I was asked recently how I consistently produce content. The answer is simple but not easy, and it’s the cure for your content blues in the digital age: an asset library.

An asset library is like your personal wine cellar, stocked with the finest content—posts, articles, podcast interviews, videos, and more.

But it’s not just a collection; it’s your go-to resource for consistent content, content ideas, and even enriching your simple sales funnel.

 

Why You Need An Asset Library

 

I started my asset library by accident. I noticed on LinkedIn that I was getting the same/similar question repeatedly. So much, in fact, I created a canned response.

Anytime someone asked that question, I would copy and paste the response into the DMs. However, the response was long, and I remember thinking, there’s no way I would read that, so I took the response and created a short eBook and started sending that instead, and my asset library was born.

The asset was a checklist for your LinkedIn profile. You can grab a copy here.

And that’s what an asset library allows you to do: catalog your content in various forms for easy recall and use.

For example, the next time you’re at a networking event, i.e., your favorite bar, and someone asks, “So, what do you do?” Instead of fumbling through your mental notes like you’re trying to remember a forgotten drink recipe, you smoothly pull out your phone and airdrop your perfectly curated piece of content from your asset library.

That’s the power of having an arsenal of assets at your disposal.

Benefits of An Asset Library

 

Besides the example above, your asset library helps you in the following ways.

1. Enhances credibility

Show, don’t tell. Providing tangible examples of your work proves you’re as good as the top-shelf stuff. People will remember how quickly you’re able to send them information. They may even think, “Man, she’s got her shit together.”

2. Provides ingredients for consistent content

Having a go-to place for ideas, whether your own or curated from others, makes creating content a snap. It’s like having a well-stocked bar for making a variety of cocktails. I mean, the last thing you want to hear when you order your drink, the one you’ve been craving all day, is, “Sorry. We don’t have that.”

3. Speeds up the sales process

When you have a prospect in the funnel, you don’t want to mix a new drink for every opportunity, like I did with my canned response. Your asset library lets you pull the right content at the right time to guide prospects through your funnel.

 

Ways to Use Your Asset Library

 

I already mentioned a few in the benefits section, but besides credibility, content, and speed, you can also use your asset library to:

Qualify leads

Use specific content pieces to address the unique pain points of potential customers.

Educate and engage

Send relevant, educational content to nurture leads and keep them engaged with your brand.

Close the deal

Use case studies and testimonials from your library as the final nudge for decision-makers. You collect those things, right?

 

Different Types of Content Assets to Distill

 

You can create a variety of assets. In my first book, CareerKred (Grab your copy here), I discussed the following types of content using a content pyramid.

Written: Blog posts, articles, and ebooks.
Visual: Infographics and branded imagery.
Audio: Podcast episodes and audio interviews.
Video: Webinars, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes peeks.

The type you choose depends only on your preference. Don’t sweat the content type. Pick the one you are comfortable with and get started. Later, you can always repurpose content in another form for a different platform.

 

How to Ferment Your First Batch of Content Assets

 

Getting started is always the most challenging part, but in the end, it’s like drinking an ice-cold beer after mowing the lawn, refreshing and satisfying.

1. Inventory Existing Content

If you have created content, take some time to review it. You might already have a base to build upon and only need to repurpose a blog post into an eBook. Catalog what you have, match it to your customer’s pain points, and identify gaps; you’ll have a great starting point.

2. Organize and Store for Quick Recall and Refinement

Create a system for storing and retrieving your content and the content you curate. Think of it like organizing a wine cellar for easy access. You can use any tool you want to do this part, but it should be one you will actually use wherever you are.

I recently started using Apple Notes because it’s with me nearly everywhere and syncs to all my devices. Here’s how I organize my thoughts using Notes.

 

 

I use Smart Folders that rely on #’s for filing. If I have an idea, I will capture it with #Thoughts. This tag places it directly in the Thoughts folder. Anything I curated from others gets the #Curated.

3. Plan Your Content Production

Decide on the types of content that align with your brand and audience and plan out your content. Initially, you’ll only be able to plan for a week, but as you collect your thoughts in one place, you’ll quickly grow beyond a week.

4. Regularly Update

Remember, your asset library is a living thing. Add to it, prune it, and let it evolve. One key here is to prune it. If you capture something today, but a month from now, you pull it up and think, “Why did I save this?” then it’s probably time to let it go.

 

Last Call: Your Takeaway Tips

 

Audit Your Cellar: Know what you have and what you need.
Quality Ingredients: Focus on creating and curating high-quality content.
Accessibility is Key: Use a tool to help you capture those Ah Ha! moments.
Never Stop Brewing: Continuously add to and refine your library.

Your asset library is the secret ingredient in your brand’s signature cocktail. It adds depth, flavor, and character, distinguishing you in a crowded market. So, start distilling your unique content today and watch your brand’s influence and engagement soar.