How To Improve The Readability Of A Blog Post: A Creator’s Guide to Engaging Content
Transform Your Standard Blog Post into a Readable Masterpiece.
Readability isn’t just about writing clear sentences. It’s about creating content that’s easy to skim, understand, and digest.
For bloggers and content creators aiming to monetize their platforms, improving readability can significantly enhance user engagement and, consequently, revenue.
But how do you transform a standard blog post into a readable masterpiece? Here’s how…
1. Understand Your Audience’s Needs:
Before diving into the mechanics of readability, it’s essential to know who you’re writing for. Who’s your target audience? What do they expect? Answering these questions ensures your content aligns with your readers’ preferences.
2. Break It Down With Subheadings:
Large walls of text are daunting. Using subheadings breaks your content into bite-sized sections, making it easier for readers to skim and find the information they’re seeking.
3. Shorten Your Sentences:
Long, complex sentences can confuse readers. As a rule of thumb, aim for an average of 15-20 words per sentence. Tools like the Hemingway App can help identify hard-to-read sentences.
4. Use Bullet Points and Lists:
Bullet points and numbered lists present information concisely. They’re visually appealing and help readers absorb information quickly.
5. Embrace White Space:
Crowded content feels cluttered and is challenging to read. By using shorter paragraphs and incorporating spaces between sections, you make your content more visually appealing and reader-friendly.
6. Choose Fonts Wisely:
While fancy fonts might look appealing, they’re not always the easiest to read. Stick to simple, clean fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Georgia. Ensure there’s a clear distinction between headings and body text.
7. Optimize for Mobile:
More people are reading content on mobile devices than ever before. Ensure your blog is mobile-responsive, and content is legible on smaller screens.
8. Include Relevant Visuals:
Images, infographics, and videos break up text and provide readers with a visual understanding of your content. They also keep readers engaged and can illustrate points better than words alone.
9. Avoid Jargon:
Unless you’re writing for a specific niche where industry jargon is expected, it’s best to avoid it. Write in plain English and explain any necessary technical terms.
10. Use Active Voice:
Sentences in the active voice are more straightforward and more engaging. Instead of writing “The cake was eaten by the dog,” write “The dog ate the cake.”
11. Highlight Key Points:
Use bold or italics to emphasize crucial points or essential takeaways. This helps skimming readers to quickly identify the meat of your content.
12. Incorporate Internal and External Links:
Links offer readers a chance to delve deeper into topics. They can read related posts (internal links) or check your sources and further readings (external links). This not only boosts credibility but also keeps readers on your site longer.
13. Conclude With A Recap or Call-To-Action:
Summarize the main points at the end of your post. This reminds readers of what they’ve learned and can guide them to take a specific action, whether it’s commenting, sharing, or checking out a related post.
14. Test and Get Feedback:
Tools like Readable.com can give your content a readability score. Additionally, consider asking peers or members of your target audience for feedback. What sections did they find most engaging? Were there parts they skipped?
Monetizing a blog isn’t solely about producing excellent content; it’s about creating content that people will read, engage with, and share. By improving readability, you ensure that your audience can easily consume your content, increasing the chances of them staying on your page, exploring further, and returning for more.
Enhanced readability not only boosts user engagement but, in the long run, can significantly affect your monetization efforts. After all, a happy reader is more likely to become a loyal subscriber or customer. Invest time in honing the readability of your blog posts and watch as your engagement metrics soar!
Summer Diya Selva is a Certified Online Business Manager who leads a team of virtual assistants in supporting businesses in Website Design, Social media marketing and other virtual office functions.