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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Examples of Good and Bad Cases:

    • 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.
    • 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.

By addressing readability difficulties, you can enhance both the user experience and your website's SEO performance, ultimately benefiting your business or content goals.