Table of contents

  1. Avoid sections associated with print publications
  2. Abstract or Executive Summary
  3. Disclaimer
  4. Introduction or Background information
  5. Things you need to know about this release and Background notes
  6. Authors and Acknowledgements
  7. Collaborations
  8. Questions as section headings
  9. Conclusion
  10. Feedback
  11. Quality and methodology
  12. References
  13. Annexes and Appendices

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Abstract or Executive Summary

Abstracts and executive summaries were used in print publications to provide a brief summary and give the user a feel for what the article was about. This type of section slows down online users and stops them getting to the analysis.

Best practice for web writing is to use a clear and well-written page summary to provide an overview of what the article is about. This should be no more than 160 characters and have the most important information first. The summary appears alongside the title in search engines. 

If you need help writing your title or summary, email the content design team at content.design@ons.gov.uk.