Hints and tips for content authors
When publishing new content or editing existing content, authors must apply an element of quality control checking and self-policing.
Authors should write web pages from a user perspective and take advantage of working in a different kind of media to the printed page.
Do not simply reproduce printed leaflets that may contain inappropriate expressions such as "See page 2 of this leaflet for further information" or "see overleaf...".
How to use these pages
These pages should be considered as a working brief providing authors and approvers with guidance on content production of web pages. They - and the wider web standards - are evolving constantly, and should be referred to regularly to ensure that you are up to speed with the latest guidance.
Please remember that if you want to do something not covered by this guidance or you want to clarify the guidance provided, please contact the web team on 0161 793 2958 or email webmaster@salford.gov.uk.
At-a-glance content checklist
These pages summarise the basic rules for content uploading that must be followed.
- How to drive web users to your web pages
- Use apostrophes correctly - it's "you're" responsibility!
- Never insert a scanned signature on web pages, email messages or downloadable documents (eg PDFs)
- There's a place for "Aren't we wonderful?" content
- Avoid creating long pages
- Do not use "click here" for links
- Be careful with acronyms
- Ensure correct usage of "city of Salford"
- How to format a postal address
- Check for Data Protection compliance
- Date format used should be dd month yyyy
- Check that an email contact is provided to enable access to services electronically
- Avoid use of "click here" for hyperlinks to other information resources
- Format acronyms correctly
- Advice on use of pictures, logos and other images
- No clip art and animated graphics please
- Consider using a page naming convention
- Usage of 'Salford City Council'
- Use meaningful titles
- When are pages published?
- Check for use of plain English; avoid using "local government speak"
This page was last updated on 22 June 2010
