diff --git a/frappe/website/doctype/blog_post/blog_post.py b/frappe/website/doctype/blog_post/blog_post.py
index be58bec842..be50002870 100644
--- a/frappe/website/doctype/blog_post/blog_post.py
+++ b/frappe/website/doctype/blog_post/blog_post.py
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ class BlogPost(WebsiteGenerator):
 				context.comment_text = _('{0} comments').format(len(context.comment_list))
 
 	def set_read_time(self):
-		content = self.content or self.content_html
+		content = self.content or self.content_html or ''
 		if self.content_type == "Markdown":
 			content = markdown(self.content_md)