Simply put, readability is important with any kind of content project. That just makes sense. Whether it’s a pamphlet or a novel, it should be readable. The language should be easily digestible. Online digestibility may mean different things than in a print news article or a novel.
For content to be readable online it has to conform to conditions set forth by viewers online. Website visitors don’t often have the patience people do when sitting down with a good novel or autobiography. Your content has to be formatted in such a way as to allow scanning (digesting the high-points quickly) and finding the subjects that specifically hold your interest. So its safe to say factors that contribute to readability depend entirely on the medium.
For websites, here are 5 points to consider when looking to write copy that is readable and SEO-friendly:
- Your Copy Should be High Quality: For SEO value, your content should always be of the highest quality. High quality copy stands out online. And that creates value for your readers. Well-written copy speaks to the quality of your website and your brand from every perspective. So it’s important to convey quality in the language you publish onsite. Your ideas, your language, your grammar, they should all be reviewed for quality before hitting “publish.”
- Your Paragraphs Should be Shorter: For online reading, shorter paragraphs support quick-and-dirty perusal of your site. Web visitors often have short attention spans. As such, your copy should be made digestible in quick and easy bursts. Short 3-4 sentence paragraphs fit that neatly. Longer paragraphs aren’t well-tolerated online and can send your readers packing in a matter of seconds.
- Mixed Sentences Work When Necessary: Sometimes longer sentences are necessary. And when that’s the case, it’s good to mix it up a bit so that they are more easily tolerated. Add shorter sentences when you have to include a longer sentence and your readers will thank you by remaining onsite longer.
- Use Subheaders: Subheaders offer a bit more insight into your content, creating a small summary for your readers ahead of your content. Subheaders help readers scan content quickly and easily, if necessary.
- Bullet Points Are Great for Scanning As Well: Bullet points break up large blocks of content and, yes, make your content more easily scannable. This is true particularly when you are presenting data or statistics, facts or examples. Laying this kind of content out in bullet points makes for easier reading online than in a block paragraph. A good rule of thumb when writing online is when you are listing more than 3 things, always use bullets or numbers to do so.
If you would like to learn more about how content readability can help grow your targeted online traffic, call Proctor Digital today at 773.664.5819 and speak to an SEO consultant. We’d love to help!