When it comes to blog post length, the answer isn't always shorter is better. While it is true that our collective attention span is decreasing, longer blog posts can actually be more effective in terms of engagement and SEO. Studies have found that longer blog posts tend to rank higher in search engine results, and they have a higher chance of capturing a reader's attention.
The ideal blog post length can vary significantly, but according to the studies, the sweet spot is around 1,600 words, with an average read time of 7 minutes. By creating content that is longer than the average, visitors are more likely to stay on your website longer and view more pages. Neil Patel's research also supports this, as visitors to long-form content pages stayed 40% longer and looked at 25% more pages than the average visitor.
Is There an Ideal Blog Post Length?
The length depends on your content goals, the audience you are targeting, and the purpose they have in mind when they search. To create content that best suits your needs, it's important to consider both short- and long-form content.
According to IsItWP, the average post length has risen to 1,151 words in 2018, a 42% increase from 2014. Similarly, the infographic “The Internet is a Zoo: The Ideal Length of Everything Online” from Buffer suggests that the ideal blog post should be around 1,600 words. However, the length of your blog post doesn't always have to be the same. For example, in a study published by the Sloan School of MIT Management, the first ranked article is significantly shorter at 554 words while the third post is over 3,200 words. This data shows that blog posts of varying lengths can still be successful in search engine rankings.
How To Determine Your Blog Post Length
The ideal length of your blog post will depend on its purpose and the audience you are targeting. While some posts may only require a few sentences, others may require a more detailed and lengthy answer. When crafting your content, make sure it is comprehensive and tailored to the search intent of your readers. Search intent is the primary objective someone has when they type a keyword into a search engine or look for something online.
Google's search engine algorithm is constantly evolving, but one factor that remains the same is the need to provide accurate and relevant content based on search intent. When it comes to search intent, it isn’t just about the number of words; it’s about the quality and accuracy of the content. For example, if you are targeting a keyword like “how to create a logo”, your content should meet the reader’s expectations. It should provide step-by-step instructions on logo creation, rather than a general overview of the topic.
In other words, make sure you are providing the depth of knowledge that your readers are seeking. If you are targeting a keyword with a broad search intent, you might need to create a longer article to cover all the aspects of the topic. On the other hand, if you are targeting a keyword with a narrow search intent, you can create a shorter article. The best way to determine the ideal length for your blog post is to do some keyword research.
What Is the Ideal Length for a Blog Post?
It is clear that longer blog posts tend to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). This is why many content creators and webmasters aim for 1,500 to 2,000 words when producing their blog posts. This can be beneficial for SEO purposes, but it is important to not sacrifice quality for quantity. Some topics simply do not need that many words to provide value to users, while others may require more. For example, a recipe site may not require more than a few hundred words and may not need to be too long.
Google Quick Answers have also changed the ideal blog post length, with most pages that are selected for a Quick Answer result having less than 2,000 words. According to a HubSpot study from 2021, the ideal blog post length for SEO should be 2,100-2,400 words. The research from the State of Content Marketing Global Report 2022 finds that, on average, posts with 3,000+ words get 138% more page views than those with less than 500.
Ultimately, when creating blog posts, webmasters should always consider the topic and audience. If the topic requires more words to be covered comprehensively and provide value to users, then longer blog posts are likely to be beneficial. However, if the topic can be adequately covered with fewer words, then shorter posts might be the better option. Regardless of the length, the post should always be well-structured, comprehensive, and valuable to readers.
The Benefits of Long-Form Blog Posts
Writing lengthy blog posts is an effective way to boost your website's visibility and attract more readers. It may take longer to write a comprehensive article, but it can be well worth the effort. With long-form content, readers can trust that you have the expertise to provide the answers they are seeking.
One of the main advantages of writing long-form blog posts is that they can drastically improve SEO. Search engines want to show their users trustworthy and well-researched content, so having longer blog posts that can prove value and authority is essential. This can help you show up for widely searched keywords, resulting in more traffic and more conversions. According to Semrush research, long-form content typically earns more backlinks and shares than shorter content. Additionally, 40% of readers spend more time on the page when long-form content is presented, signaling to search engines that your article is relevant and of high quality.
It Depends On Your Content
All in all, writing longer blog posts is an important part of content marketing. Not only can it help you build authority and provide value to your readers, but it can also increase your SEO performance and help you get more traffic and conversions.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to blog post length. It is essential to consider the content goals, audience, and search intent when deciding which length is the most suitable for your blog post.
Co-Founder & Lead SEO at POP
Kyle Roof is an SEO expert, speaker and trainer. Kyle currently resides in Chiang Mai, Thailand with his family.
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