Shared Content Blocks

For containers of any width

Shared content blocks ensure consistency of both formatting and information, and quicken the creation, distribution and upkeep of critical content.

Capabilities

Create once, publish everywhere.
Reduce inconsistencies in substance and style.
Easily share accurate and properly-formatted content across units/websites.

Guidelines

Not all content warrants a shared content block.
The best use-cases are content that is:
- Specific and objective (such as dates, contact information, and numerical data) v. content that is more subjective and imprecise.
- Demands accuracy (such as tuition and fees).
- Benefits from broad distribution (such as appointment booking buttons).

Using a shared content block

TIP: Check to see if a Shared content block has already been created for the content. Under Sitefinity's Content tab, select Content blocks. Then use the Search field to enter the department or type of shared content (commonly created shared content block types include Contact, Tuition and Fees, and Buttons) or the name of the collaborator who may have created a shared content block already.

1. Identify the proper location within the page template to place the shared content block.

Shared content block step 1

2. Find the content block widget in the content pane and place it onto the page.

3. Click the More menu located in the upper-right of the content block widget and select Use Shared.

Shared content block step 2 and 3

4. Use the Search field to enter the department, or type of shared content (commonly created shared content block types include Contact, Tuition and Fees, and Buttons) or the name of the collaborator who may have created a shared content block already.

5. Select the result that fits your use (for contact information, properly formatted shared content blocks have the following naming convention: Contact - name of unit/department | name of sub-unit/department).

6. The shared content block, with accurate and consistent information and formatting, will be added to the page where the content block widget was placed.

Shared content block step 6 and 7

7. Save page as draft or send for approval.

Screen capture of the buttons for Send for Approval and Save as Draft in Sitefinity

Creating a shared content block from page

1. Identify the proper location within the page template to place the content block.

2. Find the content block widget in the content pane and place it onto the page.

3. Click the "Edit" menu located in the upper-right of the content block widget, create content (see content block instructions) and save.

4. Click the "More" menu located in the upper-right of the content block widget and select "Share."

5. You will be prompted to provide a Title for the shared content block.

For contact information, properly formatted shared content blocks have the following naming convention:

Contact - [name of unit/department] | [name of sub-unit/department]

For something like a shared appointment booking button, the title should be:

Button - [name of unit/department] [name of action] (i.e. Button - Academic Advising appointment booking).

6. Click "Share content." The content block is shared and available to be used by you and other collaborators.

Creating a shared content block step 6 and 7

Save and send

If you'd like to continue working on this page, but need to save your progress, click Save as Draft.
If you're finished making changes to the page, and the page is ready for review, click Send for Approval.

Creating a shared content block from content tab

1. Under the Content tab from the Sitefinity dashboard, select Content blocks.

From the dashboard, find Content Blocks under the Content tab

2. Select Create a content block.

Highlighting the green Create a Content Block button

3. Enter the Title for the shared content block. Properly formatted shared content blocks have the following naming conventions:

Contact - [name of unit/department] | [name of sub-unit/department]

For something like a shared button to a form, the title should be:

Button - [name of unit/department] [name of action] (i.e. Button - Registrar's Withdrawal Reinstatement Form).

TIP: Avoid acronyms and abbreviations. Spelling out each part of the shared content block's Title will make it easier for others to find and use.

4. Format your content using standard WYSIWYG features, including the ability to add buttons, links, tables and images.

5. Select relevant Categories, including any unit/dept intended to utilize the content block. Tags are not applicable for shared content blocks.

6. Click Create. The content block is shared and available to be used by you and other collaborators.

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