Did you know that the average user leaves a webpage in 10-20 seconds if they don’t find what they’re looking for? This is why capturing their attention immediately is crucial. To have an effective website in today's fast-paced digital world, your content must be both readable and scannable to keep visitors hooked and increase the probability that they’ll engage further with your products or services.

But first things first: What does it mean for a web page to be readable and scannable? Content that’s readable is legible and easily to follow, while scannable content can be more or less understood with a quick glance down the page, without reading every word.

Here are 3 tips for creating a readable, scannable, engaging website:

1. Maximize readability

Choose your font wisely

Choosing the right font is crucial not only for readability but also for expressing your brand's identity. Opt for clean, legible fonts and ensure your body text does not exceed 600px in width to prevent users from losing their place while reading.

Space your lines

While most software defaults to 120% line spacing, consider increasing 140% to maximize readability. You can adjust based on your font selection, selecting larger spacing for fonts with a taller x-height and vice-versa. Use tighter spacing for headlines to create a cohesive visual block and increase impact.

Chunk your paragraphs

Keep paragraphs short and concise. Breaking up text into small, digestible chunks prevents overwhelming the reader and makes it easier for them to follow the content.

2. Structure for easy scanning

Hierarchize headings

Headings are like the index of a book, guiding users through your content and breaking up blocks of text. Use three levels of headings:

• Heading 1 for the main title, typically used once.

• Heading 2 for major sections.

• Heading 3 for subsections, providing additional detail.

Bullet better

Instead of traditional bullet points, consider designing sections with lists where each item is accompanied by an icon. This approach makes information more visually interesting and easier to scan.

3. Enhance user engagement with design

Highlight key information

Guide readers to important pieces of information by using visual hierarchy and white space effectively. Visual hierarchy involves strategically arranging elements to direct the viewer's attention. Techniques like size variation, contrast, alignment, and spacing create clear paths for the eye, making complex information easy to digest. A well-defined font kit, with distinct styles for headings and body text, further ensures important information stands out and maintains consistency.

Make it interactive

For content-heavy websites, incorporating interactive elements like tabs, accordions, and interactive infographics can entice users to explore. These elements help present information in an organized, accessible manner, enhancing the user experience and giving them the option to choose their own adventure through your site.

Why does it matter?

Users today are bombarded with information and have little time to read lengthy content, meaning many will scan a web page before deciding to read it in detail. If you catch their attention during the initial scan, they’re more likely to stick around and dive deeper–eventually engaging them in your sales funnel.

Mastering the use of typography, white space, and interactive elements can transform your website into a user-friendly platform that retains visitors and encourages them to read your content.

If your website needs optimization or if you want to delve deeper into this topic, feel free to book a free call with Roselab's design team. We’re here to help you create a website that captivates and converts.