Understanding Taxonomy

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What is a taxonomy?

Taxonomy is simply a method of arrangement (think categories) and this method is one of many ways content can be organized and found. 

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Why is taxonomy important?

A correctly crafted taxonomy:

  • Makes searching & finding easier 
  • Improves overall user experience 
  • Results in less support calls

It's important to remember to sort new content using the most relevant category because this makes it easier to find and connecting pieces of content together. 

NOTE: Users with the role of Agency Manager can adjust or edit taxonomies so not all authors will be involved.

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.
  • Review any user data, searches, or other 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 any type of categorization inside any of the existing Categories (aka Vocabularies).

The most commonly-utilized category is your Topics.

It's important to add terms into your Topics category so you may further group information into specific topics using the Listing Pages and automatic lists.

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

Be mindful of misspellings, inconsistencies and overlaps in categories.

  • Review existing categories before adding new ones.

Write (and rewrite) labels that are clear, specific, inclusive, and consistent. 

  • Combine labels using “&”.
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The current Vocabularies are available to the Agency Manager by selecting the to "Structure" button and then clicking "Taxonomy" and 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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