What does 'Readability Difficulty Found' mean in Site Audit?
Readability Difficulty Found
Description
Pages that have a high readability difficulty score. Readability difficulty is a score that measures the difficulty of reading a page. It is calculated based on the complexity of the words and sentences on the page.
90-100: Very easy to read 80-90: Easy to read 70-80: Fairly easy to read 50-60: Fairly difficult to read 0-30: Very difficult to read
How to Fix
Review the pages with high readability difficulty score and improve the readability of the page.
Detailed Analysis
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What Causes This Issue:
Readability difficulty arises when the content on a webpage is not easily comprehensible by a broad audience. Several factors contribute to this issue:
- Complex Vocabulary: Use of technical jargon, rare words, or industry-specific terminology that may not be familiar to the general audience.
- Long Sentences: Extended sentences with multiple clauses can be hard to follow and understand.
- Dense Paragraphs: Large blocks of text without breaks can be overwhelming.
- Poor Structure: Lack of headings, bullet points, or lists that aid in scanning and understanding content.
- Inconsistent Tone: Switching between formal and informal language can confuse readers.
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Why It's Important:
- User Experience: Visitors are more likely to engage with and stay on a site if the content is easy to read and understand, leading to lower bounce rates.
- SEO Performance: Search engines like Google consider readability as part of their ranking algorithms. Content that is easier to read tends to rank higher because it aligns with user intent and satisfaction.
- Broader Audience Reach: Simplifying content ensures it is accessible to non-native speakers, individuals with reading difficulties, or those with lower literacy levels.
- Conversion Rates: Clear and concise information can lead to better user comprehension and, ultimately, higher conversion rates.
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Best Practices to Prevent It:
- Simplify Language: Use plain language and avoid technical jargon unless necessary. Provide definitions for any complex terms.
- Short Sentences and Paragraphs: Aim for sentences with 15-20 words and paragraphs with 3-4 sentences. This makes content easier to digest.
- Use Headings and Lists: Break up text with headings, subheadings, bullet points, or numbered lists to organize information and guide readers.
- Active Voice: Use active voice to make sentences more direct and engaging.
- Readability Tools: Utilize tools like Hemingway Editor, Grammarly, or Readable to assess and improve the readability score of your content.
- Audience Understanding: Tailor content to the reading level of your target audience. For general content, aim for a middle school reading level.
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Examples of Good and Bad Cases:
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Good Case Example:
- "Our online store offers a wide range of shoes. You can find everything from casual sneakers to elegant heels. Browse our collection and enjoy free shipping on all orders."
- Readability Score: 80-90 (Easy to read)
- Features: Short sentences, simple words, clear call-to-action.
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Bad Case Example:
- "In our comprehensive assortment of footwear, you will encounter an extensive variety, ranging from quotidian sneakers to sophisticated high-heeled shoes. Peruse our assemblage and avail yourself of complimentary shipping across all procurements."
- Readability Score: 40-50 (Fairly difficult to read)
- Issues: Complex vocabulary, unnecessarily long sentences, lack of clarity.
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By addressing readability difficulties, you can enhance both the user experience and your website's SEO performance, ultimately benefiting your business or content goals.
Updated about 6 hours ago