Want to get more mileage out of your blog posts? Repurposing can turn a single article into 10 different content formats, helping you reach new audiences without starting from scratch. Instead of letting your blog post fade after publishing, you can transform it into videos, infographics, podcasts, and more - extending its life and boosting traffic across platforms.
Here’s the gist:
- Why Repurpose? Save time, expand reach, and maximize your efforts. One blog post can fuel multiple content streams.
- 10 Formats to Try: Videos, infographics, social media posts, email newsletters, podcasts, slide decks, PDFs, webinars, Q&A sessions, and forum posts.
- How to Start: Pick high-performing or evergreen blog posts, use the "Create Once, Publish Everywhere" (COPE) strategy, and leverage tools like Canva, Loom, and social media schedulers.
- Workflow Tips: Start small with social posts and emails, then move to visual and multimedia formats. Track performance to refine your strategy.
How to Turn 1 Piece of Content into 20 (in an Hour) - My Content Repurposing Strategy
Planning and Preparation
Repurposing content effectively starts with thoughtful planning. By carefully selecting the right content, crafting a clear strategy, and using the right tools, you can simplify the entire process and maximize your results. The first step? Pinpointing the content that aligns with your goals.
Selecting the Right Blog Post
Not all blog posts are created equal when it comes to repurposing. Focus on posts that have performed well and offer lasting relevance. These types of content naturally lend themselves to multiple formats.
Start with evergreen content - the kind of material that stands the test of time. For example, an in-depth guide on email marketing best practices will remain useful months or even years after publication. This type of content is perfect for generating long-term traffic across various platforms.
Next, look at high-performing posts. Use your analytics to identify blog posts that have driven significant traffic, engagement, or social shares. These posts have already proven their appeal, making them ideal candidates for reaching new audiences in different formats.
Certain types of content, like comprehensive guides or data-rich articles, are especially versatile. A detailed guide on social media strategy, for instance, can be broken down into smaller posts about platform-specific tactics, transformed into infographics showcasing key stats, or even turned into video tutorials. The key is to focus on content that offers meaningful, actionable insights - surface-level articles won’t provide enough material to create multiple formats.
Using the COPE Strategy
The Create Once, Publish Everywhere (COPE) strategy is all about efficiency. Instead of creating separate content for each platform, COPE encourages you to think about how a single piece can serve multiple purposes right from the start.
With COPE, you design content to be modular and adaptable. Each section of your blog post should stand on its own while contributing to the larger message. This makes it easier to extract pieces for social media, email newsletters, or even podcast discussions.
The strategy also emphasizes tailoring content to your audience. Different platforms attract different types of users. For example, LinkedIn users might appreciate professional insights, while Instagram followers gravitate toward visuals and storytelling. COPE ensures you’re not just copying content across platforms but adapting it to meet audience preferences.
Timing matters, too. Instead of releasing all formats at once, stagger your content to keep your audience engaged over time. For instance, publish the blog post first, then follow up with social media teasers, an email summary, and a podcast episode. This staggered approach helps you maximize visibility and reach.
Tools to Speed Up the Process
The right tools can make repurposing content much faster and more efficient. Here’s how they can help:
- Content management platforms: These tools keep everything organized. They let you store blog posts, track what formats you’ve created, and schedule content across platforms. Built-in templates make it easier to adapt content while maintaining consistency.
- Design tools: Even if you’re not a designer, modern tools can help you create professional visuals. Templates for social media posts, infographics, and presentations make the process straightforward. Many tools also include brand kits to keep your visuals consistent.
- Video creation platforms: Turning written content into videos has never been simpler. Many platforms now offer text-to-video features that generate videos from blog posts, complete with stock footage, music, and transitions. While some tweaking may be needed, these tools save a lot of time.
- Social media management tools: These platforms let you schedule and publish posts across multiple channels at once. Advanced features allow you to customize posts for each platform and track engagement in one place.
- Analytics and tracking tools: Measuring success is crucial. Analytics tools track traffic, engagement, and conversions, helping you refine your strategy and figure out which formats work best.
For maximum efficiency, look for integrated tools that connect seamlessly. Platforms with built-in integrations or API connections let you move content from creation to distribution to analysis without extra effort. This reduces errors and keeps your workflow smooth.
10 Traffic-Generating Formats
Once you've planned your strategy and chosen the right content, it's time to turn your blog post into multiple formats that can drive traffic. Each format caters to different audiences and platforms, helping you expand your reach and engagement. By selecting formats that align with your audience's preferences, you can amplify your content's impact.
