CT Content Style Guide

Welcome to the CT.gov Content Style Guide

As an author of CT.gov content, you represent one of the greatest state governments in the U.S.A. Let your pride in public service show through as you guide users through this important information.

When you do have doubts or questions, you can use this CT.gov Style Guide. It houses content writing and design standards for authors and publishers. Just choose a topic and begin.

Content writing best practices

Voice, tone, and audience

Your voice is how you represent your government and should be consistent across all CT.gov state websites, regardless of the department or topic.

On-page content structure

Most users don’t read - they skim. Make it easy for them to find what they need by structuring your content clearly and logically.

Plain language guidelines

Plain language is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it.

Grammar and punctuation

Learn how to write job titles, times, dates, and more in CT.gov preferred style.

SEO best practices

Whenever we publish content on a page, especially if it contains vital info for our users, we want to make sure it gets found.

Writing for social media

Your users are all over social media. They’re talking about you already, so why not join in on the conversation?

Accessibility and inclusivity best practices

Accessibility best practices

Make web content more accessible
Inclusivity best practices

Use conscious language in your content
Writing for mobile devices

Create compelling content

Tools and resources

How to use images

Learn CT.gov's best practices for using images in your content.

Review these guidelines for your content

Content style guide glossary

This resource, in particular, ensures that the terms used by you and the residents of CT are translated properly into target languages.

Access this resource