What is the style of the content in the Suomi.fi Finnish Service Catalogue?
Please remember that good online text
is concise and eye-catching
is easy to understand
presents the most important issue at the beginning
is written from the customer perspective
is objective without value statements
stands the test of time.
When writing content for the Suomi.fi Finnish Service Catalogue, keep the good practices of online writing in mind. The content in the Suomi.fi Finnish Service Catalogue is written in clear language, i.e. understandable standard language without jargon or complex structures.
All content in the Suomi.fi Finnish Service Catalogue is written for the customer. Make sure that your text is customer-oriented and understandable.
Tips for writing high-quality content
1.First, plan the structure of the entire text.
In the Suomi.fi Finnish Service Catalogue, the data model and structure limit how a service channel description is structured.
2. If you use a general description, read it carefully.
If you are using a general description, you must first read it through. You do not need to repeat anything in the general description, which means you have less to write.
3. Read the instructions for the free text fields.
Before you write content in free text fields, read about what you should write in each field. This gives your description a clear, planned structure.
4. Write clear, customer-oriented language.
When writing, keep in mind the principles of clear writing:
When you write, think about who will read the service description. As the contents of the Suomi.fi Finnish Service Catalogue are intended for customers who need services, you should only describe the service, not the organisations that provide the service or their tasks.
Think about the way the reader
gets an overall picture of the service and its service channels
gains access to the service.
Address the reader directly and use the active voice. Guide the reader with commands whenever possible (for example, "Next, see", "Ask for advice" and "Fill in the online form").
Avoid passive and other impersonal structures.
Example: Do not write “Housing allowance is applied for from Kela” but “Apply for housing allowance from Kela electronically”.
However, there are times when you should not address the reader directly. For example, in sensitive matters, it is better to use more neutral structures.
Example: “In the case of a suspected sexually transmitted disease, it is necessary to book an appointment with a doctor” may be a more approachable instruction for the reader than “If you suspect that you have a sexually transmitted disease, book an appointment with a doctor”.
Always present the most important thing at the beginning of the text in the first paragraph. Explain the background later.
Write paragraphs. One paragraph should contain one matter and, at most, four sentences. Write short sentences. A sentence should contain, at most, three clauses.
Please note! Sentences start with a capital letter and usually end with a period. A sentence consists of one or more clauses.
Form complete sentences. Use both main clauses and subordinate clauses. When possible, do not use non-finite clauses; use subordinate clauses instead.
Example: Write “If you cannot use the online service channel, submit your printed application form at a service point or mail it.” rather than “If submitting your application online is not possible, mail submissions are accepted.”
Use simple expressions and familiar words. Explain abbreviations and difficult terms if you have to use them. Avoid non-informative sentences and talking in a roundabout manner.
Use exact verbs - for example, "get", "apply", "write", "mail" - and attach the subject to them when one exists.
Example: Prefer “Apply for housing assistance from Kela electronically or with a printable form.” instead of “Housing assistance is applied for in writing from Kela.”
Finally, read through your content carefully and correct any errors.
