Content Guidelines and Resources

Here are some recommendations and resources to ensure that your website has the content your audience will expect.

Primary Content Areas

  • Recommended Content and Editorial Styles
    12/4/23
    When creating your Web content, keep in mind that your audience wants to know some very specific things about your organization. Here’s a list of recommended content you’ll need to meet your audience’s needs.
  • Recommended Navigation
    7/21/17
    In your navigation, use clear labels that are intuitive to your audience. Be consistent by using the same language for navigation across your unit and, as appropriate, across the university.
  • Recommended Labels and Language
    7/21/17
    Words matter. It seems obvious, but it’s especially critical to keep in mind when it comes to labeling your information architecture -- the way you have organized your website to support usability.
  • Prepare for Comments
    7/21/17
    As you're preparing your content, consider carefully whether to allow your users to comment publicly on your web content. Allowing public comments takes a commitment of time and resources as well as a focused strategy. 

Additional Resources

Alertbox
Jakob Nielsen’s online column
The website compiles research on how users read on the Web and how authors should write their webpages.

New Thinking free e-newsletter
Free weekly e-newsletter by Gerry McGovern

A weekly e-mail newsletter, which focuses on Web content management, information architecture and writing for the Web.

Writing Web Content that Works
Online Seminar by Ginny Radish

A virtual online seminar, which focuses on content, specifically tuning up sentences and links.