Create a landing page that helps users make decisions about what content is relevant to them. Provide context, organize links into small groups, and include a communication process.
Examples
Description
A landing page links related resources together to help users find information. Landing pages are navigation oriented.
Required
Descriptive title
Because landing pages help organize and contextualize other pages, the title of a landing page should be descriptive enough to make sense when viewed directly from a search engine.
Topic overview
To provide context, a landing page should introduce the topic or theme of the page in the first section under the title. For example, a landing page for Toolforge should include a section that describes what Toolforge is, what is does, and who uses it.
Link hub
When linking to related pages, present groups of links in a way that is easy to navigate, such as Template:ContentGrid and Template:Colored box. Avoid organizing links with tables or headings.
Small groups
When linking to related pages, organize links into groups of no more than six.[1] Group links by user group or task. Avoid general categories like "Other resources".
Communication process
Include ways for people to ask questions, join a discussion, subscribe to updates, or contribute, whatever applies to the topic or theme.
Recommended
Image
If available, include an image relevant to the topic, such as a project logo. If there's no relevant image, don't include one. The image can be centered or aligned opposite the title (right-aligned in LTR languages).
<!-- Align opposite the title -->
[[File:Filename.png|alt=Alt text|{{dir|{{pagelang}}|left|right}}|120px]]
<!-- Align center -->
[[File:Filename.png|alt=Alt text|center|120px]]
Optional
Navigation between subpages
If a landing page has subpages, it should include a navigation element that allows readers to move between pages within the collection, such as a sidebar, navigation box, or set of tabs. You can also include a prefix search box.
Templates
| template | mediawiki.org | Meta-Wiki | Wikitech |
|---|---|---|---|
| mw:Template:ContentGrid | Available | Available | Available |
| mw:Template:Colored box | Available | Available | Available |
| mw:Template:Contribution | Available | Not available | Available |
| wikitech:Template:Portal list item | Not available | Not available | Available |
| mw:Template:Navbox | Available | Available | Not available |
| wikitech:Template:Prefix search | Not available | Not available | Available |
| mw:Template:pagelang | Available | Available | Available |
| meta:Template:Portal navigation | Not available | Available | Not available |
Related patterns
Navigation tools at the site level, like menus and search, help users discover information, particularly if they already know what they're looking for. In contrast, there's a need for pages dedicated to not only providing links to useful pages but helping users understand what content they need.