Sequences
A sequence can be used for short blocks of content that need to be viewed in a linear or sequential order.
About schema
Schema helps search engines to better understand the nature of your content. Content is marked up in the nsw.gov.au CMS which is pulled through to Google, and other search engines, to return snippets of information on the search results.
The nsw.gov.au CMS has 2 schemas – FAQ and HowTo – available when using the sequence component.
Important: you must only use 1 schema – FAQ or HowTo – per page. The schema needs to be created as a complete section and not broken with other non-schema components. Overuse or incorrect use of schemas may result in search engines ignoring the schema.
FAQ schema can be applied to any type of content, even if the heading and paragraph is not in question and answer format. This includes headings/statements phrased as questions.
- Only use this schema if your page contains a heading followed by information that answers a question/statement.
- Only mark up a question/statement and answer once on the site, even if the same question/statement and answer appears on several different pages.
- FAQ schema is available in all sequence variants.
FAQ schema search result display
When someone searches for information in Google, FAQ schema will bring up results with up to three (3) snippets of interactive information.
Here is an example of Google search page without and with FAQ schema.
You can see that standard search listing with the link, title and description. Once FAQ schema is applied, you can see that the link, title and description still appear, along with 2 interactive accordions.
HowTo schema is designed for step-by-step instructional content that the audience need to follow to successfully complete a task.
- HowTo schema is available in all sequence variants except the Classic variant.
- Make the how-to the main focus of the page.
- Only include the steps required to complete the task in the HowTo schema.
- Don't include a summary or other instruction as a step in the HowTo schema.
- Don't use images that don't reflect the how-to content.
- Don't include more than 1 how-to on a page.
HowTo schema search result display
Like the FAQ schema, up to 3 steps will appear in the search results on search engines like Google.
Here is an example of Google search page without and with HowTo schema.
You can see that standard search listing with the link, title and description. Once HowTo schema is applied, you can see that the link, title and description still appear, along with 3 interactive accordions.
When to use a sequence
Do
- Sequences should only be used on standard pages, not full-width pages like landing pages.
- Use a sequence where the you need to create a journey or link for the audience from one section to the next.
- Examples of using a sequence would be the steps to:
- complete an application
- apply for a grant or rebate
- make a claim.
- Examples of using a sequence would be the steps to:
- Limit of 10 sections per sequence (break large sequences up into smaller ones).
- Use descriptive subtitles on sequence items. Suggested limit of 150 characters for subtitles.
Don't
- Don't use a sequence when the content doesn't flow in a sequential or linear order.
- Don't use for very long content. Preferably use short paragraphs (recommended limit of 250 characters) in the sequence items.
- Don't use a sequence just to create visual interest on the page.
How to add a sequence
- From drop down Add Sequence
- Choose a sequence Variant
- All variants are created in the same way.
- A couple of variants – Classic and Steps –have the option to set the Heading level – H2(default), H3, H4 – of the Sequence item subtitle. Note that the H2 will appear in the in-page nav.
- All variants have the option to apply a FAQ or HowTo Schema.
- The Steps variant only has the option to apply either a Numerical or Alphabetical List style.
- All variants have the option to include an Overview.
- Once you have selected your Variant and applied any required styles, schema and an overview start creating the Sequence items.
- Add a descriptive Subtitle. Suggested limit of 150 characters for subtitles.
- Add the content of the sequence item using the HTML / WYSIWYG editor, as you would for general content.
- Add another Sequence item.
- Continue adding sequence items until you have created your sequence
- Save your page to display the sequence.
Classic sequence variant example
Similar to an accordion but all the items are open.
Use this Overview field to provide an overview of the following sequence.
#1 subtitle H3
This is the tab item’s body copy. You can include sentences, lists and links.
Each of the accordion items should have a relationship to one another as part of a sequence.
#2 subtitle H3
This is the tab item’s body copy. You can include sentences, lists and links.
Each of the accordion items should have a relationship to one another as part of a sequence.
#3 subtitle H3
This is the tab item’s body copy. You can include sentences, lists and links.
Each of the accordion items should have a relationship to one another as part of a sequence.
Numbered accordion variant example
Displays like an accordion but by design each item has a sequential number applied and there is an option to Show all or Hide all to open or close all items at the same time. The audience can also open and close each item individually.
Use this Overview field to provide an overview of the following sequence.
Subtitle heading 1
This is the sequence item’s body copy. You can include sentences, lists and links.
Each of the accordion items should have a relationship to one another as part of a sequence.
Subtitle heading 2
This is the sequence item’s body copy. You can include sentences, lists and links.
Each of the accordion items should have a relationship to one another as part of a sequence.
Subtitle heading 3
This is the sequence item’s body copy. You can include sentences, lists and links.
Each of the accordion items should have a relationship to one another as part of a sequence.
Timeline sequence variant example
Displays like an accordion but by design each item has a circle and there is an option to Show all or Hide all to open or close all items at the same time. The audience can also open and close each item individually.
Use this Overview field to provide an overview of the following sequence.
#1 subtitle heading
This is the sequence item’s body copy. You can include sentences, lists and links.
Each of the accordion items should have a relationship to one another as part of a sequence.
#2 subtitle heading
This is the sequence item’s body copy. You can include sentences, lists and links.
Each of the accordion items should have a relationship to one another as part of a sequence.
#3 subtitle heading
This is the sequence item’s body copy. You can include sentences, lists and links.
Each of the accordion items should have a relationship to one another as part of a sequence.
Steps – numerical variant example
Displays like an accordion but all the items are open and by design each item has a sequential number applied.
Use this Overview field to provide an overview of the following sequence.
Subtitle heading 1
This is the sequence item’s body copy. You can include sentences, lists and links.
Each of the sequence items should have a relationship to one another as part of the sequence.
Subtitle heading 2
This is the sequence item’s body copy. You can include sentences, lists and links.
Each of the sequence items should have a relationship to one another as part of a sequence.
Subtitle heading 3
This is the sequence item’s body copy. You can include sentences, lists and links.
Each of the sequence items should have a relationship to one another as part of a sequence.
Steps – alphabetical variant example
Displays like an accordion but all the items are open and by design each item has a sequential capitalised alphabetical character applied.
Use this Overview field to provide an overview of the following sequence.
#1 subtitle heading
This is the sequence item’s body copy. You can include sentences, lists and links.
Each of the sequence items should have a relationship to one another as part of a sequence.
#2 subtitle heading
This is the sequence item’s body copy. You can include sentences, lists and links.
Each of the sequence items should have a relationship to one another as part of a sequence.
#3 subtitle heading
This is the sequence item’s body copy. You can include sentences, lists and links.
Each of the sequence items should have a relationship to one another as part of a sequence.