The debate over the perfect length for a blog post is as old as blogging itself. Understanding how long a blog post should be, both for your readers and SEO purposes, will help ensure your content is delivered in the most effective way.
Why Do Words Matter?
Defining text length is straightforward – it’s the sheer volume of words you weave into your creation. But why does it hold such weight in the realm of blogging? The answer lies in creating the perfect balance of user experience, engagement and search engine optimisation.
Satisfying SEO Needs
Lengthy, high-quality blog posts, over 1000 words, have a higher chance of reaching the top of Google’s search results. This isn’t merely a matter of word count, but rather the opportunities it presents. More words offer more clues for search engines to decipher your content’s value and essence. They allow you to incorporate your focus key phrase throughout the text naturally, avoiding the painful problem of keyword stuffing.
Additionally, extended article length provides space for a wider range of related keywords and synonyms, enriching your content’s topical value and ticking more boxes for the search engines. This breadth makes it easier to rank for multiple long-tail variations of your chosen keyword, expanding your reach to a wider audience.
Skimpy posts of a few hundred words can trigger alarm bells for the search engines. They often read as “thin content,” lacking the depth and substance to satisfy reader queries. Google prioritises content that offers comprehensive answers.
Engaging your Audience
SEO isn’t the only reason to consider length. A well-crafted, lengthy post with valuable insights and information is something your readers will want to read. You need to consider content that will engage with your audience on a deeper level to boost interest and keep people visiting and spending time on your website.
Carefully woven articles complete with examples, explanations, and anecdotes, easily transports readers to the heart of the matter, adding value to their experience on your website.
Tools and Plugins to guide your journey
There are many different tools you can consider to help you create blog posts and content which meet the needs of the search engines. However, it is important to keep in mind your end goal of engaging your audience too.
Yoast SEO is an effective WordPress tool that can guide your content optimisation and readability. Its text length check, integrated into its SEO analysis, provides feedback on whether your content has enough words to rank. Green lights for adequate length, while red and orange warn of posts that might struggle to meet the needs of the search engines. Yoast offers specific minimum word counts for different page types, ensuring you strike the right balance between brevity and depth.
Taxonomy pages, housing categories and subcategories require at least 250 words. Regular blog posts and pages need slightly more at 300 words, while cornerstone content, your in-depth explorations of crucial topics, should aim for a much more significant 900 words. Yoast even extends its assistance to product pages and descriptions, with a minimum of 200 words suggested for each.
Quality Reigns Supreme
Words matter and word counts matter too but they are simply guides for your content creation. While lengthy posts offer advantages, quality reigns supreme. Some topics simply do not need 2000 words to make their main point and add the value a reader, and the search engines, are looking for. It’s about balancing the idea against how much there is to say and how much you really need to say. Keep these key quality points in mind:
Readability
Prioritise clarity and flow. Write for your audience, addressing their questions and engaging their curiosity. Structure your text with logical headings, short paragraphs, and topic sentences that guide the reader along a clear path.
Originality
Stand out from the crowd. Inject your unique perspective and expertise into your writing. Conduct thorough research to inform your content, but don’t be afraid to challenge existing narratives and offer fresh insights. No one wants to read the same ideas over and over again, your business tone of voice and unique perspectives will help you to stand out.
Engage Your Readers
True experiences, anecdotes, humour, and visuals all add to the value of your content and help to keep readers engaged. Encourage interaction through questions, polls, and calls to action.
The right word count for your blog post depends on various factors, and you ultimately need to decide just how much anyone really wants to read about your chosen topic. Balancing how much you have to say with how much you need to say and meeting the ever-evolving requirements of the search engines is a balance which can be struck.
The Web Surgery offers a range of digital marketing services including content and copywriting for our clients. Please get in touch to see how we can help.