1. Video Content
Videos are a dynamic way to repurpose blog content, especially for how-to guides, tutorials, or educational topics that benefit from visual explanations. Start by pinpointing sections of your blog that would work well on video. Break down complex ideas into clear, visual steps. For instance, if your blog covers social media strategies, create separate videos focusing on best practices for individual platforms.
Tools like Loom or OBS Studio are great for producing tutorial-style videos. Short clips (15–60 seconds) are ideal for TikTok and Instagram, while longer videos (5–15 minutes) work well on YouTube. Always include a call-to-action directing viewers to your original blog post for further details.
2. Infographics
Infographics are excellent for presenting complex information in a clear and shareable way. They work particularly well for content that includes statistics, step-by-step guides, or comparisons. For example, over 40% of marketers say original images are their most effective social media posts. Gather key points, stats, or steps from your blog and use visual hierarchy - like larger fonts or bold colors - to highlight the most important details.
Design tools like Canva, Venngage, or PowerPoint make it easy to create professional-looking infographics. Keep the design simple, using concise text and visuals that complement your message. For inspiration, Semrush turned a blog post about ChatGPT into an infographic shared on X (formerly Twitter). They also used a graphic to compare multichannel and omnichannel marketing strategies. Share infographics on visually-focused platforms, embed them in your blog, or include them in email campaigns.
3. Social Media Posts
Breaking your blog content into short social media posts allows you to reach audiences who prefer quick, digestible information. Pull out key quotes, stats, or tips and adapt them for each platform. Use longer insights for LinkedIn, punchy one-liners for X, and pair visuals with brief captions for Instagram.
You can also create a series - like turning each of your blog's 10 tips into individual posts. This keeps your audience engaged over several days and drives consistent traffic back to your blog.
4. Email Newsletters
Email newsletters provide a direct way to reach your audience and can significantly boost engagement when done right. Research shows that 44% of marketing professionals consider email their most effective channel, and over 60% of millennials and Gen Z prefer email for brand interactions. Instead of copying your blog into an email, summarize the key takeaways, include compelling quotes, and highlight important stats. Use a conversational tone to connect with readers.
Adding visuals like images, GIFs, or embedded videos can make your emails more engaging - emails with videos see a 19% higher open rate and a 50% boost in click-through rates. Catchy subject lines and personalized content also help. Automating email campaigns for new blog posts ensures timely delivery without extra effort.
5. Podcasts or Audio Clips
Podcasts and audio clips are perfect for audiences who like to multitask - whether commuting, exercising, or doing chores. Turn your blog into a podcast episode or short audio snippets for platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Don’t just read your blog word-for-word; instead, expand on key ideas, add personal insights, and keep the tone conversational.
Tools like Audacity or Riverside can help you produce high-quality audio. Shorter clips (30–60 seconds) can also be shared on Instagram Stories or LinkedIn to highlight key points.
6. Slide Decks and Presentations
Slide decks transform your blog into visual presentations, ideal for platforms like SlideShare or LinkedIn, as well as webinars or speaking engagements. Break your post into sections, with each main point becoming a slide. Use bold headlines, minimal text, and supporting visuals to keep viewers engaged.
Tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Canva offer templates to simplify the process. Create both a detailed version for presentations and a condensed one for social media sharing. Be sure to include your contact info and a link to your blog post.
7. Downloadable PDFs and Guides
Turn your blog into a downloadable PDF or guide to create a resource that your audience can keep. This works well for how-to content, checklists, or resource compilations. Enhance the PDF with templates, worksheets, or bonus tips. Keep the design clean and professional, using consistent branding and clear headings.
Tools like Canva or Adobe InDesign can help you create polished PDFs. Adding interactive elements, like fillable forms or clickable links, can elevate the experience. Use these PDFs as lead magnets - requiring an email for access - to grow your subscriber list while offering value.
8. Webinars or Live Streams
Webinars and live streams let you engage with your audience in real time, using your blog as the foundation for the session. Expand on your blog’s main points with additional examples, case studies, or live demonstrations. Include interactive features like polls or Q&A sessions to encourage participation.
Platforms like Zoom, GoToWebinar, or LinkedIn Live are great for hosting. Record the session to repurpose it as video or audio content later. Promote the event with teaser posts and follow up with resources or related blog links.
9. Q&A Sessions
Q&A sessions are a great way to interact with your audience while repurposing blog content. Use your blog to identify common questions or challenges and prepare detailed answers. You can host these sessions live on platforms like Reddit, YouTube Live, or Instagram Live. Alternatively, compile the Q&A into a blog post for those who prefer written content.
