Website readability is important for ensuring that visitors can easily absorb and engage with the content on your site. When users encounter content that is easy to read and steer, they are more likely to stay longer, return for more visits, and take action. Good readability improves the overall user experience and boosts the effectiveness of your site.
The following tips from a web development agency Dubai can help you design a website with optimal readability tailored to your target audience’s needs.
Choose the right font:
The choice of font plays a significant role in readability. Use clear, legible fonts that are easy to read on all devices, especially on smaller screens. Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, and Open Sans are often preferred for digital content because they are clean and simple. Avoid using too many font styles on one page, as this can make the content look cluttered and difficult to read. Stick to two or three font styles at most to maintain a cohesive and visually appealing layout.
Optimize line length and spacing:
The length of the text lines and the amount of space between them can greatly impact readability. Long lines of text can feel overwhelming and discourage readers from continuing. Ideally, lines should be 50–75 characters long to create a pleasant reading experience. Additionally, adequate line spacing (leading) helps prevent the text from feeling cramped, making it easier for users to follow the content. A good rule of thumb is to set the line spacing to 1.4–1.6 times the size of the font.
Use contrast effectively:
Contrast is essential in ensuring that your text stands out against the background. Use high contrast between text and background colors, such as black text on a white background, for maximum legibility. Avoid using background images or colors that make the text difficult to read. If using colored text, ensure it is still dark enough to be easily readable against its background, and check the contrast ratio for accessibility.
Break up text with headings and lists:
Large blocks of text can be daunting for readers and can result in higher bounce rates. To make your content more digestible, break it into smaller sections using headings and subheadings. This improves readability and also helps users quickly find the information they are looking for. Lists, bullet points, and short paragraphs also help to simplify complex information and make it easier for users to scan the page.