Page tables
What is a page table?
A page table is a tool used in content development that helps a content writer gather requirements for a webpage and understand whether proposed content aligns with the content strategy.
It's best to fill out a page table before writing a draft of a webpage. You should also start a page table when you revise an existing page that doesn't have a page table yet.
Benefits
Page tables help to:
Determine whether the content aligns with the content strategy to meet a real user need
Create clarity of roles and people
Identify the scope and purpose of the content including the user need
Define technical aspects such as the content format and keywords for search engine optimization
You can read more about page tables from UX Planet.
Documents
Page table template (make a copy)
Page table folder (save your page table in this folder)
Sitemaps (document the link to the page table on this sheet)
How to use a page table
As a content writer, you're the primary person who should fill out a page table. Identify who your subject matter experts (SMEs) and potential stakeholders are, and work with them to get the information that you need.
Stakeholder interview
One way to get the information you need is to schedule a stakeholder interview. This can be as simple as preparing open-ended questions ahead of time based on the things you need to know, and scheduling a time to go through the questions with one or a few key SMEs and/or stakeholders. You'll be able to get to know their priorities and concerns and gain insights you might not have otherwise known.
For more information, see Stakeholder interviews: what to ask and how to ask it ⤻ .