Here’s the process I use to circumvent the messiness and get organized, from the start:
Create a folder for each project, program, product or service that you offer.
This should be the first thing you do before you start any project. The earlier you get into this habit, the better.
Then, create sub-folders
Here are a few ideas:
• Documents
• Videos
• Images
• Music
• Marketing
• Advertising
• Website
1. Documents
Any contracts or other business docs should be kept inside this folder.
2. Video
Keep all your original and final video files here. Create two folders– original and final videos. Make sure each video is named appropriately so that you can easily find what you are looking for. Keeping the originals separate from the finals can prevent you from sharing an unedited version… which I have seen happen!
3. Images
Product or service images should be kept here and again, named appropriately.
4. Music
Downloaded music should be kept here – if you’re using music that needs to be credited, be sure to include the person’s name in the file name so you don’t waste valuable time trying to track that down.
5. Marketing
All images and copy that you’ll be using for marketing this project should be kept here. You may want to include a subfolder for testimonials with images and copy from happy clients and customers.
6. Advertising
Each ad should have its own subfolder (named appropriately), that includes the copy and images or videos used.
7. Website
Special fonts, branding and other design aspects, plug-ins (software for your website), copy and themes / layouts can be kept inside this folder.
Bonus
Upload everything to the Cloud – Dropbox and iCloud are my two favorites for accessibility and ease of use. I rarely keep anything inside my computer’s standard “Document” or “Pictures” folders. You never know when your computer or phone will crash, get stolen or lost!
There you are! A perfect project folder with well-organized sub-folders. You can now feel confident that your files are safe, organized and that your computer will not be overworked. Plus, you will not waste your precious time accessing multiple folders, or hunting down a missing file. Less frustration and more ease, in your workday and everyday life!