How to Repurpose Old Content
May 28, 2025
Manish
Content Marketing
16 min read

How to Repurpose Old Content

Learn how to repurpose old content to save time, improve SEO, and expand your reach. Turn blogs into videos, podcasts, social posts, and more effectively.

Repurposing old content is one of the most powerful content marketing strategies you can use to maximize the return on your existing work. Instead of constantly producing brand-new material, smart marketers transform and repackage old content into new formats, making it more accessible and engaging to different audiences across various platforms.

Why Repurposing Content Matters

Repurposing content isn't just a time-saving tactic—it can drastically enhance your content’s reach, improve SEO, and generate more leads.

Benefits of Repurposing Content

1. Save Time and Resources

Creating fresh, high-quality content from scratch can be time-consuming and expensive. By recycling old content, you reduce the need for constant creation.

2. Improve SEO Performance

Repurposing allows you to create more content targeting relevant keywords. Internal linking between old and new versions can also enhance your SEO structure.

3. Reach New Audiences

People consume content in different formats—some prefer videos, others enjoy reading blogs or listening to podcasts. Repurposing lets you meet your audience where they are.

4. Reinforce Key Messages

Repetition is essential for memory retention. Sharing the same message in different ways ensures your core messages are absorbed by your audience.

When to Repurpose Content

Not every piece of content is worth recycling. Choose content that:

  • Performed well originally (high traffic, shares, or engagement).

  • Is evergreen or can be updated easily.

  • Addresses topics that remain relevant to your audience.

  • Can be broken down into subtopics or multiple formats.

Step-by-Step Guide to Repurposing Content

Step 1: Audit Your Existing Content

Tools to Use

Use tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to identify high-performing pages. Look for:

  • Pages with high traffic but low conversions.

  • Blog posts with outdated data but good SEO ranking.

  • Content that received lots of social shares.

Step 2: Choose a Repurposing Format

Here are some common repurposing formats that work well:

Turn Blog Posts into Videos

Create YouTube videos or reels summarizing blog articles. Use animation tools like Lumen5, Canva, or Adobe Premiere Pro.

Convert Articles into Infographics

Infographics are shareable and visually engaging. Tools like Piktochart or Venngage can simplify the process.

Transform Content into Podcasts

If you or your team are comfortable with audio, turn blog posts into discussion topics for podcast episodes.

Create Slide Decks or Webinars

Convert step-by-step guides into slide decks for SlideShare, or host live webinars using tools like Zoom or Webex.

Develop Social Media Snippets

Break long content into tweetable tips, Instagram carousels, or LinkedIn posts. Use scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite.

Combine Old Posts into an eBook

Group related blog posts into a comprehensive downloadable resource. This works well for lead generation.

Step 3: Update and Refresh the Content

Don’t just copy and paste. Make updates where necessary:

Update Statistics and Links

Make sure all information is current, especially statistics and references.

Optimize for SEO Again

Update meta tags, keywords, headers, and internal links based on recent trends and algorithms.

Improve Visuals

Add updated images, charts, or videos to improve engagement.

Step 4: Publish and Promote

Where to Promote Repurposed Content

  • Email Newsletters – Share with subscribers who may have missed the original.

  • Social Media Platforms – Tailor the format to the platform (e.g., reels for Instagram, infographics for Pinterest).

  • Guest Posts or Collaborations – Pitch the content in a new format to other blogs or media outlets.

Step 5: Track Performance

Use UTM parameters and analytics tools to measure:

  • Traffic

  • Engagement (likes, comments, shares)

  • Conversions

  • Bounce rates

This data helps you refine future repurposing efforts.

Creative Ideas to Repurpose Content

1. Turn FAQs into Blog Posts

Customer service teams are a goldmine for content ideas. Transform FAQs into detailed articles.

2. Convert Internal Training Material into Public Content

Internal slide decks or training documents can often be turned into blog posts, tutorials, or eBooks.

3. Use Customer Testimonials in Multiple Ways

Create case studies, quotes for social media, or embed them in sales pages.

4. Make “Throwback” Posts

Reshare old but valuable posts on social media with updated commentary or graphics.

