What is the initial step in a content audit?

The initial step in a content audit involves reviewing key performance indicators (KPIs) and objectives. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for the entire audit process. By understanding the objectives you aim to achieve with your content, you can evaluate how well your existing content aligns with those goals. This review helps identify what types of content are performing well and which ones need improvement or replacement, ensuring that the content strategy is aligned with broader business targets.

Establishing the context of your KPIs and objectives allows you to make informed decisions throughout the audit. It provides benchmarks for measuring success and can guide the prioritization of content updates or replacement strategies. Furthermore, without clear objectives in place, the audit may lack direction, making it challenging to assess content effectiveness meaningfully.

Other options, while relevant to content strategy, are more suited for later stages of the audit process rather than being foundational steps. For instance, identifying competitors is typically done after establishing your own objectives, and creating new content usually follows the evaluation and audit of existing materials. Setting rolling objectives is an ongoing strategic task and isn't the immediate first step in the auditing process.