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audit before you start
A content audit might not be the most exciting part of a DAM (digital asset management) project, but it’s a great starting point. I would compare it to organizing your closet. Like Maria Kondo says;
"Can you truthfully say that you treasure something buried so deeply in a closet or drawer that you have forgotten its existence? If things had feelings, they would certainly not be happy. Free them from the prison to which you have relegated them. Help them leave that deserted isle to which you have exiled them."
A bit dramatic when discussing logo files, but here we are. By first sorting through which assets will be added to your new DAM platform, kept in an existing one or moved to another storage method, you are figuring out what you treasure (er, value) and your DAM will contain only the assets that are worth your time and effort to keep organized.
Before discarding anything though, what are some valuable assets to find?
full set (digital and print formats) of current company logo
brand assets like style guides
approved CEO & executive headshots that often live on Chief of Staff desktops
latest b-roll video to share for online or TV media requests
photo library, especially any in-contract time-sensitive photos along with their usage info and expiration dates
These assets can often cause confusion and delay as your colleagues are unsure which version (in which G-drive folder) is the correct choice. Remove the off-brand, out-of-contract and outdated options to help bring clarity and security to their choice.
Once you have assembled your assets, you have more information to share with your DAM vender and team. From the number of types of files, to storage needs and (beginnings of, fear not, there will be a dedicated post on) DAM structure, you have started well by first discovering and defining the assets through a media audit.