Tools That Can Help You Repurpose Efficiently

Design and Multimedia Tools

  • Canva – for graphics and infographics

  • Lumen5 – for video creation

  • Descript – for audio editing and podcast production

  • Notion – for organizing content repurposing calendars

Scheduling and Promotion Tools

  • Buffer, Hootsuite, Later – for scheduling posts

  • Mailchimp, ConvertKit – for email marketing

  • Zapier – for automating repurposing workflows

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Tailoring Content to the Platform

Copy-pasting the same content across all platforms without adjusting the format or tone leads to poor engagement.

2. Skipping Quality Control

Always proofread and check visuals and links before republishing.

3. Overposting the Same Content

Repurposing doesn't mean spam. Avoid flooding your channels with variations of the same message.

4. Ignoring Analytics

Without tracking, you won't know what formats and platforms work best.

Case Studies: Successful Repurposing Examples

Example 1: HubSpot

HubSpot regularly turns blog content into YouTube videos, social media quotes, and slide decks, amplifying their reach significantly.

Example 2: Neil Patel

He repurposes articles into podcast episodes and video tutorials, then breaks these down into social media reels and LinkedIn posts.

How Often Should You Repurpose Content?

General Guidelines

  • Review and update evergreen content every 6–12 months.

  • Repurpose high-performing content quarterly.

  • Align with your marketing campaigns and product launches.

Advanced Repurposing Techniques for Content Marketers

Once you've mastered the basics of repurposing, you can start building scalable systems and explore more creative strategies to stay ahead of your competition.

Use Content Repurposing Funnels

A content repurposing funnel helps you maximize one piece of content across multiple stages of the buyer's journey.

Example Funnel from One Blog Post:

  • Top of Funnel (Awareness):

    • Social media quote cards

    • Infographic

    • LinkedIn carousel

    • YouTube video summary

  • Middle of Funnel (Consideration):

    • In-depth podcast episode

    • Email newsletter with personalized commentary

    • Comparison blog post based on the same topic

  • Bottom of Funnel (Decision):

    • Case study derived from the blog’s insights

    • Short webinar or live Q&A session

    • Lead magnet (e.g., PDF checklist, worksheet)

How This Helps

Using a funnel approach means you’re not just recycling content randomly—you’re strategically mapping repurposed formats to specific customer touchpoints.

Cluster Content for Topic Authority

Instead of repurposing one blog post at a time, try grouping several around a core topic. Combine them into:

  • A comprehensive white paper

  • An eBook or guide

  • A themed video series

  • A multi-part email course

Clustering related content improves your website’s SEO through topical authority and internal linking.

Real-World Examples: How Brands Win with Repurposing

Looking at how successful companies implement repurposing will give you tangible inspiration.

Gary Vaynerchuk’s “Content Pyramid”

Gary Vee popularized the idea of creating a “pillar” piece of content (e.g., a 1-hour keynote or long video) and breaking it into:

  • Dozens of short video clips

  • Image quotes

  • Micro-blogs

  • Podcast episodes

He calls this the Content Model, turning one big idea into 30+ assets optimized for different platforms. His team uses this strategy to dominate Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube simultaneously.

Moz’s Repurposing Workflow

Moz repurposes their Whiteboard Friday video series by:

  • Embedding the video in a blog post

  • Transcribing it

  • Pulling SEO tips into Twitter threads

  • Adding slides to SlideShare

By covering multiple formats, they reach visual, audio, and textual learners.

Repurposing Content for Different Learning Styles

Visual Learners

Repurpose into:

  • Infographics

  • Charts and graphs

  • Slide presentations

  • Illustrated Instagram stories

Auditory Learners

Repurpose into:

  • Podcasts

  • Voice-over slideshows

  • Audiograms for social media

  • YouTube explainers

Kinesthetic (Interactive) Learners

Repurpose into:

  • Interactive quizzes

  • Webinars with Q&A

  • Checklists and worksheets

  • Downloadable templates

This approach increases accessibility and ensures you’re not leaving segments of your audience behind.

Workflow: How to Build a Repurposing System

Creating a consistent, repeatable process saves time and improves efficiency.

Step-by-Step Content Repurposing Workflow

1. Create a Content Inventory

Use a spreadsheet or CMS tool to log:

  • Title

  • URL

  • Original format

  • Performance data (traffic, backlinks, shares)

  • Repurposing status

2. Categorize by Format Potential

Mark content suitable for:

  • Visual repurposing

  • Audio repurposing

  • Text expansion or consolidation

3. Assign Responsibilities

If you work in a team, assign roles:

  • Writer/editor

  • Graphic designer

  • Video editor

  • Social media manager

4. Schedule and Automate

Use tools like Notion, Trello, or Asana to track deadlines. Automate publishing via Zapier, Buffer, or CoSchedule.

