Optimize for Reading

To optimize your site to facilitate reading you need to:

Have a clear hierarchy of titles and subtitles
Use h1- h6 (they are required for 508)
Use lists
Increase line height to at least 120%
Line length 45 - 75 characters (optimum is 65)
Very short paragraphs
Increase negative space (white space)
Use more columns for text on wider pages
Sans Serifs are easier to read on the web. Use San Serifs under 16px.
Design for future changes in font size: use ems
Breakup text with images
Give images wide margins
Good contrast between text and background
Do not underline any text unless it is a link
Do not include too many links within the copy
I know I do not have to tell you this but just in case: NEVER, NEVER put drop shadows on text.