We are always looking for ways to make online experiences better. That is why we have recently completed a review of the 100 most important and popular service pages on the Somerset Council website. This work is part of our commitment to making sure our digital services are clear, accessible and easy to use for everyone in Somerset.
Why we did this review
Our goal was simple: to make sure residents can find the information they need quickly and confidently. Using a structured scoring tool, we assessed each page for:
- Content quality
- Accessibility
- User experience
This helps us keep our online services up to date and user-friendly.
How we approached it
We focused on the 100 most visited service pages, identified through analytics and service importance. Each page was checked against a best-practice criteria, including plain English, logical structure and accessibility. Pages were then rated as ‘Good’, ‘Moderate’ or ‘Poor’. Quick fixes were made straight away and larger improvements were logged for future work.
What we found
- Content improvements: 8 pages improved their overall quality score.
- Accessibility gains: 14 pages reduced their reading age, making them easier to understand.
- Overall ratings:
- 92 pages are now rated Good
- 8 pages are Moderate (these need further work)
- 0 pages are rated Poor
What we changed
Here are some examples of the improvements we made:
- Simplified language to make content clearer
- Rewrote page descriptions to focus on user needs
- Fixed button styles for consistency
- Reformatted tables and accordions for better accessibility
- Defined acronyms and technical terms
- Reorganised content to highlight key actions
- Updated links to related services and forms
- Removed outdated or duplicate content
- Added details like form completion times and next steps
- Improved signposting to contact details and resources
- Updated branding and layout to match current standards
Key Themes
- Continuous improvement: This isn’t a one-off – we will keep reviewing and updating.
- Accessibility and inclusivity: Making content easier for everyone, including those with lower literacy or disabilities.
- Plain English: Cutting jargon and using clear language.
- Consistency: Standardising layouts and user journeys across the site.
What is next
We will continue working on the remaining ‘Moderate’ pages and track all outstanding actions. An annual review will help us keep content fresh, accessible and focused on residents’ needs.
In Summary
The Top 100 Page Review has improved the quality and accessibility of Somerset Council’s most important web pages. This means residents can access key services online with confidence and ease.
We would love to hear your thoughts! If you have feedback or ideas to make our website even better, please get in touch. Together, we can keep improving Somerset’s Digital Services for everyone.
