How to Write Clean and Easy to Read Articles

How to Write Clean and Easy to Read Articles

If you start your own blog, it’s important you master how to write clean and easy to read articles.

I’ve came across MANY websites that have GREAT information, but the writing style is terrible!

There are different font sizes and colors.

There are no titles, headings, or structure.

If your readers matter to you, it’s your job to make it as easy as possible for them to read your articles.

Complicated articles and websites stress the human eye and as a result, readers leave and don’t return.

So let’s talk about how to make your articles great and easy to understand.

1) Short Sentences

People HATE large paragraphs.

Their annoying and complicated to read.

It’s like a huge mess of words thrown together.

How do you write short sentences?

First, just write normal paragraphs and then break them down.

When proofreading your articles, which you should ALWAYS do, look for words that can be eliminated.

I’ll use the last sentence as an example:

When proofreading articles, which is a MUST, look for words you can eliminate.

Do you see what I did there?

I condensed a sentence from 16 to 13 words.

Three words might not seem like a lot, but it sure adds up when you proofread and eliminate words from your entire article.

The whole point is to communicate your message or information in as few words as possible.

Why?

This helps your readers get all your advice or information in the least possible time.

If you learn to write short articles that provide IMMENSE value, you’ll grow a large readership, quickly.

People have short attention spans.

Keep your sentences as short as possible without it interfering with the message you’re trying to convey.

2) Font Size & Color

Another mistake I see often is people using a font size or color that annoys the eye.

If your font is too small (anything under 12) or too big (anything over 16) irritates your readers eyes.

In my experience, the best sizes to use are 14 and 16.

Some people think that smaller or bigger fonts have their benefits, but I assure you, they don’t.

Font colors that are too bright also stress the eye.

I use black which is easy to read on a white background.

I recommend you stay away from light fonts.

Stick to black or dark grey and keep the background white.

3) Font Style

If you’re thinking the “coolest” looking font is the best one to use, you’re mistaken.

The best font is one that’s letter are thin and easy to read.

The absolute best fonts to use are Georgia and Helvetica.

These are fonts that just about every blogger uses, and there’s good reason for it.

I currently use Helvetica.

Stay away from fonts that are too thick or bold.

You can bold titles or important sentences like I do in this article, but don’t overdo it.

The eye glides a lot smoother across a thin and neat font.

You’re goal isn’t to have a “cool” looking font.

You’re readers are here for information, not for entertainment.

Make it easy for them to get what they want, or trust me when I say…

THEY WILL LOOK ELSEWHERE FOR INFORMATION.

4) Pictures

Pictures are OK and recommended.

They help get your message across, especially for visual learners.

You just have to be careful not to make your articles look like an art show.

Stick to one picture MAX per paragraph.

Make sure the picture isn’t too small or big.

Small pictures are hard to see on phones and big pictures result in slower loading times for your article.

Readers get frustrated if your article doesn’t load fast enough.

…And yes, they leave.

5) Titles and Headings

You can’t just write one huge article.

You need a title and headings.

Notice how I use a tile, headings, and numbers in this article.

It’s EASY to read and understand.

You know what each paragraph will be about before starting to read it.

It prepares your mind for what’s coming.

This is important if you want to keep your reader’s attention and communicate your message effectively.

Use these five tips and I promise that your articles will be clean and easy to read.

Your readers will appreciate it and “stick” around.

-Alex