6. Underline links and links only 
Almost one third of the tested sites don't underline links while 80% do underline text that isn't a link. Users expect a site to clearly show them what's clickable and what's not. Cater to these expectations and read our article 'Links: make it clear to users what's clickable'.

7. Use non-html files properly 
Only provide information in a format other than html if it means an added value for your users and take into account the ground rules from our article 'Non-html files: do's and don'ts'. Specify the type and size of the file and open it in a new browser window.

8. Tell users about your privacy policy
Only 10% of the local government sites has a privacy policy page. If you ask the user's personal data, for example for sending him a brochure, make sure to tell the user what his data will be used for. People like to be assured you will not abuse their data for commercial use. If you ask the user's personal data, always provide a link to the privacy policy page. Write your privacy statement in plain English, not legal speak.

9. Don't put a disclaimer on your site
A lot of towns and cities put a disclaimer on their site to say they're not responsible for the accuracy of the information on their site. That doesn't make a lot of sense. If users can't trust the information on your site, what's the point of having a site in the first place. The only thing a disclaimer should be used for is to say you're not responsible for the content of sites you provide links to.

10. Don't use 'funny' pictures 
We didn't go quite so far as to count them but a fairly substantial number of local government sites use 'funny' pictures to liven things up. That's not a good idea. Not everyone shares the same sense of humour; what you think is funny may not be funny to someone else. A lot of these pictures look pretty amateuristic too.

Els Aerts & Karl Gilis