The Flesch Reading Test

2 replies
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Hi Warriors!

I'm in the process of setting up an authority site on Wordpress.

I've installed the Yoast plugin to help me with on-page SEO, and I have a question about the Flesch reading test.

Out of 100 page of original content, I think maybe 5 or 6 are marked as "OK" to read. The rest are all fairly difficult.

All copy on the website is very well written, free from spelling and grammatical errors and provides the user with good information.

Does this really affect search engine results?

I wonder if any of you have experience with this - Should I Be concerned about it?

Thanks!

Alex
#flesch #reading
  • Profile picture of the author trevord92
    The Flesch reading test score is a computer's best guess as to how readable your content is.

    Wikipedia gives you the formula used but essentially you get penalised for long sentences and complicated words. Or at least words with lots of syllables.

    Search engines take into account all sorts of factors. So if your scores are causing people to click away from your site rather than read the content, that could affect.

    Read one or two of the "problem" pages out loud and see whether or not you stumble or skip words. If you do, it would be worth adjusting your writing style. If you don't, I'd say don't worry.
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  • Profile picture of the author wilmath
    I'm familiar with the Flesch test and it might have relevance to your site, but for search engines?
    I doubt it.

    Rudolf Flesch created the test and wrote a very entertaining book about writing. He explained certain techniques on how to hook a lay person into reading through abstract ideas.

    If you site is for professionals in your field then you may not need Rudolf.
    However, if you are trying to reach lay people you might want to take a second look
    at the writing regardless of search engine potential.

    If people arrive at your site and quickly get bored, seo won't save you.

    On the other hand, some new ideas, cleverly related, could be your best seo.

    The book he wrote was "The Art of Readable Writing"

    Good Luck !
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