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From Text to Video: The Ultimate SaaS Guide to Content Repurposing

Written by Rishabh Pugalia
Written by Rishabh Pugalia

Rishabh leads the content strategy at Content Beta, a creative video and design agency for Tech & SaaS companies.

Repurposing content isn’t a new strategy. The formula is simple – create once, repurpose & reuse many times. Extend the lifespan of existing assets. This way, you not only increase the RoI of the content production process but also are able to scale up content marketing faster.

On the face of it, the process seems simple –

  1. You pick up an existing text asset such as eBooks, guides, whitepaper, webinar transcript, G2 reviews, etc.
  2. You ensure it’s either well-researched re-usable content or refers to an evergreen topic or is just popular.
  3. Curate the best parts and re-organize them.
  4. Convert those parts into videos (with or without voiceover) – into either long form or short form or both. You can use DIY tools or ask the in-house video editor.

Check this tweet from SEMRUSH on content repurposing:

Content Types - Semrush

BUT before you start working on content repurposing, ask yourself these critical questions –

  • How to execute a content repurposing strategy without hiring someone full-time?
  • What are the booby traps in content repurposing and how do we dodge them?
  • How do you determine which of your content is worthy of a second-life?
  • Which DIY tools are suited to re-purpose different types of content?
  • How do you know if the makeover is a success?
  • And most importantly, how do you maintain your brand’s consistency and the original content’s essence during the repurposing process?

Confused? Don’t worry. Let me share all the tips and tricks we use at Content Beta that help our clients re-purpose existing content and convert text to videos.

Table of Contents

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

What is content repurposing?

Content repurposing is the process of taking existing content and adapting it into a new format. Think of it as your favorite TV show spin-off. You’re taking the characters (content) you already love or are popular and creating a whole new plotline (format).

For instance, a blog post might be converted into a video, a podcast, an ebook or a social media post. It’s not just a simple copy-paste job. You may have to adapt to different platforms and different audiences. E.g., Instagram users hang out there for entertainment, whereas users on G2 are looking for testimonials & reviews to make a purchase decision.

Quick Note 1 – Content repurposing isn’t the same as repetition.
Quick Note 2 – Content repurposing isn’t the same as content recycling.

We’ll discuss this soon.

Why Repurposing Written Content into Video makes business sense?

According to a report from Gartner, “Reusable high-performing content is ‘gold’ (content that can be reused or contextualized) reducing cost, reducing risk, and accelerating content creation. Push your team to reuse, contextualize, or personalize before creating new.”

Let’s check out why it makes business sense to re-purpose written content into video –

1. Explainer Video indirectly supports Google ranking and TOFU Marketing:

Imagine this: Your team has spent so much time brainstorming what should be text on the website of your landing page. The raw material of your explainer video script is ready! Does it not make sense to use the rich copywriting material to create a script and make a short explainer video?

These short videos can increase the time visitors spend on your page. This signals the search engines that your content is valuable and should rank higher. This video content is ideal for Top-of-the-Funnel Marketing (TOFU).

Sidenote: If you are looking for how to write a video script, click here to download our Scriptwriting Playbook which has 10 storytelling frameworks.

SaaS Explainer Video Script
Explainer video Scripts - Contentbeta

2. Winning the social media game needs CONSISTENCY.

So when you create a pipeline for social media video clips in advance, you have done 90% of your part. Reach wider audiences from different platforms such as YouTube, Linkedin, Twitter, Tik Tok, and Instagram.

3. Make lengthy podcasts & webinars snackable

Are you stuck at double digit views (e.g., 9 views, 16 views…) on your uploaded webinars and podcasts on YouTube? Pick the best parts to convert it into <60 second shorts and use that as a teaser to redirect the visitors to important landing pages or lead form or to the original full-length webinar (source).

Transform PDFs, Case-studies, Presentations, or Blogs into professional videos that engage your audience quickly. If you wish to know what’s the cost if you outsource this hi-ROI task, click here to set up a discovery call.

