Let’s be real: most people are tired, busy, and juggling way too much. When they land on your website, read your social post, or open your email, they’re not in the mood to decode a wall of text. They want quick, clear, helpful info.
That’s why the reading level of your copy matters more than ever.
And personally? I recommend aiming for a 3rd or 4th grade reading level whenever possible.
Here’s why:
1. People Don’t Read (Anymore). They Scan.
No one’s reading every word. They’re skimming. Fast. If your writing is full of long sentences, big words, or heavy ideas, they’ll move on… no matter how brilliant your message is.
Short words. Simple sentences. Clear layout. These things help your reader get it at a glance.
2. More Than Half of U.S. Adults Struggle With Literacy
Here’s the reality: 54% of U.S. adults read below a sixth-grade level (source).
That means your copy shouldn’t be written like a college essay. If it is, you’re leaving people out… and not just a small group. More than half of your potential audience may not fully understand your message if it’s too complex.
3. It Makes Your Content More Accessible.
Plain language isn’t about dumbing things down. It’s about opening things up—so more people can understand and engage with what you’re saying.
People with different learning styles, disabilities, cognitive differences, or language backgrounds all benefit from simpler text. Honestly, so do the rest of us.
4. Smart People Appreciate Simplicity.
The smartest people I know don’t want fluff. They want clarity. And they don’t want to work hard to understand what you’re offering, why it matters, or how to take the next step.
Simple writing isn’t shallow—it’s strong. It shows confidence. It respects your reader’s time and attention.
5. It Builds Trust.
When your writing is clear and easy to follow, your audience is more likely to trust you. They feel seen. They feel understood. And that goes a long way—especially online.
6. You Can Check It.
There are free tools out there (like Hemingway Editor or even ChatGPT) that check the reading level of your copy. Use them! Aim for grade 3–4. Then read it out loud. If it flows easily, you’re on the right track.
Bottom Line? Be Kind to Your Reader.
Writing at a 3rd or 4th grade level doesn’t make your work less powerful… it makes it more useful. And in a noisy, fast-moving world, that’s what people need most.
Need help simplifying your message without losing your voice?
That’s what I do. Let’s talk.
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