The Ideal Blog Length Guide for How Long Your Blog Post Should Be

Ever wondered if your blog post is too short to rank… or too long to hold attention? Pleasing the algorithm is a tricky thing to do, so we get it! Finding the “perfect” blog length is one of the biggest questions beginner bloggers (even seasoned ones) ask. The truth is, it depends on your goals. But don’t worry, I’ve got a clear and simple breakdown to help.

Quick Take: Blog Length at a Glance

• Short-form (under 600 words): This format is perfect for quick announcements, light updates, or short reflections. It is not great for SEO, but great for connection.
• Medium-form (1,000–1,500 words): This is the sweet spot for beginners, long enough to share value, short enough to stay approachable.
• Long-form (1,500–2,500+ words): It is ideal for evergreen guides, tutorials, and in-depth posts that Google (and your readers) love.

Now, let’s find the magic number for your blog!

Why Does Blog Post Length Matter?

Let’s start with the basics.

Why does the length of your blog posts even matter? Well, the length can significantly impact your search engine rankings and organic traffic. Search engines like Google love high-quality content and often favor longer posts that thoroughly cover a topic.

But it’s not just about being lengthy for the sake of it. The ideal length also influences user experience, social shares, and search intent. So, understanding the right length is crucial for maximizing your blog’s effectiveness.

What’s the Best Length for a Blog?

If you’ve scoured the internet for the best blog post length, you’ve probably encountered a plethora of opinions. That’s because there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

The ideal length of a blog post varies depending on your target audience, subject matter, and SEO goals. Some might argue for shorter posts, while others swear by long-form articles. The truth is that the right length depends on balancing valuable content with search engine optimization and what resonates with your readers.

What the Experts Say

SEO and marketing experts have been testing this for years, and while the numbers vary slightly, they all agree that quality matters more than quantity.

• HubSpot recommends 2,100–2,400 words for SEO-focused posts, but reminds us to always check the reader’s intent.
• Wix found that high-ranking posts often fall in the 1,500–2,500 word range, long enough to build authority, but scannable with headers and visuals.
• Semrush suggests 1,500–2,500 words as the “ideal length” for how-to guides and evergreen posts.
• Yoast keeps it simple: any post over 300 words can rank, but the best results come from mixing depth with readability.

Now, isn’t that freeing? There’s no magic number, just a smart strategy paired with your unique voice.

Choose Your Blog Length by Purpose

Here’s a simple guide to help you decide how long your post should be depending on what you’re writing:

Quick Announcements / Reflections

📏 300–600 words

✔ Easy to read, great for connection

✘ Not SEO-heavy

How-To Posts / Listicles

📏 1,000–1,500 words

✔ Balanced for SEO + engagement

✔ Great for beginners

Evergreen Guides / In-Depth Content

📏 1,500–2,500+ words

✔ Builds authority

✔ Strong SEO performance

✔ Keeps readers coming back

How to Decide the Right Length for You and Your Blog

When you sit down to write, ask yourself these three questions:

1. What do my readers need most? Quick clarity, a step-by-step guide, or a deep dive?
2. What are others doing? Look at your topic’s top 3–5 ranking posts and note their average length. Aim to match or slightly exceed.
3. Is my content scannable? Break up longer posts with headers, bullet points, and images so readers stay engaged all the way through.

4 Main Lengths for Blog Posts Explained Further

Let’s break it down into four key categories: Micro, Short-Form, Medium-Form, and Long-Form. From there, I will give you a less “techy” and more real-time example that you can apply to your specific niche.

Micro Content

100-300 words

Think of a quick, snappy post on a new product launch or a brief update about an upcoming event. These concise blogs are great for initiating conversations on social media or sharing quick tips and insights that grab attention instantly.

Pros: It is great for sparking discussion and engaging readers with brief updates or thoughts. It is also perfect for social media shares and capturing quick attention.

Cons: Often too short to provide substantial information or in-depth analysis. May not rank well for high search volume keywords.

