By using headings that quickly communicate the contents of sections, you will enable users to quickly scan through information to find what they want. Similarly, for body text, if you follow the inverted pyramid strategy used in newspaper writing, users can read salient information immediately and then read additional information if they want more detail.

Links can add to the depth of information in your site. However, too many links within a block of text can disrupt continuity and understanding. Where possible and appropriate, place links at the beginning or end of paragraphs or sections of narrative text.

Browsers display different default font types and sizes, depending on the type of browser, browser version, and operating system the browser runs on. Make sure your text looks good when displayed in the client environment. The default fonts for PC computers are Times New Roman and Arial. For MacIntosh, the default fonts are Times and Helvetica. You should at least check that your design succeeds using these fonts. Some users modify their browser preferences to display font types and sizes of their own choosing, and these choices are not possible to anticipate. If your design looks good with the default fonts displayed by your users' browsers, you have maximized your control over the appearance of text.

Text which is flush left is easier to read than text which is either flush right or centered (this also aids reflow if the user resizes their browser window frame).

The readability of online text is affected by a variety of factors including font type and size, and color contrast between the text and background. Since color appearance varies between different monitor types, you should test for readability using a variety of monitors.

To learn more about designing readable type, refer to Stop Stealing Sheep by Erik Spiekerman.