The article body is the main product
For a content site, the most important interface is the reading experience. If the text is small, dense, pale, or poorly structured, users may leave even when the information is useful. Good mobile typography reduces effort and makes the page feel more trustworthy.
Use a comfortable body size
Body text should be readable without zooming. A practical starting point is around 16 pixels with a generous line height. Headings should be clearly larger but not so oversized that they dominate the screen and push useful content too far down.
Keep paragraphs focused
Long paragraphs feel heavier on narrow screens. A paragraph should usually explain one idea, one cause, or one step. Breaking dense text into focused paragraphs helps users continue reading and makes the article easier to scan.
Make contrast practical
Light gray text may look elegant in a mockup, but it can be difficult outdoors or on dim screens. Body text should have strong contrast against the background. Secondary text can be softer, but important information must remain easy to read.
Use headings and lists with purpose
Headings should create a path through the article. Lists are useful for steps and checks, but a whole article made only of bullet points can feel thin. Combine explanatory paragraphs with focused lists for depth and scanability.
Read the article on a phone
The simplest test is to read a full article on a real phone. Notice where your attention drops, where paragraphs feel too long, and where headings fail to guide you. Editing for mobile is easier when you experience the page like a reader.
When this guide applies
For a content site, the most important interface is the reading experience. If the text is small, dense, pale, or poorly structured, users may leave even when the information is useful. Good mobile typography reduces effort and makes the page feel more trustworthy. After expanding articles, always review them again on a phone. Longer content needs stronger hierarchy, clearer summaries, and better spacing.
Common causes
- Body text is too small or line height is too tight.
- Paragraphs are too long.
- Headings do not show the structure.
- Text contrast is too weak.
Step-by-step process
Read a complete article on a phone.
Adjust body, summary, heading, and list styles as separate layers.
Break long paragraphs into focused blocks.
Use headings and checklists to support scanning.
How to judge success
- Users can read without zooming.
- The article structure is clear from headings.
- Lists and callouts help rather than interrupt reading.
Common mistakes
- Making entire paragraphs bold.
- Compressing line height to save space.
- Using very pale text for important content.
Maintenance advice
After expanding articles, always review them again on a phone. Longer content needs stronger hierarchy, clearer summaries, and better spacing.
Quick checklist
- Body text is readable.
- Paragraphs are not overly dense.
- Headings form a logical path.
- Contrast is strong enough.
- Long articles include a summary and checklist.
Summary
The best H5 pages are not only visually clean; they are understandable, testable, and maintainable. Use the steps above as a practical review flow whenever you publish new content, adjust layout, or move the site to a live domain.