If you’re here, chances are you’re wondering how long your blog posts should be. You’re not alone – it’s a common question amongst bloggers who want to give their readers the best experience possible, while also optimizing their posts for search engine optimization (SEO) and other search engine rankings.
Over the years, experts have gone back and forth about how long blog posts should be and how to optimize them for maximum reach in search engines. And while there’s no real “magic number,” there have been studies done that can provide us with some insights into how to approach the perfect blog post length.
So, if you’re ready to learn how long your blog posts should be, let’s dive in and explore the best practices.
How long should blog posts be?
As mentioned above, there’s no specific number of words that will guarantee your post is optimized for SEO and increase website traffic. However, as of 2023, research from experts does indicate that blogs at the top of SERPs (search engine results pages) usually have an average word count range between 1500 and 2500 words.
However, it’s important to note that Google doesn’t factor in word count when deciding which pages rank. In fact, other signals such as how active your website is, how many links there are, and how often people share your content all play a role in Google’s SEO rankings. As such, it’s important to remember that the ideal blog post length isn’t solely based on word count – quality content matters more than quantity.
That being said, we still see a lot of longer blog posts, also called long-form content (defined as posts that are 1,000+ words in length), at the top of Google’s rankings. This is because longer content usually offers more depth and insight on a particular topic, which can engage more readers. It’s a case of correlation, not causation, that creates this connection between long-form content and high SERP rankings.
Ultimately, how long your blog post should be really depends on how much value you want to add to the reader. If you have a lot of information to share, then it may make sense for you to write longer content rather than shorter pieces.
Pros and cons of differing word counts
While experts agree that long-form content has a better chance of ranking high in SERPs, there are still pros and cons to consider when deciding how long to make your blog post. Let’s take a look at some of them now:
Short posts (300 words or less):
Pros: Shorter posts are easier for readers to digest, can be written quickly, and may require less research. They also can do a good job of answering simple questions and providing basic information.
Cons: Shorter posts have less space for depth, meaning readers may not get the information they need. However, the biggest con to posts that are 300 words or less is that they hardly ever rank in SERPs. That’s a big deal, since organic search is how a lot of readers find your website.
Medium posts (300-1000 words):
Pros: Posts in this range offer more depth than short posts, while still being easy for readers to digest. They also have better chances of ranking in SERPs, depending on how much value they offer to the reader.
Cons: Posts in this range can be time-consuming to create, as more research and writing are often necessary. However, they still may not be comprehensive enough to really give readers a full understanding of the topic.
Long posts (1000+ words):
Pros: Longer form content offers more depth and insight compared to shorter posts, allowing readers to gain an in-depth understanding of the topic. They also have better chances of ranking in SERPs, as long as they provide useful information. They also offer more opportunities for you to link to other pages on your website.
Cons: Longer posts take more effort and time to create, as research and writing can be a lengthy process. They also may be too long for some readers, who prefer shorter pieces that provide just the basics.
Since we now know that how long blog posts should be is up to how much value you want to provide for your readers, let’s talk about the best way to determine how long your post should be.
Tips for finding the ideal word count for blog posts
Now that we’ve established that long-form blog posts have a better chance of ranking high in search engines, the ideal blog post length will vary by topic and how much value you want to provide for readers. Here are some tips to help you determine how long your posts should be:
Start with keyword research
Before you start writing, it’s important to do keyword research. This will help you understand how competitive the topic is and how much content you’ll need to provide in your blog article in order to rank high in search engines.
One of the best things you can do is check the SERPs for the keyword you’re writing a blog about and see what word count the top-performing blogs have- then aim for that word count!
You can check SERPs by utilizing free keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner or Answer The Public to get an idea of how many searches a certain keyword has and how much competition it has. We’ve written a great article that compiles a list of the best keyword research tools out there to use on your blog posts. So, check it out and get started today!
Consider your target audience
Think about who your target audience is and how much information they may be looking for about a certain topic. Are they beginners or experts? Do they need more in-depth information or just the basics? Answering questions like these can help you decide your blog post length.
Considering your audience’s search intent is one of the best steps you can take to determine your optimal blog post length.
