Best Practices for Web Publishing

Core Best Practices for All Citadel Webpages

These foundational best practices apply to all Citadel webpages. They ensure content is easy to read, accessible, search-friendly and consistent across the site. Review these guidelines before creating or editing any content.

Keep Content Consolidated

  • Avoid creating new pages for minimal or repetitive information. Thin pages harm SEO and overwhelm users.
  • If the content is brief, add it as a section or drop-down on an existing related page.
  • Before building anything new, ask yourself: “Where would a first-time user expect to find this?”

Text Should Be Scannable

  • Web users typically skim through content, so it’s vital to write in a clear, concise manner. Make sure your content is easy to read and quickly digestible by:
    • Chunk Information: Break up long paragraphs into smaller, manageable chunks.
    • Bullet Points: Use bullet points and lists to highlight key information.
    • Be Concise: Remove unnecessary words or phrases.
Example of keeping text concise and scannable
Example of a scannable outline for a webpage.

Consider the User Journey

  • Write for first-time visitors who may not know Citadel terminology or structure.
  • Every page should answer the user’s question quickly and clearly – no digging required.
  • Key information should be reachable within two clicks from the office/department subsite’s homepage.

Use Clear, Structured Layouts

  • Keep paragraphs short and easy to scan.
  • Use headings intentionally to create an outline of the page.
  • Break information into logical chunks using bullets, short sentences and clear labels.

For detailed heading and structure guidelines, see: Header Structure

Use Media with Purpose and Consistency

  • Choose images that support or explain content.
  • Test all embedded videos in a private/incognito browser to confirm they play outside of your account.
  • Check all images and videos for outdated content (e.g., masks from COVID-19)
  • Avoid using unofficial graphics, outdated logos or inconsistent styles.

For file naming, alt text, and media requirements, see: Media Standards

Avoid “Set It and Forget It” Pages

  • Review webpages at least once per semester.
  • Confirm that dates, requirements, contact information and links are current.
  • Remove outdated or duplicate content when possible.
  • Outdated pages and broken links directly harm:
    • SEO
    • Accessibility
    • User trust