysis) Reduces initial research time by 70-80%, saving $100-$300 in potential freelance research costs and accelerating market entry.
Customer Support (FAQ & basic inquiries) Tidio (with chatbot features), Intercom (with AI-powered bots) Handles 50-70% of basic inquiries, saving 10-15 founder hours per month, valued at $400-$600, and provides 24/7 basic support.
What to Do & What Not to Do
DO THIS FOR SUCCESS
  • Focus intensely on identifying 2-3 hyper-specific niches with demonstrable sponsor interest.
  • Build a compelling media kit showcasing audience demographics and engagement metrics from day one.
  • Prioritize building strong, personal relationships with both top-tier niche creators and potential sponsors.
  • Offer tiered sponsorship packages with clear deliverables and pricing to simplify sales.
  • Leverage free or trial versions of no-code website builders and CRM tools to keep initial overhead at zero.
AVOID THIS
  • Don't attempt to cover too many niches simultaneously; dilution of focus is fatal.
  • Avoid promising audience numbers or engagement metrics that cannot be substantiated by creator data.
  • Never compromise on the quality or relevance of syndicated content to accommodate a sponsor's request.
  • Do not invest in paid advertising for the syndicate's website until a proven offer and client base are established.
  • Refrain from building complex custom technology; rely on integrations and no-code solutions until revenue justifies development.
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Creator churn or unreliability.
Likelihood: Medium Impact: High
Mitigation: Implement clear, fair agreements with creators outlining expectations and compensation. Diversify the creator base across multiple niches to avoid over-reliance on a few. Foster strong personal relationships and provide consistent value beyond just exposure.
Difficulty acquiring initial sponsors.
Likelihood: High Impact: High
Mitigation: Start by targeting brands already active in adjacent or similar niches. Develop compelling case studies from early successes, even if initially with lower-paying sponsors or in-kind exchanges. Leverage personal networks and offer highly customized introductory packages.
Brand perception of sponsored content as inauthentic.
Likelihood: Medium Impact: Medium
Mitigation: Maintain rigorous editorial standards for sponsored content, ensuring it aligns with the niche and audience interests. Clearly label all sponsored material. Prioritize sponsors whose products/services genuinely benefit the niche audience.
Platform technical issues or downtime.
Likelihood: Low Impact: Medium
Mitigation: Utilize reliable, no-code website builders with strong uptime guarantees. Regularly back up all content and data. Have a contingency plan for manual content updates or communication during rare outages.
Legal and regulatory changes impacting digital advertising or data privacy.
Likelihood: Medium Impact: High
Mitigation: Stay informed about global regulatory developments through industry publications and legal counsel. Build flexibility into the platform and processes to adapt quickly. Ensure transparent data handling practices and clear disclosure policies.
Regulatory & Compliance Overview

Founders must navigate a complex web of regulations globally. Data privacy is paramount; understanding and complying with frameworks like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in Europe, CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) in the US, and similar legislation in other regions is critical for handling user data, subscriber lists, and website analytics. This includes obtaining explicit consent for data collection and usage, providing clear privacy policies, and enabling users to exercise their data rights. Advertising standards and consumer protection laws require clear disclosure of sponsored content; ensuring all paid placements are unambiguously marked as 'advertisement,' 'sponsored,' or 'paid partnership' is essential to prevent deceptive practices and maintain audience trust. Payment processing regulations may also apply, particularly concerning cross-border transactions and ensuring secure handling of financial information for both creators and advertisers. Depending on the specific niches targeted, there might be industry-specific regulations, such as those related to health, finance, or alcohol advertising, which must be thoroughly researched and adhered to. Licensing requirements are generally minimal for a digital publishing and advertising platform, but founders should investigate any local business registration or digital service taxes that may apply in their operating jurisdiction.

Growth Stack Architecture

Outreach Automation & Content Creation Stack

Specific software engines, scrapers, and AI generators required to execute high-volume cold email outreach and automated social content for Niche Content Syndicate: Sponsored Editorial Hub.