ChiroTouch teamed up with Content Beta to revamp their customer onboarding process. The aim was to streamline the process for chiropractic specialists onto a new customer and billing management platform. Through a well-coordinated effort, a batch of “How-to Videos” from 1:1 Training on Zoom calls were executed swiftly and efficiently. And voila! Onboarding became a breeze. Check out the ChiroTouch Case Study journey.

We know how to sell your story using your product UI

Content Repurposing vs. Content Recycling: A Comparison

While Content repurposing and content recycling sounds similar, the difference between them is giving your old car a turbocharged engine (that’s repurposing), or simply changing the oil and calling it a day (that’s recycling).

For example, Content repurposing is turning a blog post into a podcast. On the other hand, content recycling is updating an old blog post with new information. Both have their place, but repurposing really lets you squeeze every last bit of value from your content.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing a Content Repurposing Strategy

Step 1: Content Hunt

Look through your content archives. Find the best performing or high potential contents. These are your prime candidates for content repurposing. Keywords are – well-researched, evergreen, hi-impressions or views, popular, hi-volume search.

Step 2: Format Find

Now, let’s think about where your target audience likes to hang out – are they YouTube binge-watchers, LinkedIn lurkers, or podcast addicts? Choose a format that will fit their consumption habits like a glove – Vertical vs. Square or 60 seconds vs. 90 seconds.

Well, speaking of podcasts, Content Beta has got ’em! We chat with industry hotshots about product marketing and customer education. Our shows?

  1. The Product Marketing Show
  2. New Things in Customer Education

Step 3: Makeover Time

Now comes the fun part – it’s time to give the content a makeover. Remember, content repurposing is more than a copy-paste job. Give it a new spin, a fresh perspective, or a different angle. Use the latest design and transition trends. E.g., title box, animated subtitles, occasional stock video insertions, sound effects, etc.

Besides hiring a on-demand creative agency such as Content Beta, you can also use a lot of DIY tools such as Descript, Canva, etc.

Step 4: Publish and Promote

Now that you are done with content repurposing, it’s showtime! Publish it and don’t forget – a little social media shout-out or a mention in your newsletter can go a long way.

Step 5: The Review Roundup

Keep a track on how your repurposed content is performing. Use the insights to fine-tune your content repurpose strategy for the next round.

Step 6: Rinse and Repeat

Keep the cycle going! You can repurpose every new piece of content you create, right from the start.

We know how to sell your story using your product UI

Benefits of Video Content for SaaS Companies

Small costs. Big value. That’s what content repurposing stands for.

1. Hike in brand visibility

Written articles are often hard to find on a webpage. However, you don’t need to be SEO optimized to get your videos in front of your existing audience & connections on social media. Jump the queue for attention. Remember, even if the viewers are not hitting the LIKE button, they are watching the video, and getting continuous reinforcement in favor of your SaaS product.

And with more than 90% people around the world saying that they discover new brands or products through youtube – you simply do not have much of a choice.

(Google/Magid Advisors, Aug 2018) –

2. Skyrockets User Engagement

Give someone a page with a video, and they’ll stick around way longer than on a video-less page. It’s that simple.

3. Boosts Conversion Rates

When it comes to conversions, landing page videos act as the extra combat weapon. And who wouldn’t want those odds in their favor on their webpage?

4. Easier Product Explanation

SaaS products can be a bit tricky to explain. Videos make it easy-peasy! In fact, most users rely on explainer videos to learn more about a product or service.

5. Builds Trust with Customers

About 57% of consumers say that videos give them more confidence to purchase online. And as you already know – trust is the currency in the SaaS industry (and Banking industry too!). Click Here

6. Improves SEO Rankings

Videos can increase the time visitors spend on your page, signaling to search engines that your content is valuable and should rank higher.

7. Promotes Sharing

Social video generates 1200% more shares than text and image content combined.Your users will do the content sharing for you. Save that marketing budget for something more valuable. Click Here

8. Supports Customer Success (post-sale)

If you’re selling a product or service, you better have a video because that’s what the crowd wants! Post-sale, videos can be used for onboarding, tutorials, and customer support.

