Quick answer
- Readable posts use short paragraphs, clear headings, simple words and plenty of white space.
- Use a comfortable font size (around 16 to 18px for body text), good line spacing and strong contrast.
- Break up text with lists, images and tables, and put the main answer near the top.
- Check readability with your SEO plugin’s analysis, but trust reading it aloud most.
Most people skim blog posts before deciding to read them. Readable posts keep them on the page. Here are 8 ways to make your WordPress blog easier to read.
1. Use short paragraphs
Two to four sentences per paragraph is easier on screens, especially phones.
2. Add descriptive headings
Headings let readers scan and jump to what they need.
3. Choose simple words
Write the way you speak. Explain jargon when you have to use it.
4. Use lists and tables
Steps, features and comparisons are easier to read as lists or tables.
5. Get typography right
- Body text around 16 to 18px.
- Line height around 1.5 to 1.7.
- Dark text on a light background with strong contrast.
- Comfortable line length, not stretching across a wide screen.
6. Add helpful images
Screenshots and diagrams explain faster than words.
7. Put the answer first
Lead with the key information, then add detail.
8. Check and test
Use your SEO plugin’s readability checks, read the post aloud and check it on a phone.
Choose a readable theme
A clean, lightweight theme helps. See our best WordPress themes.
FAQs
Short paragraphs, clear headings, simple words and good typography.
Around 16 to 18px for body text.
Indirectly. Readable posts keep readers engaged.
SEO plugins like Yoast and Rank Math include readability checks.
Mix lengths, but keep most sentences short.
Yes, when they explain or break up long sections.
