In Assette, Content Types are a foundational concept that define the nature of the deliverables provided to clients or internal stakeholders. Each Content Type encapsulates a specific kind of information product—such as a report, presentation, or communication—and determines how it is generated, customized, and delivered. This article offers a high-level overview of what Content Types are, how they are used, and best practices for structuring them effectively.
What is a Content Type? #
A Content Type in Assette defines the template and structure of a piece of content. It acts as the blueprint for what data will be included, how that data will be visualized, and in what format the final output will be rendered (e.g., PDF, native format).
Each Content Type is typically associated with a:
- Use case (e.g., Monthly Client Report, Quarterly Attribution Summary)
- Target audience (e.g., client, internal sales team)
- Purpose (e.g., client reporting, sales enablement)
Relationship to Content Plans #
Content Types are defined separately from—but closely linked to—Content Plans. While Content Plans specify when, for whom, and under what conditions content is delivered, the Content Type determines what the content actually contains and how it is presented.
For example:
- A Content Plan might define that a “Monthly Client Report” is sent to client ABC on the 2nd business day of each month.
- The Content Type “Monthly Client Report” would define the layout, data sources, and formatting rules for the report
Best Practices for Defining Content Types #
1. Start with the Purpose #
Clearly define the purpose and audience of the content before creating the Content Type. For example, a report for regulatory compliance may require a different layout and level of detail than a marketing factsheet.
2. Reuse Where Possible #
Where feasible, reuse common components (e.g., client reports, commentary) to maintain consistency and reduce maintenance.
4. Align with Business Frequency #
Ensure the Content Type is compatible with the generation frequency defined in Content Plans (e.g., Daily, Monthly, Quarterly).
Common Examples of Content Types #
| Content Type | Audience | Frequency | Output Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Client Report | External Clients | Monthly | |
| Quarterly Performance Summary | Internal Sales Team | Quarterly | Native |
| Daily Flash Report | Portfolio Managers | Daily | |
| Annual Compliance Statement | Regulators | Yearly |
Content Types in Assette are central to defining what content is produced, and how it is structured and presented. By thinking strategically about Content Types—as modular, purpose-driven templates—you can create a scalable and maintainable content ecosystem that supports varied reporting needs across your firm.
When designing Content Types, always align them with business needs, client expectations, and organizational terminology. Doing so ensures consistency, compliance, and high-quality client communication.