This article includes additional resources, references and tools beyond the nsw.gov.au style guide, to support people who write, edit or approve content on the NSW Government website.
nsw.gov.au context
- nsw.gov.au content principles. Guiding principles to help content authors build consistent, user-friendly content.
- Who our content is for. The key customer archetypes and behaviours to help us focus our content.
- How to review content for publication. Use this checklist to help you review content for quality, consistency and accessibility before publishing on nsw.gov.au
- nsw.gov.au Accessibility Guidelines. The rules and standards in this editorial style guide were developed with accessibility in mind. For comprehensive guidance on accessibility, see our accessibility guidelines.
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Help Hub guidelines: Guidance and support across all aspects of content strategy, design and operations for nsw.gov.au
Writing and editing resources
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Macquarie Dictionary
You may have subscriber access to the online version through your agency or you can sign in with your library card barcode. -
Digital.NSW Content style guide
Learn about the basics of creating consistent content for NSW Government services. -
Australian Government Style Manual
- style guidance on issues that aren't covered in the Digital.NSW guidelines
- detailed examples of how to apply rules and conventions
- in-depth explanations and evidence for how these style rules help people find, understand and use information on our site.
Tools
Free readability checkers – for draft content
- MS spelling and grammar checker – watch the how-to video
Note: The online tools require you to upload your writing to the internet, where others may be able to access it.
They are only suitable for checking content that is not private, sensitive or confidential. They should not be used for information that will become public, but is still under embargo.
You may also need to check that this site is whitelisted by your agency.
Readability, accessibility, quality assurance and SEO tool – for live content
SiteImprove can help you report on and manage the quality of your content on nsw.gov.au
SiteImprove access is available to anyone with content editor access in the nsw.gov.au Drupal CMS.
Learn more about how to access and use SiteImprove.
Google Analytics
For information on how to get GA access for nsw.gov.au and how to use GA, visit the Analytics section of the Help Hub.
Best practice tips
- Content basics. Seven tips to write or adapt content for online readability.
- Structuring content. How to make it easy for users to scan and understand your content.
- Microcopy. How to write effective messages, button labels, field labels and help text.
- Links. How to write clear and accessible link text.
- Using research to create purposeful content. Only create content that meets a need. Find out about users and their needs through user research.
- How to sell plain language. Understanding the barriers to embracing plain English in your organisation, and how to tackle them.