Content planning
Reading time and content planning guide
Use reading time, word count, headings, and intro quality to plan clearer articles and landing pages.
Length should match the job
A page does not need to be long to be useful. Reading time is a planning signal that helps you decide whether the content is too thin, too padded, or about right for the reader's task.
- Estimate reading time.
- Review heading structure.
- Check whether the intro explains the problem.
- Remove filler before publishing.
Quick workflow
Estimate reading time, scan headings, then rewrite the intro if the value is not clear quickly. Use the number as context, not a rule.
Do
- Match length to intent.
- Use headings to make scanning easier.
- Keep intros specific.
Don't
- Do not pad content just to make it longer.
- Do not cut necessary explanation for a shorter read time.
- Do not ignore page purpose.
FAQs
Is shorter content always better?
No. Content should be as long as needed to solve the reader's problem clearly.
Can reading time improve planning?
Yes. It helps set expectations and can reveal whether a draft is too padded or too thin for its purpose.