How we display buttons

Use the button component to help users carry out an action like starting a form or service.

You should use a button if you want to make it clear where to start an interaction.

You should not use a button if:

• the council doesn't own the task we're linking to
• it's not the main task on the page
• you just want to make a link clearer

You should not use more than 1 button on a page.

A button should normally compliment the task users are coming to the page to carry out.

If there are multiple tasks on the same page, consider separating into multiple pages.

For most button labels, consider just adding the word 'now' to end of the task of the page. For example, if the page is called 'Apply for a premises licence' the button would be labelled 'Apply now'.

Other examples would include:

• 'Order now'
• 'Register now'
• 'Contact now'
• 'Submit now'
• 'Renew now'

Keeping button labels consistent helps to:

• ensure users get used to seeing a button and knowing it will help them start the task
• prevent buttons from being too long and breaking over multiple lines - especially true when viewed on a mobile device

Contact the webteam via ServiceNow if you need to:

• ask a question
• get help with this pattern
• get help with writing content
• make a suggestion for something we need to include in this guidance

You can find more guidance on writing content in the content design resources in the GOV.UK Service Manual.

We are still researching these patterns. If you have any research or suggestions that could help us improve this pattern, please tell the Web Team.