User Guide

Links and buttons

In the text styles section, under 'styles, there are three options:

  • start button
  • PDF link
  • external link

Start buttons

Start buttons should be used when you are linking straight into a form or online service that allows the user to complete their task. 

Start now

Button text

If it's appropriate, use the text 'Start now'. 

You should:

  • not make the link text too long as it can truncate the chevron of the button – think of the action the user needs to take
  • provide context of the action of the button before you introduce it

Do not use buttons when linking to step by step pages

Do not use a start now button when linking to a step by step that contains an online form. This is because you need the user to work their way through the process before they start the form. 

Linking to an external form or process

If linking externally to a process, such as applying for Universal Credit, use a basic hyperlink.

If you need more than one start now button

If there is a need for more than one start now button on a page, try breaking the content. This will mean that each page is based on a specific task.

Adding a task button to a service page

You can add a 'top task' button at the top of a service page. Just click the 'top tasks' tab and add urls and link text.

Examples

These two styles can be applied to highlight a link is taking you away from the site or if the link is to a PDF download. 

The sidebar can show Related links and Related topics, which you can add in the 'Related content' section of the Service Page editor.

The related topics can be suppressed by checking the 'Hide the related topics panel' checkbox in the same section.

Adding top tasks

'Top task' links allow quick access to high priority tasks within a section. Just click the 'top tasks' tab and add urls and link text.

Talk to your service team to understand what the top tasks are within a section and use analytics to see what pages users engage with most. Monitor this over time and change it according to users' needs.

Tasks can be tagged as either "Action" or "Information" - these may display differently depending on how your theme is set up.