Show the content ecosystem

Use a map or illustration to show the extent of your content ecosystem.

Your map will show how complex the ecosystem is and should point to any channel duplication. The map should only include channels. Leave actual content for the content audit stage.

Create a picture of the content ecosystem

Content ecosystems can be very complex. The clearest way to show complexity is with pictures rather than words. You can choose from a range of visual tools to show the ecosystem.

Mind maps

Mind maps are simple and quick and will show channel complexity and duplication.

Starting with your list of channels, draw a mind map. Draw lines to show the connections between channels.

This will show the state of your content ecosystem.

Complex ecosystem map

If your map shows channel duplication or an overly complex ecosystem, you need a content strategy.

Diagram showing a complex digital ecosystem with websites, intranets, campaign sites, email newsletters, social media channels, apps and YouTube connected by numerous overlapping arrows. The visual illustrates how content and information flow between multiple platforms, highlighting interdependencies and the challenges of managing a large digital content environment.

This complex ecosystem map shows the main website at the centre, surrounded by four content channel types, websites, email newsletters, social media, and apps. The channels are interconnected in a complicated and confusing way, and there are many subsets with duplicate channels.

Clear ecosystem map

A good channel ecosystem has few channels and little duplication.

The ecosystem is clear and simple.

Simplified digital ecosystem map showing a central website connected to related channels including websites, intranet, email newsletters, social media platforms, apps and YouTube. Arrows illustrate content flows and relationships between channels, demonstrating a more streamlined and easier-to-manage content ecosystem.

This clear ecosystem map shows the main website at the centre, surrounded by four content channel types, websites, email newsletters, apps, and social media. There are just one or two subsets connected in a clear and simple way.

Venn diagrams

Venn diagrams are really useful for conveying overlap.

They can clearly show problems like multiple websites or departments producing the same content.

Venn diagram-style visual showing a digital content ecosystem as a series of overlapping circles representing websites, intranet, social media platforms, email newsletters and an app. The overlapping areas illustrate shared audiences, interconnected content and the relationships between different digital channels.

This Venn diagram is made up of circles of different sizes representing content channels. Some of the circles are overlapping, indicating that they might be producing duplicate content.

Screenshots

You can create a montage using screenshots of web pages and other channels to show duplicate channels. This is a simple, clear and fast way to present a complex content ecosystem.
 

L&D Section
Understand your content ecosystem
L&D Groups
Where to begin
L&D Categories
Content Strategy Guide
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