Url standards
Our main URLs are designed to be more user and search engine friendly.
To help with this, we must use meaningful page titles. For example, the page title 'Register a birth' will result in the URL www.lincolshire.gov.uk/register-birth.
This will reduce the need to manually create links, known as 'friendly URLs', which redirect elsewhere.
They will:
- be clear, unambiguous, easy to read, easy to type and easy to share
- always be in lower case
- not contain acronyms, wherever possible
- use dashes to separate the words
- have articles (a, an, the) and other superfluous words removed
- use the verb stem, where possible (for example, /apply instead of /applying)
- be based upon user need
Friendly URLs
With more content at the top level on our website, fewer friendly URLs will be needed.
The digital engagement team (DET) will create them, but only with evidence of a user need.
When permitted, they must:
- conform to all other URL requirements
- be specific and make sense forever
- be used for significant offline marketing and promotion
Campaign site URLs must be aligned with the marketing campaign (for example, www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fairerfunding).
Friendly URL only use hyphens when the url could be confusing (for example where there are three or more words).
Service URLs
If a service is not covered by a natural URL, they can request a single, short URL. Typically, this would be used to promote themselves (for example, www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/jobs).
If approved, this would take the shortest version of the service's name in common use by the public.
Domain names
In some cases it may be necessary for services to have their own separate domain name.
If you believe a new domain is required, speak to your digital lead in the first instance. We can help determine the best approach to maximise visibility and user trust.
If a new domain is deemed necessary, you should raise a ticket with IT to purchase the domain, to ensure it is properly managed and renewed as needed.