Is Your Website Content Too Hard to Read?
Be honest… have you ever read something online and by the end of the first paragraph you felt like you needed a snack, a nap, and a translator?
A lot of business content sounds impressive, but reads like it was written by a robot, not by a human who actually knows how to write a blog to sell a product, tell a story or even just advise.
There are big words, endless waffle, confusing layouts, and so much jargon that it makes people quickly click the back button before they even reach the end of the first paragraph.
If people can’t quickly understand what you do, how you help, or why they should care, they’ll move on, FAST. No one wants to waste their time making content that no one will read, so, let’s talk about the reasons why your content might be too hard to read, and how you can fix it. Let’s learn how to write a blog.
1. You’re Using Too Much Jargon
Every industry has its buzzwords.
Leverage. Optimise. Scalable solutions. Dynamic frameworks. End-to-end strategies… Did you just roll your eyes or think you were watching You’re Fired! with Alan Sugar?
They sound fancy, but it doesn’t mean much to the average reader. If your audience has to decode every sentence, they’ll lose interest quickly.
How to Fix it:
Write like a human talking to another human.
Instead of:
“We provide bespoke strategic solutions to maximise operational efficiencies.”
Try:
“We help businesses save time, work smarter, and grow.”
Same point. Much clearer. Far less headache-inducing. Avoid too much jargon and keep it simple.
2. Your Structure Is a Hot Mess
Imagine walking into a shop where everything is piled into one giant heap, or even dotted all around the room and sitting in the wrong sections… that’s what badly structured content feels like.
Huge blocks of text, no headings, no spacing, no clear flow… It’s exhausting before anyone even starts reading. If people can’t find the information they’re looking for quickly and easily, then quite simply, they won’t bother!
How to Fix it:
Break things up by using:
- Clear headings
- Short paragraphs
- Bullet points
- Logical sections
- Plenty of white space
Make it easy for readers to scan first, then pick out the areas they want to read.
Because yes, people do skim read first!
3. You’re Saying Too Much at Once
Trying to explain every service, every benefit, every thought you’ve ever had, all in one page?
It’s a bold move, but unfortunately, overloaded content usually leads to confused readers, and when people see too much information at once, they switch off.
How to Fix it:
Stick to one main message per page, section, or blog and use multiple pages to present multiple ideas/information.
Ask yourself:
- What do I want them to know?
- What do I want them to feel?
- What do I want them to do next?
Simple wins.
4. You’re Writing to Impress Instead of Connect
Some businesses write content to sound clever, but readers don’t care if you sound clever; they care if you understand their problem and can help solve it.
Your content should be relatable, helpful and should make you and your business feel friendly and approachable.
How to Fix it:
Be clear. Be warm. Be useful. That’s what builds trust. If you’ve got some brand guidelines, whip em’ out and remind yourself of what you do and don’t say. They were made for a reason.
You don’t need to sound corporate; you need to sound real. People like to feel like they know you and can trust you and your business, a big consideration for anyone wondering how to write a blog.
Why Easy-to-Read Content Matters
Clear content helps people:
- Understand what you offer quickly
- Trust your business faster
- Stay on your website longer
- Take action with confidence
- Avoid developing a mild stress twitch while reading
That last one is underrated.
If your content is packed with jargon, hard to scan, or trying to say everything at once, it may be pushing people away without you realising it.
Good content shouldn’t be confusing for people; it should guide them, connect with them and in turn, bring more people to your website and keep them there!
Still Wondering How to Write a Blog?
Still wondering ‘how to write a blog’ or just want to outsource it to someone who can get it done for you, without the faff..?
If your website copy, blogs, or marketing content need a fresh pair of eyes, I’d love to help. Get in touch today and let’s make your content clearer, friendlier, and far more effective.
If this gave you a lightbulb moment, or at least a polite chuckle, view my other blogs for more helpful tips, marketing advice, and no-nonsense business support.