Content Guidelines

Best practices for writing clear, consistent, and effective content

Voice & Tone Guidelines

Brand Voice

Our brand voice is the consistent expression of our brand through words, both written and spoken. It should remain consistent across all touchpoints.

Clear

We communicate complex ideas in simple, straightforward language. We avoid jargon and technical terms when possible, and explain them when necessary.

Confident

We speak with authority and expertise, but never arrogance. We're sure of our product and its value, and that confidence comes through in our writing.

Helpful

We anticipate user needs and questions. Our content guides users toward success and provides solutions rather than just information.

Adjusting Tone

While our voice stays consistent, our tone should adapt to the user's context and emotional state:

Success Moments

When users complete tasks or reach goals

  • Be celebratory and positive
  • Acknowledge their achievement
  • Suggest relevant next steps

Great job! Your project has been successfully created. Ready to add your first task?

Error Moments

When something goes wrong

  • Be empathetic and reassuring
  • Take responsibility (avoid blaming the user)
  • Provide clear next steps

We couldn't save your changes. Please try again or contact support if the problem persists.

Voice & Tone Examples

Do

  • Be conversational and natural

    "We need a few details to set up your account."

  • Use active voice

    "The system will notify you when changes are saved."

  • Be concise

    "Choose a payment method to continue."

Don't

  • Use corporate jargon

    "Please input the requisite information to facilitate account creation."

  • Use passive voice

    "You will be notified by the system when changes have been saved."

  • Be wordy

    "At this point in time, it is necessary for you to select one of the available payment methods in order to proceed to the next step of the checkout process."

Content Review Checklist

Before finalizing any content, review it against these criteria:

Clarity & Accuracy

  • Is the content clear and easy to understand?
  • Is all information accurate and up-to-date?
  • Are all terms used consistently?
  • Is the content free of jargon and technical language?
  • Are all instructions complete and actionable?

Voice & Tone

  • Does the content reflect our brand voice?
  • Is the tone appropriate for the context?
  • Is the content empathetic to the user's situation?
  • Is the language positive and solution-oriented?
  • Does the content avoid blaming the user?

Inclusivity & Accessibility

  • Is the language inclusive and respectful?
  • Does the content avoid assumptions about users?
  • Is the content free of idioms, colloquialisms, or cultural references that might not translate globally?
  • Is the content structured for screen readers?
  • Are all images and media described with alt text?

Structure & Format

  • Is the content scannable with clear headings?
  • Are paragraphs short and focused?
  • Is important information highlighted appropriately?
  • Are lists used to break up dense information?
  • Is the content length appropriate for its purpose?