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Identifying Suitable Written Content for Video Repurposing

1. Audit Your Existing Content

Kick start the search by conducting a thorough audit of your existing written content. Blogs, articles, case studies, transcripts of webinars, eBooks and whitepapers – nothing is off-limits!

2. High-Performersc

Look for the high-performing content pieces. They should have the highest views, shares, comments, and reading time. These are your best candidates ready for the video repurposing.

3. Consider using content that remains relevant

Double-down on content that continues to remain relevant for your audience.

4. Choose the Complex Ones

Complex topics or detailed explanations can be a mouthful in written form. But such detailed explanations can be ideal content for video repurposing. The video format can simplify complex information and provide a visual feast!.

5. Charm of Storytelling

If your content tells a story or takes the reader on a journey, it’s ready for the screen. The visual and auditory elements of a video can enhance the storytelling experience more.

6. The Voice of the People

User-generated content (UGC) – G2 or Capterra reviews, testimonials, case studies – these are your raw, real, trust-building gems. They are ready to be repurposed as captivating video content.

7. Platform Play

Think about your video playground. How-to guides could rock on YouTube, while bite-sized, punchy pieces might win on short-attention social media platforms (TikTok, Instagram). Choose wisely!

Marketing needs Videos & Designs.

Get your [Video + Design + Creative] work done.

Process of Repurposing Written Content into Video

1. Identify Content for Video Repurposing

Pick out those written content pieces that are screaming for a visual makeover. Look for high-performing, evergreen written content, they are your best bet.

2. Video Vibe

What is your video format? Explainer, webinar, tutorial, or a spicy social media video? Choose your style.

3. Scripting the Magic

Now, transform your written masterpiece into a punchy video script. Keep it tight, engaging, and easy to understand.

4. Storyboard Scene

Next, let’s play a round of Pictionary! Sketch out your script scene by scene. It is your roadmap to the production process of the repurposed video.

5. Lights, Camera, Action!

Film or animate your video, keeping the visuals slick and on-brand.

6. Snip 'n' Polish

Time to trim the excess and add some sparkle. Ensure the video flows smoothly. Add music, sound effects, graphics, and subtitles to taste.

7. Test Drive

Roll out a sneak-peek to a test audience. Gather feedback, and tweak your masterpiece accordingly.

8. It's showtime!

Hit the publish button and send your repurposed video into the digital universe. Don’t forget about the promo for maximum visibility!

Case Studies: Successful Transition from Written Content to Video in SaaS Companies

1. HubSpot's Inbound Marketing Series

Known for its inbound marketing software, HubSpot repurposed some of its top-performing blogs into a fun, informative educational video series. They raised the content repurposing bar and effectively took leverage of it to boost its brand reach.

Blog:

Video:

Youtube_icon_new

2. Moz's Whiteboard Wonder

Here’s another win for repurposing content – Moz took SEO articles and created the legendary ‘Whiteboard Friday’ video series. Complex stuff made easy-peasy and highly accessible!

3. Slack's Testimonial Tales

Slack didn’t just repurpose customer testimonials, they turned them into engaging video sagas. It amplified the impact of their social proof. Now, that’s how to repurpose content with flair!

Marketing needs Videos & Designs.

Get your [Video + Design + Creative] work done.

4. Intercom's Video Guides

Intercom took the content repurposing strategy up a notch. They showed us how to repurpose a blog post by morphing detailed product guides into a series of snappy explainer videos. User engagement skyrocketed!

Blog:

Video:

Youtube_icon_new

5. Shopify's How-To Guides

Shopify nailed content repurposing by turning how-to blogs into video tutorials. The idea was to cater to users who prefer visual instructions. And voila, visual learners hooked!

Blog:

Video:

Youtube_icon_new

6. Asana's Webinar Wizardry

Asana repurposed its in-depth blog posts into interactive webinars. It offered interactive content for its users while giving us all a masterclass in repurposing content for social media.

