Looking to get a jump on the content review process as you prepare for your site migration? Use these simple steps along with our LinkedIn Learning Path: Content Development for University Websites, to get started.
Review, reorganize and simplify the information
- Read the text on your site - Look for misspelled words, broken links, outdated information and correct or remove, as appropriate.
- Incorporate FAQ content into your site's existing content.
Pro tip: Don't underestimate the importance of this task - your website is the most important channel for reaching and recruiting students and misinformation can hurt credibility.
Remove outdated, or unnecessary content that no longer serves a purpose
- Remove redundant content - unpublish or delete content that is duplicated on your site, especially if this information is not in the purview of your unit.
- Remove unnecessary content - if it's causing confusion or no longer serves a purpose, get rid of it!
Pro tip: Reducing the amount of content that you have on your website cuts down on upkeep and maintenance, as well as helping users find content more easily by having fewer pages to navigate.
Link to content that is managed by other campus entities (Link, don't repeat)
- Link to other campus entities, instead of repeating information on your site - including Admissions information, Financial Aid and Scholarships, etc.
- Improve Search Engine Optimization (SEO) - linking to the source helps improve the positioning of appropriate web pages in organic search results.
Pro tip: With a single source for information, the risk of outdated or conflicting data being presented on different pages is minimized, leading to fewer mistakes and a more reliable user experience.
Refresh your content for readability, clarity, and conciseness
- Make your content scannable - use short copy blocks or "chunks", paragraphs should be 50 words or less, use subheadings.
- Use clear, concise headings and subheadings that provide structure to the information.
- Use simple language - remember not all users, particularly prospective students and community audiences, are familiar with internal and academic jargon.
- Use descriptive text for links - this provides the user with context of where the link will take them; avoid "click here"
Pro tip: Simplifying and streamlining website content makes it easier for your audience to find the information they are seeking.