Local Government Content Strategy Template - Library

In recent years the understanding of the ways in which customers use Local Government websites has significantly changed the way in which we understand the purpose of them. Significantly, customers do not come to the website to read about the Local Authority, but to transact with them - as and when they have a specific need. Therefore the need to present useful, but usable content, to enable customers to efficiently achieve their goals has become of paramount importance. In accordance with this there is a need for a clear, documented strategy defining the approach to digital content.

Content Strategy is a, "necessary practice in any and all organisations that create and publish content online" (Kristina Halvorson, Content Strategy For The Web, 2012). This document provides a starting point for Local Authorities wanting to develop a robust Content Strategy for the management of useful and usable content intended for consumption via its digital channels.

It includes the following structural elements:

Our Content Strategy

• Introduction
• Strategy Review
• Strategic Objectives and Benefits

Writing Style Guidelines

• Best Practice Recommendations
• Make Reading Easy for All Devices
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Attachments (Microsoft Office Files and PDFs)
• Content Structure
• Terms to Avoid
• Writing Guidelines

Content Governance

• Quality Assurance
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Workflow
• Content Review Timetable

Appendices

• Appendix 1: Content Inventory
• Appendix 2: Sample Content
• Appendix 3: Site Structure and Content Types

Download the Local Government Content Strategy Template

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