How to Create a More Readable Website: Web Desgn Tips for Increasing Readership

The ease of reading a website is a vital factor in increasing its readership.

Creating a more readable website is important for webmasters who want to attract readers and increase their potential income. Improving the readability of a web page on a website almost always tends to increase its readership.

The Small Business Resource Center website suggests “three main aspects” with respect to readability namely, “the typeface”, “layout/design” and “colors used for text and backgrounds.”

Consider the following web design tips on how to create a more readable website.

Is the website aesthetically pleasing to the viewer?

Pleasing the website viewer or reader is essential. A viewer or reader may leave a website immediately and not return to it, if it is not pleasing to him or her. With respect to formatting the text, photography and general layout should be an open invitation for a reader to explore its content, information and mysteries. 

Avoiding clutter is important. 

Does the photography create an appropriate atmosphere?

Many websites reveal a powerful presence with a panoramic photograph. While the webmaster may enjoy the photograph, it must be appropriate for the website. If it is not, the viewer may feel confused. Is the message it conveys what the viewer should receive?

Is the focus of the website immediately apparent?

As soon as the viewer opens the website, it should be obvious what the topic of the website is intended to be. An eclectic website can be appealing to a viewer if it well organized. Otherwise, it may lose its overall appeal.

Is there a site map to direct readers to appropriate web pages?

Site map formatting on a web site helps viewers to follow the website train of thought. The site map should be rational in its thought progression, so that the reader is not bouncing back and forth between topics. Eclectic websites with good site maps are easy to follow and read.

Is the background of the website pleasant to behold or too overpowering?

When the background color or pattern in the website is pleasant to behold, the viewer will immediately experience a sense of well being, but he or she may turn away from a website with a background that is so overpowering it makes the text unreadable.

Are the words that are nestled in the background easy to read?

Words or text nestled in the background should be easy to read, as the reader may attempt to read text in an overpowering background, but will soon lose interest.

Is the size and font of the lettering on a website appropriate?

The size and font of lettering are always important on a website. Not every size of text or font is easy to read or understand. Reading may be or become difficult where there is a multiplicity of different sizes of lettering or a continual transition from one font to another. Consistency on a web site is important. Using capitol letters for emphasis is discouraged, as it appears to be shouting on the website.

Is the placement of titles or headings on a website suitable?

Each title or heading on a website should serve a distinct purpose. Its placement with respect to its text is important. The viewer or reader should be able to recognize the intent of a title or heading immediately. The use of key words and phrases in terms of search engine optimization (SEO) helps to draw readership. Appropriate spacing between headings, titles and content is important.

Does the website invite the reader to enjoy, participate in and return to the website?

When a reader is encouraged to enjoy, participate in and return to a website, he or she feels welcome rather than like an intruder and is more likely to return.

Is there a place for feedback to the webmaster about the web site?

Feedback to a webmaster can be important. Creating a suggestion box or feedback area may prove beneficial. The webmaster may suggest appropriate guidelines for data input or entry by viewers or readers.

Creating a more readable website is something that proactive, well-motivated and constructive webmasters continually strive for, as increasing website readability, also means an increase in potential income from the website.