High-Converting Cold Email Engine

Identify brands actively advertising in or related to the chosen niche(s). Use tools like Apollo.io to find marketing managers or brand partnership leads. Craft personalized outreach emails highlighting the specific niche audience, engagement metrics (if available from creators), and proposed sponsorship packages. Emphasize the ROI of reaching a highly targeted, engaged demographic. Ensure all outreach complies with CAN-SPAM and GDPR regulations by obtaining consent where applicable and providing clear opt-out options.

Recommended Lead Scrapers: Apollo.io, Hunter.io
Email Sending Platform: Mailshake
Social Automation & AI Content Production

Showcase syndicated content and highlight sponsor success stories on relevant social platforms (LinkedIn for B2B sponsors, potentially niche-specific forums or groups). Use Buffer to schedule posts promoting new content and sponsorship opportunities. Leverage Canva Pro for creating visually appealing graphics and social media assets. Utilize Pictory.ai to repurpose written content into short, engaging video summaries or promotional clips for social sharing, driving organic traffic and brand awareness for the syndicate and its partners.

Social Auto-Publishing: Buffer
AI Asset Generators: Canva Pro, Pictory.ai
Required Software Suite & Operational Impact
Apollo.io Lead Intelligence
Finds verified decision-maker emails, phone numbers, and company signals for potential sponsors.
What Happens When You Use This: Enables targeted outreach to marketing managers and partnership leads at relevant brands, increasing the likelihood of securing sponsorship deals and providing accurate contact information to prevent bounced emails.
Mailshake Email Marketing
Automates multi-step cold email sequences with custom variables for outreach to both creators and potential sponsors.
What Happens When You Use This: Allows the founder to send hundreds of personalized pitches daily on autopilot, managing follow-ups and tracking engagement to optimize conversion rates without manual effort.
Canva Pro Visual Content
Generates high-converting ad visuals, media kits, and social media graphics for the platform and its sponsors.
What Happens When You Use This: Saves significant time and potential design costs by enabling the creation of professional-looking marketing materials and ad creatives quickly and efficiently, enhancing the platform's perceived value.
Buffer Publishing Automation
Auto-schedules content across targeted social channels to promote syndicated articles and sponsorship opportunities.
What Happens When You Use This: Maintains a consistent social media presence, driving traffic back to the syndicate's content and attracting potential sponsors without requiring constant manual posting.
Expert Masterclass: 10 Sector Opinions

Key strategic recommendations directly from 10 specialized sector AI advisors tailored specifically for Niche Content Syndicate: Sponsored Editorial Hub.

