Low Text-to-HTML Ratio means a page has too little visible text compared to the amount of HTML code used to build it.
In practice, this usually shows up on pages with very few words but a full layout, such as pages built with WordPress themes or page builders. The design, scripts, and styling create a large amount of code, while the actual written content stays minimal. Many of these pages fall below a rough threshold, often around 200 words, which triggers the warning in Semrush.
Why does Low Text-to-HTML Ratio affect SEO?
Low Text-to-HTML Ratio affects SEO because search engines rely on text to understand what a page is about.
When a page has very little content, search engines have limited context to evaluate relevance for search queries. This can reduce the page’s ability to rank, especially for informational searches. The issue is not the code itself, but the lack of meaningful text that explains the page’s purpose.
That said, this issue often overlaps with a more direct problem: low word count. In many cases, focusing on content quality and quantity resolves the underlying concern without needing to think about the ratio itself.
How do I fix Low Text-to-HTML Ratio?
You fix Low Text-to-HTML Ratio by improving content, cleaning up unnecessary pages, and prioritizing pages that matter for search visibility.
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Review flagged URLs in Semrush
Open the report and look at the list of affected pages. Focus on the first column showing the URLs.
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Check the word count for each page
Identify pages with fewer than 200 words. These are the most likely to trigger the issue.
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Decide if the page should rank
If the page is meant to rank in search results, it needs more content. If it is a utility page, it may not need changes.
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Increase content on important pages
Add clear, relevant text that explains the page topic. Aim for at least 200 words as a baseline, and closer to 350 words or more for pages targeting search traffic.
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Leave low-content utility pages alone
Contact pages, image galleries, and similar pages naturally have low text. These do not need to be expanded just to satisfy the ratio.
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Remove unnecessary or thin pages
Delete pages that have little to no content and no purpose. These are often leftover or auto-generated pages.
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Update your sitemap after cleanup
After removing pages, regenerate your sitemap using your SEO plugin or tool to reflect the updated site structure.
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Re-run the audit after other fixes
Address higher-impact issues first. Return to this warning later if your overall audit score still needs improvement.
