About the Book

In order to manage your content, you need to know your content.

Successful content strategy projects start with a thorough assessment of the current state of all content assets — their quantity, type, and quality. Beginning with a data-rich content inventory and layering in a qualitative assessment, the audit process empowers content owners and business stakeholders to make informed decisions.

A content audit not only allows you to identify short-term content fixes but is a vital part of ongoing content governance. The issues uncovered in an audit can lead to improved content tools, processes, and standards, allowing you to avoid costly ongoing problems.

In Content Audits and Inventories: A Handbook for Content Analysis, veteran content strategist Paula Land shares practical, actionable steps for planning and conducting an audit. This tactic-filled handbook walks you through setting up and running an inventory to set the foundation for a successful audit and addresses specific tactics such as auditing for content quality, performance, brand, global considerations, and legal and regulatory issues. This updated edition also includes updated chapters on inventory and audit tools, auditing for structural issues, auditing social media channels, auditing apps, and more. Tips on presenting audit results to stakeholders will help you deliver effective strategies.

In this second edition of the widely praised handbook, Paula expands on the importance of the strategic as well as the tactical aspects of the content audit, including the upfront planning and preparation for conducting content audits, with new and expanded chapters on setting the context for an audit, building a business case, getting organizational buy-in, working with teams, and the importance of carefully selecting and defining audit criteria. Tips for incorporating audits as a part of ongoing governance are also included. New in this edition, too, are contributed case studies by industry professionals sharing their audit experiences and outcomes.

Content Audits and Inventories: A Handbook for Content Analysis is a must-read for content professionals seeking to improve their content management strategies. Following this book's guidance, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of your content assets and be equipped with the insights needed to make informed decisions that drive success.