Search engine optimization (SEO) is constantly changing. Every week another search engine modifies its rules. From the launch of an additional algorithm to a new preference, there is a constant progression. Currently, search engines are moving away from websites with a lot of links and keywords. The next destination: “well-written” websites.

What does this mean? If the content of a website is clear, legible and easy to understand, the search engines will favor it. This is determined to some extent by the level of readability of a website. In this blog, you will learn how to ensure that the readability level of your website is not a hindrance, but a secret weapon in your SEO arsenal.

What is the level of readability and why is it important?

The level of readability of a text is the ease with which it is read and understood. There are a variety of methods currently used to measure readability, from speed of perception to the Reflex Blink technique. Microsoft Word, for example, measures the readability level of text using a system called Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. This method counts the number of letters in each word and the number of words in each sentence. Longer words and sentences raise the reading level and therefore the reading level required by the reader.

Flesch-Kincaid grade level scores work as follows:

• 90.0 – 100.0 – Easily understood by the average 11 year old student
• 60.0 – 70.0 – Easily understood by 13-15 year old students
• 0.0 – 30.0 – Best understood by college graduates

It is important to understand that reading level does not take into account the actual meaning of words or how ideas are conveyed. If an argument is poorly structured, the reading level may still be high. Likewise, a complicated theory can be explained in clear and simple terms and, as such, receive a lower reading level.

The reading level of a website is crucial for two reasons:

1) good communication

If the content on a website is difficult to read, visitors will lose interest and leave. On the contrary, simple, easily understood text is more likely to hook an audience. Ask yourself this question: “Why use a long, unfamiliar word when a short one does the same job?”

Plain, plain language is not patronizing; it is good communication.

2) Google readability analysis

The websites must be written in a way that matches your target audience. If a web page is for children, the text should be easily understandable to the average 11-year-old. If a website doesn’t match a search engine user’s reading level, the site will be marginalized.

On September 18, 2006, Google filed a patent called “Readability and Context Identification and Exploitation.” Google explains this patent as follows:

Search systems and methods address the subjective nature of the relevance of matches to user queries through the use of readability formulas. As a result, documents are ranked by relevance not only for user queries, but specifically for the user. In one approach, the searchable web (or a searchable corpus of documents) is classified on one or more servers. Each document is designated by reading level or other parameters relevant to the user’s readability. In one embodiment, the search is carried out using the user’s search query, and the documents are ranked according to their relevance to the query and their degree of readability to the user, for example, the degree to which the content of each document corresponds to the user’s reading. level. Advertising screens can be targeted to both entered search tokens and the user’s age, as determined by their reading level, making search-related ads significantly more effective in reaching audiences. planned.

Google says clearly: Documents are ranked by relevance not just to user queries, but specifically to user readability level. With this in mind, does your website speak to the audience? And, most importantly, will they understand?

How to check the Google readability level of your website

While there are many methods and websites that will test the readability level of your website, we will use Google. Open the search engine and type “site: domain.com” in the search field. On the left side of the search engine results page, click “More search tools.” Select “Reading Level” below all results and you will see a table showing the reading level for the chosen web page.

Let’s start by looking at the home page of an online storybook website for children:

Online Children’s Storybooks – Reading Level:

• Basic – 92%
• Intermediate – 8%
• Advanced – 0%

As you can see, this website has opted for a predominantly basic reading level for the home page. They have prioritized simplicity and readability. As a result, the reading level of this website will match the reading levels of the majority or your target audience. As such, search engines will rarely miss it.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at the readability level of the Wikipedia web page on “readability.” Here are the results:

Wikipedia page on readability – reading level:

• Basic – 0%
• Intermediate – 0%
• Advanced – 100%

Unless a search engine user has an advanced reading level, this web page will perform poorly on Google results pages.

In conclusion, is it time you asked?

1. What is the readability level of my audience?

2. What is the readability level of the content on my website?

3. Do they match?

It’s pretty simple: give your audience what they want, need, and understand. The most important thing is to make sure they don’t lose interest in the process.