Republish, Repurpose, Recycle Content: A Guide for Google Docs Users

Creating quality content is essential, but it can also be time-consuming. Thankfully, you can maximize your efforts by republishing, repurposing, and recycling existing content. This guide will walk you through the steps to effectively breathe new life into your work using Google Docs.

1. Assess Your Existing Content

Start by reviewing your previous content. Look for blog posts, articles, or reports that performed well or still hold value. Identify evergreen topics that can be updated or expanded. Create a list of these pieces in Google Docs for easy reference.

Tips:

1. Focus on high-performing content with substantial traffic or engagement.
2. Consider seasonal content that can be updated for relevance.

2. Choose Your Repurposing Strategy

Once you’ve identified suitable content, decide how to repurpose it. Here are some popular strategies:

1. Create an Infographic: Summarize key points visually using tools like Canva or Google Slides.
2. Turn a Blog Post into a Video: Use screen recording software to create a presentation-style video.
3. Develop an E-Book: Compile several related blog posts into a comprehensive guide.

Example:

If you have a blog post titled "10 Tips for Effective Time Management," consider creating an infographic or an e-book that delves deeper into each tip.

3. Update and Refresh Content

Before republishing or repurposing, update the content to ensure accuracy and relevance. Add new statistics, examples, or insights to enhance value.

How to Update in Google Docs:

1. Use the "Suggesting" mode to track changes.
2. Incorporate comments to outline areas needing improvement or clarification.

4. Optimize for SEO

SEO optimization is crucial for visibility. Use Google Docs' built-in tools to improve your content:

1. Keywords: Research relevant keywords and naturally integrate them into your updated content.
2. Headings: Utilize headings and subheadings to organize content and improve readability.
3. Internal Links: Link to other relevant articles on your website to enhance user experience and SEO.

5. Republish or Distribute

Now that your content is updated and optimized, it’s time to republish or distribute it through various channels:

1. Social Media: Share snippets or highlights on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram.
2. Newsletters: Feature the updated content in your email newsletter to engage subscribers.
3. Your Blog: Publish the refreshed content on your blog with an enticing introduction.

6. Monitor Performance

After republishing, track the performance of your content. Use Google Analytics to analyze traffic, engagement, and conversion rates. This information can help you understand what works and refine your future repurposing strategies.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between republishing and repurposing content?
A: Republishing involves updating and re-releasing existing content, while repurposing means transforming the content into a different format (e.g., turning a blog post into a video).

Q: How often should I repurpose content?
A: Regularly assess your content library. Aim to refresh or repurpose valuable content at least once a year, or whenever significant updates occur.

Q: Can I reuse content from other authors?
A: It’s best to avoid reusing content without permission. Instead, summarize the content and link back to the original source, providing credit.

Q: How do I choose which content to repurpose?
A: Look for content that has performed well in terms of traffic and engagement, as well as topics that remain relevant or can be updated.