Alex Chen
Alex Chen
Chief Marketing Officer
"Focus your initial marketing efforts on demonstrating clear ROI for sponsors. This means meticulously tracking engagement metrics for sponsored content and providing detailed reports. Highlight the unique value of reaching a highly specific, less saturated audience compared to broad-reach platforms. Develop a strong narrative around the 'why' behind each niche, emphasizing the passion and commitment of its audience to attract sponsors looking for genuine connection, not just eyeballs."
Priya Sharma
Priya Sharma
Lead Financial Architect
"Given the zero-capital constraint, rigorously manage cash flow. Ensure sponsors pay upfront or via net-15 terms at the latest to avoid funding gaps. Your pricing model should reflect the premium nature of niche access; avoid undercutting competitors. Aim for high margins by keeping operational costs minimal – leverage free tools and automation. As revenue grows, consider reinvesting a small percentage into essential paid tools that demonstrably increase efficiency or revenue."
Ben Carter
Ben Carter
SaaS Growth Director
"Your growth hinges on building a flywheel: more quality creators attract more niche content, which in turn attracts more targeted sponsors. Conversely, successful sponsor campaigns provide revenue to attract better creators. Focus on creating a seamless onboarding experience for both sides. Implement a referral program for existing creators and sponsors to incentivize word-of-mouth growth. Continuously analyze which niches and content types drive the most engagement and sponsor interest to double down on successful areas."
Maria Garcia
Maria Garcia
Compliance & Legal Lead
"Ensure all sponsored content is clearly and conspicuously disclosed according to FTC guidelines and relevant advertising standards. Develop robust creator agreements that clearly define intellectual property rights, content ownership, and payment terms. For sponsor contracts, include clauses on campaign performance, cancellation policies, and liability. Be mindful of data privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA) if you collect any user data, even through website analytics or email sign-ups."
David Lee
David Lee
Operations Director
"Streamline your content curation and publishing process. Establish clear content guidelines for creators to minimize editing time. Implement a system for tracking sponsor campaigns, deadlines, and deliverables. Leverage automation tools like Make.com to connect your website, CRM, and payment gateway, reducing manual data entry. As you scale, consider hiring a virtual assistant for administrative tasks like initial creator outreach or basic content moderation to free up your time for high-value business development."
Sophia Wong
Sophia Wong
Product Strategy Head
"Your 'product' is the curated audience and the connection to it. Continuously research and validate the most lucrative and engaged niches. Gather feedback from sponsors on what types of content and campaigns perform best. Consider developing new offerings like sponsored webinars, exclusive Q&A sessions with creators, or data reports based on audience insights. Prioritize features that enhance the sponsor's ability to reach their target demographic effectively and efficiently."
Ethan Miller
Ethan Miller
Customer Acquisition Specialist
"Your first 100 customers will come from direct, personalized outreach. Identify brands that are already advertising in or adjacent to your chosen niches. Craft highly specific pitches that demonstrate you understand their target market and can deliver engaged eyeballs. For creators, focus on those who are already producing excellent content but may lack monetization avenues. Offer them a low-friction way to earn revenue and gain exposure, making your platform an attractive proposition."
Chloe Davis
Chloe Davis
Unit Economics Strategist
"Your primary cost drivers are domain registration and transaction fees. Keep these low. Your revenue per sponsor needs to be significantly higher than your customer acquisition cost (CAC) and operational overhead. Analyze the lifetime value (LTV) of a sponsor – how long do they typically stay engaged? Optimize your pricing tiers to encourage longer-term commitments. Monitor your CAC closely; if it starts to rise, reassess your outreach and marketing strategies to ensure profitability."
Noah Kim
Noah Kim
Technical Architect
"For a zero-capital, solo founder model, prioritize no-code and low-code solutions. Use platforms like Carrd or Webflow for the website, Stripe for payments, and Apollo.io/Mailshake for outreach. Integrate these tools using Zapier or Make.com to automate workflows. The key is to build a functional, professional-looking platform quickly without coding expertise. Focus on reliability and ease of use for both creators and sponsors, ensuring a smooth user experience that doesn't require extensive technical support."
Isabella Rossi
Isabella Rossi
Brand Identity Director
"Your brand identity must convey professionalism, expertise, and exclusivity within your chosen niches. Develop a clean, modern logo and consistent visual style across your website and marketing materials using tools like Canva. Your brand voice should be authoritative yet approachable, emphasizing the unique value proposition of connecting niche audiences with relevant brands. Position yourself as the premier gateway to these specialized communities, building trust and credibility from the outset."

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to start this business?

This business model is designed for zero capital investment. The primary costs involve a domain name (approx. $10-20/year) and potentially a small fee for a no-code website builder if you opt for a premium plan beyond free tiers. Essential tools for outreach and content creation often have free or trial versions to start. Payment processing via Stripe Checkout has no setup fee and standard per-transaction rates (approx. 2.9% + $0.30).

How fast can this business scale?

Scalability is rapid once initial traction is achieved. Phase 1 (setup) takes 1-2 weeks. Phase 2 (workflow testing) takes another week. Phase 3 (customer acquisition) can yield the first paying clients within 2-4 weeks of active outreach. Scaling involves onboarding more creators and sponsors, which can be managed through increasingly automated processes and potentially hiring virtual assistants for administrative tasks as revenue grows, allowing for exponential growth within 3-6 months.

What is the expected profit margin?

The expected profit margin for a sponsored content syndication platform is exceptionally high, typically ranging from 80-95%. This is because the core 'product' is curated content and connections, with minimal direct cost of goods sold. Revenue is generated through ad placements and sponsorship fees, while operational costs are primarily software subscriptions and founder time. Once the platform is established and automated, the marginal cost per new sponsor or content piece is very low.