Readability

Readability measures how easy your content is to read and understand using formulas that check sentence length and word difficulty. Search engines match content with the audience, making readability a consideration for User Signals and Content Strategy. Well matched readability with search intent helps reduce Bounce Rate and keeps users engaged with your content by meeting their expectations.

Four key readability metrics work differently but measure similar things. Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level shows what school grade you need to understand the text. Flesch Reading Ease scores content from 0-100, with higher scores meaning easier reading. SMOG Index estimates grade level based on hard words, while Coleman-Liau Index uses character counts instead of syllables. These help mix Content Depth while staying accessible.

To improve readability scores, write shorter sentences with fewer than 20 words each. Replace complex words with simpler ones when possible, like using "help" instead of "facilitate." Break long paragraphs into smaller chunks and use active voice rather than passive voice to make your writing more direct and clear.

Better readability needs shorter sentences, simpler words, fewer syllables, and clear structure that fits your audience. Most web content should target grades 8-12 to reach more people. Technical topics may need higher levels but should still stay clear and easy to follow.