Why Displaying Reading Time Improves SEO & User Engagement

Key Takeaway: Displaying reading time improves SEO by reducing bounce rates, increasing user engagement, and helping readers manage their time effectively.

Many websites now display estimated reading time at the beginning of their articles. But how does this small detail significantly improve SEO and user engagement? In this article, we will explore why reading time matters and how you can implement it.

SEO Impact: How Reading Time Reduces Bounce Rates

Google uses bounce rate as a ranking factor. A high bounce rate can indicate poor user experience, causing Google to rank your site lower.

Displaying estimated reading time helps with:

Lowering bounce rates: Users stay longer when they see how long reading will take.
Increasing dwell time: Google favors pages where users stay longer.
Boosting content engagement: Users commit to reading when they know the estimated time.

Real-World Examples: Who Uses Reading Time?

Many top-ranking websites use reading time to enhance user experience, including:

Medium: Displays reading time on every article to improve engagement.
HuffPost: Uses reading time estimates to reduce bounce rates.
The Guardian: Provides estimated read time for mobile optimization.

How to Add Reading Time to Your Blog

There are multiple ways to add estimated reading time to your site:

1. WordPress

Install plugins like Reading Time WP or Read Meter.

2. Custom Websites

Use JavaScript to calculate word count and estimate reading time:

function calculateReadingTime(text) { const wordsPerMinute = 200; const wordCount = text.split(/\s+/).length; return Math.ceil(wordCount / wordsPerMinute) + " min read"; }

3. Webflow / No-Code Platforms

Use built-in tools or add a custom script via the settings panel.

Want to calculate reading time instantly?

Try Reading Time Calculator →