Calling all content editors: transforming the Aberdeenshire Council website

Calling all content editors: transforming the Aberdeenshire Council website

The biggest programme of improvements to content on the Aberdeenshire Council website is now underway – and we’re challenging you to help us make it the best it can be.

The website is currently undergoing its most significant overhaul since its creation in 1996, with a focus on making sure information is clear, relevant and accessible.

New guidelines for reviewing website content have been developed to support this process, and we’re asking you to look at any content you manage over the coming weeks and months.

Head of Service for ICT Nicola Graham said: “We’ve been working closely with a number of council teams over the past few weeks and have already trimmed back a significant amount of information.

“People are often surprised by how much information we carry that is no longer relevant or isn’t event about council services. By carefully reviewing all the content we carry we can make sure that customers find exactly what they want quickly and easily.”

The new guide provides information on how content should be created for the website and will be sent to all content editors. There is also a guide for producing accessible PDF documents.

If you have any suggestions for improving your service’s content, please speak with your content editors by emailing ICTWebPub@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Some ideas for consideration:

  • Information should primarily focus the service your team provides. We often try to be helpful by adding additional detail, but is it really adding value or just making the core information harder to find?
  • You may think your information is important, but are people looking at it? Google Analytics can give you the answer – and you may even be surprised at the content that is proving most popular!
  • Don’t overload with imagery, particularly photos of people. If an image is vital to help people understand your page, use it, but don’t use them just to ‘pad out’ your page. And steer clear of clip art!

If you have any questions about your content, please contact the Communications Team Leader Neil.Moir@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or if you would like to discuss how to take forward the review, please contact the ICT Project Leader EdwardOlakunle.Olojo@aberdeenshire.gov.uk