Can you find old ad creative?
Did you ever watch the show “Hoarders”? It’s a reality TV show that follows people with compulsive hoarding disorder. Each episode offers a glimpse into homes that are filled to the brim with trash, treasure, and everything in between.
For some campaign operatives, finding past work (e.g. direct mail pieces, scripts for ads, stock photos, etc.) is a little like searching through a Hoarder-home for a single artifact.
Being able to locate and re-use successful pieces of collateral from past efforts can save you enormous amounts of time and money but many campaigns lack systems that allows them to quickly find the needed material.
Here are five best practices for naming your digital files so you can quickly find them in the future:
1. Use a Clear, Consistent Structure: Establish a consistent structure for naming files and stick to it across all your documents. This could include starting with a category or project name, followed by a descriptor, date, and version number if necessary. For example: ProjectName_Descriptor_Date_Version.ext
2. Prioritize Information: Place the most important information at the beginning of the file name. This makes it easier to quickly identify files, especially when viewing them in a list or sorting them alphabetically. For example, in a set of project-related documents, you might prioritize the project name or type of document: ProjectName_Report_2024-04-29.docx
3. Include Dates: Incorporating dates into your file names can be highly beneficial for organizing files chronologically. Use a consistent date format such as YYYY-MM-DD to ensure files are listed in the correct order when sorted alphabetically. For example: ProjectName_2024-04-29_Report.docx
4. Be Specific and Descriptive: Use descriptive words that accurately represent the content of the file. Avoid vague or ambiguous terms. This helps you quickly understand the purpose of each file without needing to open it. For example: MarketingCampaign_SocialMediaAnalytics_2024-04-29.xlsx
5. Avoid Overloading File Names: While it's important to be descriptive, avoid making file names too long or cluttered. Aim for a balance between clarity and brevity. If necessary, use abbreviations for longer terms, but ensure they are widely understood. For example: PR_SMM_Analytics_2024-04-29.xlsx
You could also use software, like Arsenal, to keep your files organized. Contact us today to set up a demo.
