A sequence should be used when short blocks of content need to be viewed one after the other.
Sequence variations and schema
There are 4 variations of sequences to choose from depending on the type of content you wish to present.
All variations allow a schema to be applied which helps search engines like Google understand the nature of your content.
On this page
- About schema
- When to use a sequence
- Adding a sequence on a standard page
- See Sequence live on the CMS Components Guide
About schema
Schema helps search engines to better understand the nature of your content. Content is marked up in the nsw.gov.au CMS which is pulled through to Google, and other search engines, to return snippets of information on the search results.
The nsw.gov.au CMS has 2 schemas, FAQ and HowTo, available when using the sequence component.
Important: you must only use 1 schema (FAQ or HowTo) per page. The schema needs to be created as a complete section and not broken with other non-schema components. Overuse or incorrect use of schemas may result in search engines ignoring the schema.
FAQ schema can be applied to any type of content, even if the heading and paragraph is not in question and answer format. This includes headings/statements phrased as questions.
- Only use this schema if your page contains a heading followed by information that answers a question/statement.
- Only mark up a question/statement and answer once on the site, even if the same question/statement and answer appears on several different pages.
- FAQ schema is available in all sequence variants.
FAQ schema search result display
When someone searches for information in Google, FAQ schema will bring up results with up to three (3) snippets of interactive information.
Here is an example of Google search page without and with FAQ schema.
You can see that standard search listing with the link, title and description. Once FAQ schema is applied, you can see that the link, title and description still appear, along with 2 interactive accordions.
HowTo schema is designed for step-by-step instructional content that the audience need to follow to successfully complete a task.
- HowTo schema is available in all sequence variants except the Classic variant.
- Make the how-to the main focus of the page.
- Only include the steps required to complete the task in the HowTo schema.
- Don't include a summary or other instruction as a step in the HowTo schema.
- Don't use images that don't reflect the how-to content.
- Don't include more than 1 how-to on a page.
HowTo schema search result display
Like the FAQ schema, up to 3 steps will appear in the search results on search engines like Google.
Here is an example of Google search page without and with HowTo schema.
You can see that standard search listing with the link, title and description. Once HowTo schema is applied, you can see that the link, title and description still appear, along with 3 interactive accordions.
When to use a sequence
Do
- Sequences should only be used on standard pages, not full-width pages like landing pages.
- Use a sequence when you need to create a journey or link for the audience from one section to the next.
- Examples of using a sequence would be the steps to:
- complete an application
- apply for a grant or rebate
- make a claim.
- Examples of using a sequence would be the steps to:
- Limit of 10 sections per sequence (break large sequences up into smaller ones).
- Use descriptive subtitles on sequence items. Suggested limit of 150 characters for subtitles.
Don't
- Don't use a sequence when the content doesn't flow in a sequential or linear order.
- Don't use for very long content. Preferably use short paragraphs (recommended limit of 250 characters) in the sequence items.
- Don't use a sequence just to create visual interest on the page.
Adding a sequence on a standard page
You can add this on a standard page by selecting Add Sequence from the drop-down list of Blocks.
The Variant options are:
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Classic: displays like an accordion with all items open
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Numbered accordion: displays like an accordion with sequential items. Option to Show (open) all steps at once
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Timeline sequence: similar to numbered accordion but the circle is blank
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Steps (numerical): displays like an opened accordion with sequential items
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Steps (alphabetical): displays like an open accordion with sequential alphabetical items
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Classic: displays like an accordion with all items open
When using Classic and Steps variants, you have the option to set the Heading level of the Sequence item subtitle. The options are H2 (default), H3 and H4. Note that the H2 will appear on the in-page navigation.
All variants have the option to apply a FAQ or How to Schema.
The Steps variant only has the option to apply either a Numerical or Alphabetical List style.
Once you have selected your Variant and applied any required styles, schema and an overview, select Add Sequence item. You can add as many as you need.
- Add a descriptive Subtitle. Suggested limit of 150 characters for subtitles.
- Add the content of the sequence item using the HTML / WYSIWYG editor, as you would for general content.
See Sequence live on nsw.gov.au
Visit Sequences to see how this works on a live page.
You can also see live examples of how agencies have applied the component to their content.
Numbered accordion variant example
- Premier's Department – Access to Premier's Department information and publications
- Transport for NSW – How to renew vehicle registration
Steps – numerical variant example
- Revenue NSW – Apply to go to court for a fine
- Transport for NSW – Getting your driver licence
- Youth Justice – What happens in court?
- Youth Justice – What happens during supervision with Youth Justice?
Timeline sequence variant example
Need any more help?
If you have any questions, or require assistance with anything mentioned on this article, submit a request via the webform.