How long should a blog post be?
What Research Suggests
Studies of search results often show that longer content tends to rank higher, but that's correlation, not a rule. Longer posts can cover a topic in depth, which search engines and readers may value. However, a short, clear answer can also rank well, especially for simple questions.
The key is matching length to intent. A recipe might need only 300 words plus the ingredients, while a guide to starting a business could justify 2,000 words. Aim to be as long as necessary to fully answer the reader's question—no longer.
How to Decide for Your Post
Look at the top results for your target keyword. If they're all 1,200 words, a 500-word post may struggle to compete. But if they're short, a long post might bore readers. Also consider your audience: busy professionals may prefer concise posts, while hobbyists might enjoy detailed tutorials.
Write your first draft, then edit ruthlessly. Cut fluff and repetition. If you can remove a paragraph without losing value, do it. The final length should feel natural, not padded or squeezed.
- Check the average length of top-ranking posts for your keyword.
- Prioritize clarity over word count.
- Use subheadings and bullet points to break up long posts.
- Don't pad with fluff just to hit a number.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every post must be 2,000 words to rank well.
- Writing too little to fully answer the question.
- Padding content with filler to reach an arbitrary word count.
