How to improve website readability

The easier it is to read your text, the more it gets read. Here are 9 key steps that will make a major difference:

1. Large font

Larger font is easier to read than small font. The font size should be at least 14px, or even 16px.

2. Line height

Line height is the distance between two adjacent lines of text. If there’s more space between the lines, it’s easier to read. The optimal line height is 24px.

3. Contrast between the text and background color

It’s easiest to read black text on white background as the contrast is very stark.

4. Narrow lines

It’s way easier to read narrow lines than reeaaallly long lines. Newspapers and magazines get it. The columns in an average publication are very narrow! Websites should apply the 70/30 rule. Not having text that goes over 70% of page. For example using a right hand column with related information to reduce body content width.

5. Use sub-headlines

Add a sub-headline after every two paragraphs or so. It helps you break down the general pattern, thus makes it easier to read. Make the sub-headline bold and you might even want to use a slightly larger font for it.

Remember, 79% of the people don’t read online, they just skim. The goal of sub-headlines is also to pass on the key points of your content. Ideally one would get your main points just by reading the main heading and sub-headlines.

6. Use bullet points

Bullets points make it easier to read, break text apart and they’re especially good for lists.

7. Use images

The more you can down break the text pattern, the easier it is to read. Images are perfect for this. People also “get” visuals much faster than text, our brains are just wired that way.

8. Short sentences

Short sentences are easy to read. Right?

9. New paragraph every 3-4 lines

It’s very hard to digest large chucks on text at once. Break it down by adding a new paragraph every 3-4 lines (make sure there’s an empty line between paragraphs).