What is Flesch Reading Ease?
The
Flesch Reading Ease is a readability test designed to indicate how easy a piece of text is to read. The score is based on the average number of syllables per word and the average number of words per sentence. The result is a number from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate easier readability. For example, a score of 70-80 is considered easy to read, while a score of 0-30 is very difficult.
What is an Ideal Flesch Reading Ease Score for Emails?
For email marketing, aim for a Flesch Reading Ease score between 60-80. This range is considered "plain English" and is easily understood by most readers. Content in this range is neither too simplistic nor overly complex, making it ideal for a wide audience. Adjusting your score within this range can depend on your specific audience. For example, B2B emails might tolerate slightly lower scores, while B2C emails should aim for the higher end.
Shorten Sentences: Break long sentences into shorter ones to make them easier to read.
Use Simple Words: Prefer simple, everyday words over complex or technical terms.
Be Concise: Avoid unnecessary words and stick to the point.
Use Bullet Points: Lists can make complex information easier to digest.
Active Voice: Use active voice instead of passive voice to make sentences clearer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcomplicating language is a common mistake in email marketing. Using jargon or technical terms can alienate readers. Another mistake is writing long paragraphs, which can be daunting for readers to tackle. Additionally, failing to test your email's readability score before sending can result in lower engagement rates.
Examples of Good Readability in Emails
Successful email campaigns often feature clear, concise language. For instance,
newsletters from popular brands like
BuzzFeed or
TheSkimm use simple language and short sentences, making them highly readable. These examples demonstrate how maintaining a good Flesch Reading Ease score can enhance engagement.
Conclusion
In
email marketing, readability is crucial for ensuring your message is understood and acted upon. The Flesch Reading Ease score offers a valuable metric to gauge and improve the readability of your emails. By aiming for a score between 60-80 and following best practices, you can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your email campaigns.