Understanding Taxonomy

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What is a taxonomy?

Taxonomy is a way to organize content into categories. It's one of several methods to help people find information. 

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Why is taxonomy important?

A taxonomy that is crafted correctly:

  • Makes searching and finding easier.
  • Improves the overall user experience.
  • Results in fewer support calls.

Sort new content into the right category. This helps you find it easily and links related pieces together. 

NOTE: Only Agency Managers can adjust or edit taxonomies, so not all authors will be involved.

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How to build a taxonomy

It’s easier to categorize your site content once you know what you have. Start by getting familiar with the variety of pages. 

Classify by: 

  1. User needs and tasks
  2. Business goals
  3. Content’s current state
  4. Content’s strategic future

Create 6-18 categories, on a flat hierarchy, to group your content. 

  • Work together to uncover needs for new categories. Iterate over time.
  • Review all your existing content at a high level.
  • Check user data, searches, or feedback for keywords.
  • Come up with a classification system draft based on user needs and language.
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What are taxonomy terms?

A "term" is a type of category found within existing Categories, also known as Vocabularies.

The most used category is Topics.

Add terms to your Topics category. This helps you group information into specific topics. You can use Listing Pages and automatic lists for this.

Taxonomy Guide
"Taxonomy Category" aka VocabularySample Terms
Contact TypeBoard Member, Human Resources, Intern, Main Location Staff, On-call Staff
Division/SectionHuman Resources, Finance, General Accounting, Marketing
Document Type (relates to Documents)Annual Report, Meeting Minutes, Meeting Agendas
Location Type (locations may be assigned to one location type)Walk-up Office, Main Building, Warehouse, Physical Plant, Auditorium, Available for Reservations
News Type (relates to News content)Standard, Press Release
TopicsGlobal topics, e.g. Iowa.gov offers Education, Business, Living and Working, Licenses
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Taxonomy category creation tips 

Check for spelling errors, any inconsistencies, and overlaps in categories.

  • Review existing categories before adding new ones.

Create labels that are clear, specific, inclusive, and consistent. 

  • Combine labels using “&”.
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The Agency Manager can access the current vocabularies by clicking the "Structure" button, then selecting "Taxonomy." The current list includes:

  • Topics
    • (ie Education, Infrastructure, Business, Farming)
    • (could be done per-agency ie for education, would include K-12, College, Scholarships)
  • Division/Section
    • (ie Human Resources, Finance, General Management)
  • Location Type
    • (ie Field Office, Drive-Up, Main Office)
  • News Type
    • (ie Press Release, Standard, Proclamation)
  • Document Type
    • (ie Annual Report, Meeting Minutes) 

Learn more about how to add taxonomies terms
 

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