After you understand your audience, consider how long it will take to provide them with the information they need. If it’s a complex topic that requires a lot of research and explanation, you may want to write a longer blog post. On the other hand, if your target audience is familiar with the topic or just needs basic information, sticking to shorter posts would be best.
Look at competing content
Check out what type of content is already available on the topic and how long it is. If there are already a lot of long-form blog posts on the subject, you may need to write a longer post in order to stand out and rank higher in search engines.
On the other hand, if there are already short blog posts that provide enough information for readers, then you can stick with a shorter word count in order to differentiate your content from what’s already available.
You can find competing content by doing a Google search, then scoping out the top-ranking blog posts in SERPs.
Create a detailed outline of the blog post
Creating an outline of your blog post can help you decide how long the content should be. Start by breaking down the structure and all the points that need to be covered, then estimate how many words each section will require. This will give you a better idea of how much research and writing is necessary in order to provide value to readers.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to how long blog posts should be, but with the research and tips outlined above, you can determine the ideal word count range for your content.
Focus on quality over quantity
Finally, remember that quality is always more important than quantity. It’s better to have a shorter blog post that is well-written and provides value than a longer one with fluff and filler content.
Ultimately, blog post length should depend on how much value you want to provide for readers and how competitive the topic is. Some tips on writing quality content include utilizing strong visuals, backing up your claims with evidence, and optimizing for SEO. With the right research and guidance, you can determine the ideal blog post length in order to generate more engagement from readers.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to how long blog posts should be, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for your own blog. To determine your ideal blog post length when writing blog posts, consider your target audience’s search intent, competitor content, and how much value you want to provide. With the right research and guidance, you can craft quality content for readers and increase engagement.
Hope you found this blog post helpful in understanding the ideal blog post length! Are there any other questions about blog length or blogging that you’d like us to cover? Let us know in the comments!
Happy blogging!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my article length goes over my ideal word count?
If your blog post length goes over your ideal word count, try to trim it down by cutting out unnecessary words and phrases. You may also want to break the content up into multiple blog posts that focus on different points within the same topic. With multiple blog posts, you can provide more value for readers without overwhelming them with too much information at once. However, if you feel that your content is really important and you would prefer not to trim it, that’s okay too! The important thing is to make sure that your content is engaging and valuable for readers.
Is 500 words enough for a blog post?
It depends. Shorter blog posts can be enough if the focus is on providing quick and easy-to-digest information. However, if you want your content to rank higher in SERPs or provide more value for readers, then 500 words may not be enough and you might want to consider long-form blog posts for better visibility in search engines. Ultimately, how long blog posts should be depends on how much value you want your content to provide and how competitive the topic is.
What is the average length of a blog post?
The average blog post length is usually between 1000 and 2000 words. However, while most people are writing long-form blog posts, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how long blog posts should be. With the right research and guidance, you can determine how long blog posts should be in order to generate more engagement from readers. Remember to put more emphasis on quality content rather than average blog post length and average word count.
What are “how to” blog posts?
How-to blog posts are articles that provide a step-by-step guide on how to do something. These types of blog posts tend to be longer than other blog post formats, as they typically include detailed instructions and screenshots. They can also include helpful tips, examples, and best practices for readers to follow along with the how-to steps. How-to blog posts are often used to teach readers how to use a specific product or how to complete a certain task. You should consider creating a How To blog post on your own blog as they usually do very well in search engines.
Is long-form content better?
Not necessarily. It’s important to focus on quality rather than quantity when it comes to how long blog posts should be. A shorter post that is well-written and provides value may have higher engagement rates than longer blog posts with fluff and filler content. Ultimately, the perfect blog post length depends on how much value you want your content to provide for readers.
How do I count words in a blog post?
Most content management systems have a built-in word counter that you can use to count how many words your blog post contains. Alternatively, you can copy and paste the text into a free online word counter tool. This will give you an idea of your blog post length.
How do you do the word counter trick?
The trick to counting how many words are in a blog post is to use either a built-in word counter or an online word counter tool. This will give you an accurate count of blog length and how much value you want it to provide for readers.
Can a blog post be too long?
Yes, blog posts can be too long if they don’t provide enough value to the readers. Try to provide information that is helpful, relevant, and succinct instead of just writing a lot of words without adding any real value. Remember, quality is always more important than quantity.