7. Zendesk's Animation Antics

Zendesk went full Pixar, repurposing customer service tips into a fun animated video series. Talk about a creative and entertaining content repurposing strategy!

Youtube_icon_new

8. Mailchimp's Case Study Cinema

Mailchimp hit the content repurposing jackpot by turning case studies into compelling video narratives. Complex data made digestible via storytelling – content repurposing at its finest!

Blog:

Video:

Youtube_icon_new

9. Canva's Quick Clip Course

Canva knocked it out of the park by transforming its design tips and guides into quick video tutorials. Bite-sized learning, anyone?

10. Salesforce's Podcast Party

Salesforce repurposed its thought leadership pieces into engaging podcast episodes and video chats. They proved the power of a robust content repurposing strategy. Now that’s how to repurpose video content with style!

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Why choose Content Beta to repurpose content as video?

The team has worked with 130+ SaaS companies. The focus is SaaS and B2B software tech. We don’t do Pepsi-like video commercials or create video content for the D2C. This helps to keep a razor-sharp focus on SaaS and Software Tech. Simple.

We are highly rated with a 4.7 score on G2 from over 30 verified reviews. Our in-house crew of story wizards, wordsmiths, project jugglers, video gurus, and design maestros – work together as a crew to give you one finished video.

Our video services have a wide range of offerings. We’re pros at whipping up product demos, explaining things in simple terms, and capturing testimonials from afar. Plus, we’re all about creating snappy how-to videos, nifty video ads, and repurposing content for those short, sweet, and punchy clips. Oh, and did we mention we’re whizzes at video marketing too? Look no further for your video needs – we’ve got you covered!

But we’re not just about videos! We develop simplified UI designs, banners and carousels, design ebooks and illustrations, create infographics and presentations. Furthermore, we’re adept at crafting ad creatives, and web graphics. Simply put, we’re your one-stop-shop for all things design.

Wanna have a look at our design work? Here you go (Design Portfolio – Media Production for Software companies (contentbeta.com))

Example 1:

Client Name: IVY

Project Summary:
We had repurposed a long webinar recording (>1 hr) into multiple small clips of 1 to 3 mins. #Social Media

What did Content Beta do?

  • Picking the best parts of the video WITHOUT any client briefing.
  • Adding a teaser clip at the beginning to get the viewers’ attention.
  • Adding on-screen text (minimal)
  • Storyboarding (Visuals, Transitions, Animation, Text effects etc.)
  • Video Editing
Youtube_icon_new

Example 2:

Client Name: Service Now

Project Summary: We produced The Customer Connection Podcast for ServiceNow. This teaser was created to create a buzz around marketing and drive awareness for the podcast.

What did Content Beta do?

  • Picking one-liners from the interview clips of multiple speakers
  • Adhere to Brand Guidelines (color, iconography)
  • Adding on-screen text (minimal) such as speaker names, key message
  • Storyboarding (Visuals, Transitions, Animation, Text effects etc.)
  • Video Editing
Youtube_icon_new

Example 3:

Client Name: Spinify

Project Summary: Repurposed webinar recording into short-form vertical videos of under 1 minute for TikTok/Reels and YouTube Shorts.

What did Content Beta do?

  • Picking the best clips of the video
  • Adding on-screen text
  • Storyboarding (Visuals, Transitions, Animation, Text effects etc.)
  • Video Editing
Youtube_icon_new

Cost effective?

Need a video and design team? Content beta got you covered. You can hire us on a monthly fee, with the option to cancel whenever. We’re quick on the draw with a turnaround within 24 to 48 hours. Book a demo to get the full picture.

DIY Tools for Creating Video Content

If you’re looking to streamline your content repurposing strategy, this tool is a game-changer. It auto-transcribes your audio uploads and you can tweak them just like a Word document. It smartly removes unnecessary fillers and repetitions. Plus, it has nifty features like closed captions and a progress bar.

