Top 25+ Must-Have Tools to Transform and Repurpose Your Content

Creating content is just the first step. The real magic lies in transforming and repurposing your existing content to reach new audiences and maximize its impact. Whether you're a marketer, content creator, or business owner, having the right tools at your disposal can significantly streamline this process.

Here, we list over 25 essential tools that can help you breathe new life into your content, making it more versatile, engaging, and far-reaching. From text and graphics to videos and podcasts, these must-have tools will help you get the most out of your creative efforts.

Many small business owners avoid repurposing content. They find one or two formats they're comfortable with and leave it at that. For most people, this means that blog posts and social media posts are their primary means of connection with their audience. Sometimes, they'll create a reel in a social media app or add an infographic to their posts, but otherwise, they limit their content to the written word.

Does this sound like you?

Limiting yourself to written content means you're missing out on a large audience segment. Up to 65% of people are visual learners.

Most people cite a lack of tech knowledge and skill as a reason for their limited content range. But with all the online tools, apps, and resources available, it's never been easier to produce your content. You don't need to be an expert graphic designer, videographer, or sound technician to create professional-looking and memorable content. And you don't have to spend your entire marketing budget on software or equipment. There are numerous free online resources at your disposal.

Check out these straightforward tools and platforms that will help you repurpose your material into engaging video, visual, audio, written, and interactive content.

Content Analysis

Before you focus on specific mediums, use these tools to accurately assess the repurposing potential of your content.

• Google Analytics: Google Analytics is a widely-used web analytics tool that provides in-depth data about your website traffic, audience demographics, visitor behavior, and more.

• SEMrush: The SEMrush platform offers insights into keywords, backlink profiles, competitive analysis, and more.

• BuzzSumo: BuzzSumo identifies the most popular content in your niche. You can search by format (for example, infographics, videos, blog posts, etc.) and see how many shares, likes, or backlinks each piece of content received.

• Ahrefs: Ahrefs is an SEO tool specializing in backlink analysis. It lets you see who's linking to your content and how it has affected your ranking.

Video Content

Video is probably the most intimidating of all mediums. Not only do you have to worry about recording and editing, but many people are afraid to be on camera. One thing you can control? The creation and editing process. There are numerous free or inexpensive, easy-to-use online resources for you to check out:

Write Your Script

A script is a video content essential. Don't leave your words to chance!

• Screenwriting software: Final Draft helps you write, edit, and format your script in an industry-standard format. It is ideal for longer, more complex projects. You can try Arc Studio to outline, write, and edit scripts. A free plan is available; no credit card is required. There is also Celtx, a scriptwriting and pre-production management software for film, TV, ads, short-format video, commercial video, documentaries, games, VR, and more.

Record Your Video

You don't need expensive gear, but you must have equipment that will deliver professional audio and video quality.

• Camera: If you want to get started right away, use your smartphone. As long as it can record high-quality video (at least 1080p), you're set. You can also try a webcam like the EMEET S600 4K or the Opal C1.

• Microphone: Audio quality is critical. Try a lapel mic like the Rode Smartlav+ with the Rode SC6 adapter, a shotgun mic like the Rode VideoMic Go II, or a USB mic like the Logitech Blue Yeti.

• Ring Lights: To eliminate unflattering shadows or uneven skin, use ring lights like Lumecube Ring Light Pro or various ESDDI models.

• Softboxes: To produce a soft diffused light and a subtle glow, use Mountdog or NEEWER softbox lighting kits.

Create Your Video

If you're not ready to be on camera, you can create an animated video, explainer video, or slideshow using these online tools:

• Explainer videos: Free online explainer video makers from Canva or Animaker are easy to use and offer numerous free templates to choose from. Or, with Steve.AI, simply input your script, and it will create a video for you.

• Slideshows: Create slideshows using Adobe Express or Canva. Or, with invideo, simply enter a prompt and an AI slideshow maker generates a script, finds appropriate footage, and applies text and background music.

• Webinars: If you're creating a webinar, check out cloud-based software, such as WebinarJam, ClickMeeting, or Livestorm, that will help you create and conduct it.

Edit Your Video

Polish your raw footage: Crop, trim, add filters and transitions, create intros and titles, and more.

• Editing Software: After you record your video, use editing software like Descript, Movavi, Adobe Premiere Rush, or KineMaster. For reels or brief social media clips, use the platform's built-in tools: Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels, or TikTok Video Editor.

• Video Marketing Platforms: You can also check out all-in-one video marketing platforms like Wistia or BIGVU, which help you record, edit, and share videos.

Audio Content

Small business owners often overlook audio content, potentially alienating a large segment of their audience. People are increasingly drawn to podcasts and similar audio mediums because they offer listeners the convenience of multitasking while they tune in.

Write Your Script

Software used for screenwriting (e.g., Final Draft or Arc Studio) can also be used for audio scripts.

• Scriptwriting software: Celtx or WriterDuet are some additional options. You can also find free podcast script templates online.

Edit Your Audio

Just like video, your audio will require edits and touch-ups.

• Editing software: Use software like Audacity, ocenaudio, or Adobe Audition to remove background noise, improve audio quality, or add sound effects or music.

Record Your Audio

Once you've written your script and/or notes, it's time to record. You don't need a full studio or expensive equipment: a quiet room and a good microphone will do.

• Microphone: See the microphones recommended in the video section. Other options include the JOBY Wavo PRO DS, Samson Q2U, or a USB microphone like the Meteor Mic.

Publish Your Audio

• Podcast Hosting: To get on a directory like Spotify or Apple Podcasts, your podcast needs to be on a podcast hosting site like Buzzsprout, PodBean, or Simplecast.

Visual Content

There are numerous free online tools to help you create eye-catching, professional-looking visuals.

Create Your Graphics

• Online graphic design tools: If you're creating graphics yourself, try user-friendly online graphic design tools like Piktochart or Canva, which have free, easy-to-customize templates for quote graphics, infographics, social media graphics, pie charts, graphs, and more.

Interactive Content

Boost audience engagement by offering content in fun, interactive formats.

Create and Publish Interactive Content

• Quizzes: Create quizzes with software like Typeform or Google Forms. You can also create polls and 'sliding bar' questions directly in social media stories on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

• Interactive infographics or games: Create interactive infographics or games using online tools like Genially, Canva, or Visme.

• Maps: Create interactive maps with Mapcreator or Mapme.

Written Content

Small business owners are often most comfortable with written content. Here are some tools and resources to help you create and publish written content.

Create and Publish Written Content

• Email Series: Convert blog posts, articles, or reports into an email series. Once you write your emails, load them into an email marketing platform like Drip, Kit (was ConvertKit), or ActiveCampaign. They'll automatically send out emails when prompted by audience actions.

• Social media: Create, schedule, and track written and graphic content using Canva. Also, consider platforms exclusively focusing on social media management, like Sprout Social, Hootsuite, and Buffer. They will help you with content scheduling and publishing, social listening, commenting and engagement, analytics, and more.

• Articles: Publish articles on online publishing platforms like Medium, Hubpages, or Substack.

• Transcription Services: You can transcribe audio or video content into text using free transcription software like oTranscribe, an automated speech recognition service (ASR) like Trint, or outsource to a transcription service.