Content review checklist

As content strategists, we need to ensure the current and enduring value of all content. We perform regular content reviews and audits to do this.

Review frequencies

Every content page will be assigned a review date based on the following guidelines:

  • Review in 1 month – where content is changeable or time dependent.
  • Review in 6 months – where the information will need to be reviewed and maybe updated and we know there will be changes in the next few months.
  • Review in 12 months – review for currency and relevance.

Review checklist

When the review date is reached we check the following:

  • Does the content still meet users needs?
  • Does the content have a named and engaged content owner?
  • Does it help meet an organisation communication goal?
  • Is it redundant, out-of-date, or trivial content ('ROT' content)?
  • Is there anything on the horizon that may lead to future ROT? Check with the content manager, content owner, or your manager.
  • Are there any errors – typos, broken links, poor grammar?
  • Does it still follow the style guide?

ROT - redundant, out of date, and trivial

As content strategists, we need to ensure the current and enduring value of all content. We perform regular content reviews and audits to do this. During these activities, we are specifically looking for content that has ROT.

ROT means content is either:

  • Redundant
  • Outdated or obsolete
  • Trivial

Redundant

The content no longer serves a user need. For example, the need has ended, a service is no longer offered, a programme is no longer running, or the content is duplicated elsewhere.

Out of date

The information in the content is inaccurate. For example, a service has changed, the data system has changed, best practice has changed, contact details have changed.

Trivial

The content serves no real user or business need and there is no interest. 

Content review outcomes

Each review will result in one of three decisions:

  • keep – no updates required
  • revise – some updates are required to maintain the quality of the content
  • archive – it’s no longer meeting user needs and organisation goals.

Contact us

If you’d like more information, have a question, or want to provide feedback, email datalead@stats.govt.nz.

Content last reviewed 20 August 2020.

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