Content audit

Google Analytics

If you have Google Analytics set up, run a report to see how much traffic your site has received in the last year. If it's low, consider why.

• Is the content no longer relevant and should be archived?
• Is the page hard to find?
• Does the content need to be broadcast using other communications tools, such as social media?

Reviewing your content

Once you have separated the content you are keeping from the content that should be deleted/archived, look at what you have left. Consider its importance to the goals of the site. You can use the content audit template to help guide you in organizing your new site architecture. 

For each page of content in your new site structure:

1. Look at the amount of text and consider how to present the content in a way that is easy to scan:
   • short paragraphs (1-3 sentences)
   • short sentences (25 words or less)
   • lists
   • nested headings (h1, h2, h3, etc.)
2. Check to see if you have multiple pages with similar content, and look for sections that could be combined into one page.
3. Try pasting your rewritten content into the Hemingway Editor App. We aim for a grade seven reading level on our pages. Try rewriting content using plain language and avoid jargon where possible.
4. Check for accessibility issues. This basic checklist will help you write content that is more accessible to people with disabilities.
5. Avoid using PDFs when a web page will do. If you must use a PDF, use the built-in accessibility tagging in Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat to ensure your PDF is accessible for screen readers.

Remember to review your content often to keep it fresh and relevant to your audience.

Additional resources

Learn more about effective website development:

• document accessibility
• readability and writing web content
• user experience quick wins