Live sessions allow you to engage directly with your audience, offering real-time answers and gaining insights into what resonates most with them.
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Format Comparison Table
Choosing the right content format depends on your audience, resources, and goals. Each format demands a different level of effort and offers varying potential for reach. By understanding these differences, you can focus on formats that deliver the best return for your time and energy.
Format Comparison Chart
Here's a breakdown of popular formats based on their reach, effort, tools, and target audience:
| Format | Reach Potential | Effort Level | Primary Tools | Ideal Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video Content | High | Medium-High | Loom, OBS Studio, smartphone camera | Visual learners, YouTube users, mobile audiences |
| Infographics | Medium-High | Medium | Canva, Venngage, PowerPoint | Social media users, visual processors, Pinterest users |
| Social Media Posts | High | Low | Native platform tools, Buffer, Hootsuite | Active social users, younger demographics, mobile-first audiences |
| Email Newsletters | Medium | Low-Medium | Mailchimp, ConvertKit, native email clients | Subscribers, B2B professionals, loyal followers |
| Podcasts/Audio Clips | Medium | Medium-High | Audacity, Riverside, smartphone recorder | Commuters, multitaskers, audio-first consumers |
| Slide Decks | Medium | Low-Medium | PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva | Business professionals, conference attendees, LinkedIn users |
| Downloadable PDFs | Low-Medium | Medium | Canva, Adobe InDesign, Google Docs | Lead generation prospects, resource collectors, detailed readers |
| Webinars/Live Streams | Medium | High | Zoom, GoToWebinar, LinkedIn Live | Engaged followers, B2B audiences, interactive learners |
| Q&A Sessions | Low-Medium | Medium | Reddit, YouTube Live, Instagram Live | Community members, engaged followers, problem-solvers |
| Community Forum Posts | Low | Low | Reddit, Facebook Groups, industry forums | Niche communities, problem-seekers, discussion participants |
Social media posts and video content have the greatest reach potential, though they serve different purposes. Social posts excel at driving quick engagement and traffic, while videos are ideal for building stronger connections and delivering educational content. Meanwhile, email newsletters are perfect for maintaining steady engagement with an existing audience, helping you nurture relationships and direct traffic back to your site.
For more in-depth interaction, webinars and live streams provide the strongest audience connections but require significant effort. On the other hand, social media posts and community forum posts are quick and easy to produce, making them great for consistent engagement with minimal effort.
When deciding on formats, think about your team's strengths and time availability. If you're comfortable on camera, prioritize video content and live streams. If writing is more your speed, focus on formats like social media posts, email newsletters, or forum discussions. For those with some design skills - or access to tools like Canva - infographics and slide decks can be excellent options.
A smart strategy pairs high-reach, low-effort formats like social media posts with medium-reach, medium-effort formats like infographics or podcasts. This approach keeps your workload manageable while maximizing your content's overall impact.
Refer to this chart as you develop your content strategy and repurposing workflow. It’ll help you ensure each format aligns with your goals and resources.
Step-by-Step Workflow
Turning content repurposing into a structured process can make what seems like a daunting task feel much more achievable. A well-organized workflow ensures you get the most out of your content while maintaining quality across different formats.
Complete Repurposing Process
Start by analyzing your original blog post. Identify its key elements - like main points, statistics, quotes, examples, and actionable tips - that can be reused across various formats.
Week 1: Quick Wins
Begin with low-effort formats that deliver fast results. For instance:
- Create 5-7 social media posts by pulling out your blog’s key points, statistics, and quotes.
- Draft an email newsletter that summarizes the blog with a strong subject line and a clear call-to-action.
These tasks should take about 2-3 hours and can generate immediate engagement.
Week 2: Visual Content
Next, repurpose your content into visually engaging formats:
- Design an infographic that showcases your blog’s major statistics or processes.
- Build an 8-12 slide presentation that captures your main points.
These formats work particularly well on platforms like LinkedIn and Pinterest, often driving traffic long after publication.
Week 3: Audio and Video
Now, transition to multimedia formats:
- Record a 10-15 minute video explaining your blog’s main ideas. This could be a screen recording with a voiceover or a simple talking-head video.
- Use the audio from the video to create a podcast episode or short audio clips.
Although video production might take 4-6 hours, it tends to deliver high engagement rates.
Week 4: Interactive and Lead Generation
Finally, focus on more advanced formats:
- Host a webinar or Q&A session.
- Create a downloadable PDF guide based on your blog content.
These formats require more effort but are excellent for building relationships with your audience and generating leads.