Pocket pinch – $30 per month (or $24 with an annual subscription)

It has a 4.6 G2 rating based on 300+ reviews. It’s an ideal choice for repurposing long video podcasts into bite-sized social media content. The best bit? No video editor required.

Canva has an extensive collection of templates, designs, and stock videos. It makes repurposing content quite a breeze.

Pocket pinch – $10 per month for an annual subscription

It holds a 4.7 G2 rating based on over 4000 reviews. Canva helps in repurposing video content by allowing you to add layers of media elements such as animation, stock footage, gifs, and pictures to your existing video content, enhancing its appeal.

Let’s cut to the chase. If you want to unlock its full potential, the key is mastering prompt engineering (at ContentBeta.com, we have a dedicated position for prompt engineers).

Pocket pinch – $20 per month

G2 ratings are not needed to vouch for its usefulness. Asking Chat GPT to ‘summarize this’ is a simplistic use of its potential. To truly harness its power (especially for content repurposing), you need to understand role-play, exclusions, inclusions, vital action keywords, context setting, and providing examples. For example, we repurposed an explainer video’s script into seven different storytelling frameworks using ChatGPT Plus.

This tool auto-generated captions with emojis and animated texts for your videos. It also features advanced AI technology, backed by NVIDIA. It ensures the speaker appears to be looking straight at the viewer.

Pocket pinch – $50-80 per year

It holds a solid 4.7 rating from over 6,000 reviews on the App Store. It’s a vital tool for a marketer, founder, freelancer, or coach looking to repurpose content and build your personal brand on social media. And, there’s no need for a separate video editor.

Riverside.fm offers instant transcriptions in more than 100 languages. It lets you record once and repurpose that content all over social media. It also supports a text-based audio and video editor for smooth editing. And above all, it provides 4K video resolution and separate audio & video tracks. And let’s not forget about screen share recording.

Pocket pinch – All this awesomeness for $15 to $24 per month on an annual subscription.

It has a G2 rating of 4.7 based on more than 250 reviews. So, what are you waiting for? Get Riverside.fm and turn your content creation up to 11.

InVideo offers an extensive collection of slick templates at your fingertips. With InVideo’s online video editor, you can tweak and twist your videos until they’re just right. Got a YouTube channel? Their YouTube Intro Maker and outro maker has your back. Need to create an eye-catching ad? The Video Ad Maker has got you covered.

Pocket pinch – $15 to $30 per month with an annual subscription.

Furthermore, it aids in creating personal videos with features like Instagram Video Editor, Birthday Video Maker, and Invitation Maker.

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Platform for Sharing & Distributing Video Content

1. Vimeo

Vimeo is like the superhero of video hosting, packed with a comprehensive suite of features. Want to make your videos more engaging? Its interactive video and online video editor features are here to save the day. Need to make your content more accessible? Auto Captioning to the rescue! Hosting virtual events? Vimeo’s got your back with its webinar software.

But wait, there’s more! The Video Player and Video Library make managing your videos a breeze, and with the Create Video Maker, Live streaming, and Screen Recorder, you’re all set.

Pocket pinch – $15 to $65 per month with an annual subscription.

Vimeo also values your secret identity with Video Privacy features and encourages team-ups with its Video Collaboration tool. And let’s not forget the video marketing, OTT Video Monetization, and Video Analytics features. Need more professional help? You can even Hire Video Pros. Basically Vimeo is a one stop destination for all your video platform needs.

2. Linkedin

LinkedIn has emerged as an effective video hosting platform for SaaS companies. For starters, it supports square video formatting, which is ideal for mobile viewers. Then there’s the auto-generated subtitles – making videos more accessible in sound-sensitive environments.

Got a complex SaaS concept? No problem. The platform allows for a generous video duration of 10 to 15 minutes.

Pocket pinch – LinkedIn also recognizes that a killer thumbnail is like the movie poster for your video. It draws people in and makes them want to see more.
Content Beta re-purposed this video for Sera Systems

Youtube_icon_new

3. Youtube

YouTube is the world’s largest video hosting platform. It holds immense potential for SaaS companies. It allows vertical format for YouTube Shorts, which is optimal for mobile users. The 60-second limit provides a unique opportunity to deliver quick, snappy yet impactful messages.

