Adding estimated reading times to posts can help increase content engagement by giving readers an idea of how long they will need to spend on the post in order to finish it. This can help to keep readers engaged and encourage them to continue reading until the end. In addition, estimated reading times can also help to differentiate longer posts from shorter ones, which can make it easier for readers to find the content they are looking for.
Some readers prefer shorter content, while others enjoy longer reads. Letting your readers know how much time it takes to read your content helps improve user experience by allowing them to choose the type of content they want to consume. If you know that a particular blog post is going to be longer, let your readers know up front so they can decide if they want to spend their time reading it.
One way to give your readers an idea of how much time it will take to read your article is to include a reading time estimate. This can be done by calculating the average word length and multiplying it by the number of words in your article. Another way to provide a reading time estimate is to use a tool such as Read-o-Meter, The Read Time or Made In Text which will analyze your content and provide a reading time estimate. Letting your readers know how much time it takes to read your content helps improve user experience by allowing them to plan ahead and make sure they have enough time to finish your article. Another method is to use a plugin such as the Read Time Estimator on the Google Chrome Store that calculates reading time for you automatically. It inserts a reading time countdown timer next to your article’s title, which tells your readers how long it will take them to finish reading your post.
Whichever method you choose, letting your readers know how much time it takes to read your content helps improve user experience.