The readability of your blogs, articles, and web pages contributes to user experience. As such, it’s crucial understand how to improve readability score for your site.
Providing an excellent user experience for your website visitors is essential for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it is a significant metric in getting your site up the search engine rankings. More importantly, it means your users will be more likely to return to your site.
If you use WordPress, you’ll know if your readability score is good or sub-optimal. The Yoast plugin provides a simple Red-Amber-Green traffic light system to indicate how your pages are doing.
Yoast is not standard for all WordPress sites: you’ll need the business package to install it. However, you can maximise your Readability score by following these basic tips:
Write in the second person tense.
Address your readers directly using “you” and “your.” This creates a more personal and engaging tone, making it easier for readers to connect with your content.
Use active grammar.
Write sentences in the active voice rather than the passive voice. Active sentences are clearer and more straightforward, enhancing readability. For example, instead of saying “Mistakes were made,” say “You made mistakes.”
Keep sentences concise.
Break down long and complex sentences into shorter ones. This makes your content easier to understand and digest. Aim for an average sentence length of 15-20 words.
Use simple words and phrases.
Avoid jargon, technical terms, and overly complex language. Opt for clear and straightforward words that most readers can easily understand. If you must use technical terms, make sure to explain them in a reader-friendly manner.
Utilise subheadings and bullet points.
Organise your content with subheadings and bullet points to improve scannability. This helps readers navigate through your article and find the information they’re looking for quickly.
Break up paragraphs.
Long paragraphs can be daunting to read, so break them up into shorter paragraphs. Aim for 3-4 sentences per paragraph. This visual structure makes your content more inviting and easier to skim.
Use white space effectively.
Give your content room to breathe by incorporating sufficient white space. This includes adding line breaks, spacing between paragraphs, and utilising margins. It creates a visually appealing layout that encourages readers to stay engaged.
Incorporate visuals.
Include relevant images, infographics, or charts to enhance your content. Visual elements break up text and provide visual interest. They also make it easier for readers to stay focused and understand complex concepts.
Proofread and edit.
Always proofread your content before publishing. Correct any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Editing ensures that your content flows smoothly and avoids confusion.
Use a readability tool.
Utilise readability tools available for WordPress, such as Yoast SEO or Jetpack. These provide insights and suggestions to improve the readability of your content. These tools analyse various readability factors and give you recommendations for improvement.
By implementing these tips, you can significantly improve the readability score of your website content. Remember, the goal is to make your site accessible and engaging to a wide range of readers.
If you would like further information or help with your blog, article, or web page readability, contact us today.