5. Measure, Iterate, and Improve

Monitor repurposed content using:

  • Google Analytics

  • UTM tags

  • A/B testing for social posts

Refine your system every quarter based on what formats and platforms are most effective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is repurposing content bad for SEO?

A: No, as long as you avoid duplicate content issues. Each repurposed version should be unique and add value. Use canonical tags if necessary and update metadata and URLs to prevent indexing issues.

Q2: How often should I repurpose content?

A: Ideally, you should repurpose content regularly as part of your content calendar—aim for at least 1–2 pieces per week if possible. Focus on evergreen and high-performing content for the best results.

Q3: What if my old content is outdated?

A: Outdated content can be refreshed before repurposing. Update the stats, tools, and screenshots, then proceed with transformation into new formats.

Q4: Can I repurpose someone else’s content?

A: You can take inspiration but should not repurpose without permission or without adding significant new value. If you quote or reference, always credit the original source.

Q5: What if I don’t have a team?

A: Solo creators can still repurpose effectively by using low-cost tools like:

  • Descript for podcast/video editing

  • Canva for social media designs

  • ChatGPT for turning long content into summaries

  • Notion or Airtable for organizing your workflow

Batch your repurposing tasks to maximize time efficiency.

The Long-Term Impact of Content Repurposing

Sustainable Content Marketing

By continuously breathing new life into your best-performing content, you create a sustainable system that compounds over time. The more formats you explore, the more durable and evergreen your message becomes.

Building Brand Consistency

Repurposing helps you maintain a consistent message across channels. Whether someone discovers your brand through a video, podcast, or tweet, they’ll hear the same core ideas presented differently but cohesively.

Repurposing Content for Emerging Platforms

As new digital platforms emerge, content repurposing strategies must evolve to meet audiences where they’re migrating. Here’s how to adapt your content for trending platforms and formats.

TikTok and Short-Form Video

If you have long-form blog content or YouTube videos, these can be turned into bite-sized tips for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts.

Ideas for Repurposing:

  • Turn each key point from a blog post into a 15–30 second video tip.

  • Share “behind-the-scenes” snippets of how a blog post or podcast is made.

  • Use text overlays and voiceovers to highlight insights.

LinkedIn Documents and Carousels

LinkedIn’s native document uploads let you post multi-slide PDFs that function like mini-presentations. These are perfect for:

  • Repurposing listicles, tutorials, and step-by-step guides.

  • Breaking down case studies into engaging slides.

  • Highlighting research findings from white papers.

Threads and Microblogs (X / Threads.net)

Take long-form blog content and turn it into a well-structured Twitter (X) thread or Threads.net post.

Structure:

  1. Start with a hook or controversial question.

  2. List key takeaways as individual posts in the thread.

  3. End with a call-to-action or a link to the original article.

Leverage AI Tools for Faster Repurposing

AI can dramatically reduce the time required to transform one piece of content into multiple assets.

How to Use AI in Repurposing:

  • ChatGPT – Summarize long articles, turn content into scripts, email newsletters, or FAQs.

  • Descript – Transcribe, edit, and remix podcast or video content.

  • Pictory / Lumen5 – Convert blog content into videos with stock footage and voiceovers.

  • Copy.ai / Jasper – Generate headline variations, social media captions, or promotional emails.

These tools help you scale content creation without compromising quality.

Content Repurposing Checklist

Before you publish a repurposed asset, ask yourself:

✅ Is this format tailored to the platform?
✅ Have I updated any outdated information or visuals?
✅ Does this version offer unique value beyond the original?
✅ Are all links, tags, and CTAs working and relevant?
✅ Have I tracked this version in my content calendar or spreadsheet?

Final Thoughts

Repurposing old content is not a lazy shortcut—it's a smart, strategic move. By adapting your existing content into various formats and platforms, you increase visibility, drive more traffic, and extract more value from your efforts. As long as you're focused on quality and aligned with audience needs, the possibilities are nearly endless.

Related Topics

Content Marketing