For maximum efficiency, group similar tasks together and use automation tools where possible. For instance, schedule social media posts, automate email campaigns, and use templates for creating slide decks or PDFs.
Apply the 80/20 rule: dedicate 80% of your efforts to formats that deliver the best engagement and traffic for your audience. Track what works best and focus on those, while still maintaining a presence across other formats.
Tracking Your Repurposed Content
A robust tracking system is essential to maximize the impact of all your repurposed content. Start by creating a master spreadsheet to keep everything organized. Include columns for format type, publication date, platform, performance metrics, and links to each piece of content.
Use analytics tools to monitor how your repurposed content drives traffic back to your original blog post. This data helps you identify your most effective formats and platforms, guiding future repurposing efforts.
Different platforms offer unique metrics that reveal how your content performs:
- On YouTube, measure video view duration and engagement rates.
- For email newsletters, track click-through rates.
- On social media, monitor shares and saves.
- For downloadable guides, check download rates.
Each of these metrics provides valuable insights into how well your content connects with various audience segments.
Conduct monthly performance reviews to refine your strategy. Compare traffic generated by each format, and look for patterns - like seasonal trends or differences in performance based on the type of content. For example, some formats might work better for educational pieces, while others shine with industry news.
Use tools like Google Analytics to track conversions. Set up UTM parameters for each format to see which ones drive specific actions, like newsletter signups or product purchases. This level of detail helps you measure the true return on investment (ROI) of your repurposing efforts.
Understanding the lifecycle of your content is also crucial. Social media posts might only generate traffic for a few days, while evergreen formats like infographics and videos can continue driving engagement for months - or even years. Knowing these patterns allows you to plan your content calendar and allocate resources more effectively.
Finally, document your findings. Note which topics work best in specific formats, which platforms provide the highest-quality traffic, and which approaches save the most time. This knowledge will streamline your process as you scale up your content repurposing efforts. Over time, your tracking system becomes a valuable resource for making smarter content decisions.
Conclusion
Repurposing content turns a single blog post into a versatile, traffic-driving tool that can thrive across multiple platforms. By reformatting one well-researched post, you can connect with your audience wherever they spend their time online.
To get started, focus on quick and impactful formats like social media posts and emails. Once you've nailed those, branch out into more ambitious options like webinars or downloadable guides. This layered approach helps generate both immediate and sustained traffic.
Don't overlook the importance of tracking your results. Analytics can reveal which formats bring the most traffic back to your original post. With this insight, you can double down on what resonates most with your audience.
Repurposing also amplifies your reach. Each new format becomes a fresh entry point - whether it's YouTube, LinkedIn, or another channel - all without significantly increasing your workload.
Start small by choosing formats that align with your current marketing strategy. As you gain confidence, you can explore more advanced options. Always prioritize consistency and quality over sheer volume.
Your content has the potential for long-term impact. Use these strategies to keep driving traffic and engagement well beyond the initial publish date.
FAQs
How do I decide which blog posts are best for repurposing into different formats?
To begin, focus on identifying evergreen content - those timeless pieces that stay relevant and continue to connect with your audience. These are often blog posts with high traffic, strong engagement, or topics that consistently matter to your readers. Conducting a quick content audit can help you zero in on these high-performing articles. Prioritize content that transitions well into other formats, like videos, social media posts, or infographics, while still offering meaningful insights.
What are the best tools for efficiently repurposing and sharing content across different platforms?
To make the most of your content and share it widely, you can turn to tools like Canva for eye-catching visuals, Piktochart for crafting infographics, and Synthesia or HeyGen to transform text into dynamic videos. Want to streamline your sharing process? Platforms like Buffer and similar scheduling tools simplify posting across multiple social channels. For search engine optimization, plugins like Rank Math ensure your content is ready to perform. These tools allow you to take a single blog post and reimagine it as videos, social media snippets, newsletters, and more - helping you connect with a broader audience without breaking a sweat.
What’s the best way to track the performance of repurposed content across different platforms?
To see how well your repurposed content is performing, keep an eye on a few important metrics. Start with engagement - things like likes, shares, and comments can give you a good sense of how your audience is interacting with your content. Next, check your website traffic using tools like Google Analytics to see if your content is driving visitors to your site. Don’t forget to track conversions, whether that’s sign-ups, purchases, or any other actions you’re aiming for.
It’s also worth monitoring your bounce rate and search rankings. These can show you if people are sticking around to consume your content and how well it’s showing up in search results. By tracking these metrics over time and comparing them to your goals, you’ll get a clearer picture of what’s working and where you might need to tweak your approach for better results.