Thumbnails are important. YouTube knows the show starts before the play button is clicked. That’s where the title and thumbnail come into the picture. They serve as the gateway to the video content, making them critical for attracting viewers and driving engagement.

4. Facebook

Facebook isn’t just for sharing cute cat videos and vacation snaps anymore – it offers SaaS companies a broad and diverse audience. First off, Facebook is all about vertical videos. It makes your content more accessible and engaging.

As for video duration, Facebook is cool with whatever. Got a quick feature to show off? Go for it. Need more time for a deep dive? No problem. But where it really shines is with titles and thumbnails. The right title and a thumbnail acts as a teaser and your SaaS videos could be the next big thing on Facebook. So, ready to get social with your video hosting? Facebook’s got you covered!

Pitfalls to Avoid When Repurposing Content

1. NO game plan or strategy = Big NO

Context is everything. That is why first discuss internally about choice of – platform (YouTube vs. Linkedin), format (vertical vs. square), target audience profile (gatekeepers vs. decision makers), quality (highly edited or LoFi UGC), and add-ons (subtitles, stock video, etc.).

2. Ignoring Audience Preferences

Be aware of the audience profile of different platforms. The audience for 30-60 second video format on TikTok, YouTube shorts and Instagram reels – love user-generated content that is of low-fidelity (LoFi = low quality and hence, look real). LinkedIn suits and Instagram hipsters are different breeds. Your content needs different dresses to impress the different crowd.

3. Stuck in the past?

Don’t let yesterday’s news be today’s content. Use the latest trends in transition, animation, sound effects, and animated subtitles.

4. Ignoring Branding Consistency

Repurposing isn’t a free pass for letting standards slide. Your audience seeks consistency in your brand across all touchpoints. They want to recognize your brand instantly, resonate with it, and remember it. It’s this consistency, this familiar face in the crowd, that earns trust.

Remember – each reincarnated piece is a new content for the viewers. First impressions matter.

5. Not Monitoring Performance

Blind to results? Keep your eyes on the prize. How’s your repurposed content doing?

6. Repurposing Without a Reason

Don’t just repurpose for the sake of it. Make sure each new piece of repurposed content adds value to your audience.

We know how to sell your story using your product UI

Conclusion

Remember that content repurposing isn’t just about recycling. It’s about reimagining and innovating. The value of a business lies in reusing existing processes, content and customers. They have little or no incremental costs as compared to the incremental value they bring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Most B2B companies prefer to transform written content into a format that is more retainable by the user.

It can range from an article being turned into an audio file for a website, onboarding material turn into bitesize video series, a string of carrousel graphic images of highlights from a blog for social media platforms, etc. Out of these the most popular one is converting blogs to video as it gives the highest engagement among potential customers.

The meaning of repurposing is to reuse an already created piece of content by transforming it into a different format and using it on platforms that support the new formats.

Most B2B brands create a bundle of content initially by putting in a lot of resources and money but have a hard time keeping up with the production of new content creatively and because of the budget.

In such a case SaaS companies turn to content repurposing, to reuse and circulate the same content through different channels.

Transforming written content into video can be tough without the help of an external agency.

For a SaaS company to achieve this in-house it requires a skilled team of to get the video produced when an optimized manner. The first few steps include going through the content and pulling out specific highlights to create short videos, writing down script and dialogue, deciding on the video style and getting in a voiceover artist.

After this the video will go into production using video editing software, sound design is done and once completed the video is hosted on a suitable platform.

Different social media platforms provide a vast variety of opportunities for B2B companies to engage with the audience using videos.

On Instagram, brands upload reels, IGTV videos and Instagram stories to talk about the product whereas on Twitter and LinkedIn, video ads have been known to give the highest ROI.

Facebook too provides an option for short and long video posts, ads and video story options, while Snapchat allows videos of maximum 60-seconds in length.

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Content Beta