Short Form

300 to 600 words

Imagine a blog post that offers a quick overview of the latest fashion trends or a brief but insightful guide on meal prepping. This length is perfect for delivering professional and engaging content without diving too deep, making it ideal for capturing attention while enhancing search engine traffic.

Pros: This length is a solid choice for standard posts that show professionalism while still being manageable. It’s a good balance between engaging content and search engine optimization.

Cons: May not delve deeply into complex topics, potentially missing out on ranking for more detailed search queries.

Mid-Form Content

1000 to 1500 words

Picture a comprehensive how-to guide on organizing your home or an in-depth list of top travel destinations for 2024. These posts strike a great balance, offering enough detail to be shareable on social media and providing substantial value without overwhelming the reader.

Pros: Excellent for how-to blogs, list blogs, and storytelling. This length often gets more social shares and offers enough depth to satisfy most readers while still being digestible.

Cons: It can sometimes result in fewer comments if readers don’t feel the need to engage, but it provides ample space for thorough coverage.

Long-Form Content

2000 words and more!

Consider a detailed ultimate guide on personal finance or an extensive analysis of industry trends. These lengthy, well-researched articles usually rank at the highest on Google, packed with relevant keywords and offering thorough insights that establish your blog as a trusted authority on the topic.

“Blog posts with over 2,000 words tend to get more search traffic and more social shares. The reason is simple: they offer more detailed information and cover topics more comprehensively.”

— Brian Dean, Founder of Backlinko

Pros: These posts are typically the best for search engine rankings, as they can cover a topic comprehensively and include many relevant keywords. They often build trust and authority with in-depth coverage.

Cons: Can be overwhelming to write and read, requiring a lot of time and effort. Might not be suitable for every topic or audience.

Shorter is Not Always Better

Here’s a common misconception: shorter is always better.

Many think people’s short attention spans mean they’ll bounce if a post is too long. But here’s the thing—this isn’t necessarily true.

While shorter posts can be effective for quick reads and initial engagement, they often don’t provide enough depth for readers looking for comprehensive answers or insights. Longer blog posts can offer more in-depth content and better search engine results, which might actually be what your audience needs.

Always Put Quality Over Quantity

“It’s not just about creating a lot of content but about creating great content. Quality will always outperform quantity when it comes to ranking well and engaging your audience.”

— Rand Fishkin, Co-founder of SparkToro

Focus on delivering high-quality content rather than just hitting a word count. The best blog post length lets you thoroughly address the topic with true value.

If You’re Not Sure, Write More

When in doubt, longer posts often do better regarding search engine optimization and providing thorough information. Keyword research and case studies can help guide your content length.

“Long-form content tends to outperform shorter content in terms of SEO and engagement. When you provide comprehensive, high-quality content, it tends to attract more backlinks and shares.”

— Neil Patel Blog

Do Your Research

Use tools like Rank IQ to get specific length recommendations based on your target keyword and search engine results. It can offer insights into the best word count for your blog posts.

Consider Your Audience

Think about what your readers are looking for. Content creators should tailor the length of their blog posts to fit the preferences and needs of their target audience.

What are Your SEO Goals?

Align your blog length with your SEO goals. Long-form posts can be beneficial for ranking well and driving organic traffic, but ensure they are filled with valuable information.

How Often Do You Post?

Your posting frequency might influence your ideal blog length. Regular, shorter posts might be practical for maintaining engagement, while less frequent, long-form articles can build authority over time.

Ideal Blog Length Guide? YOU Choose the Length!

Ultimately, trust your instincts. If you’re passionate about a topic and feel it requires more detail, go for it. Content writers know that the correct length is often about finding the balance between good content and what resonates with your readers.

“I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer. It’s really about following your heart and doing what you love, no matter what.”

— Jim Carrey’s Commencement Speech

So there you have it!

Finding the perfect length for your blog post involves a mix of best practices, understanding your audience, and a bit of trial and error. Write with purpose, and no matter the length, your content will shine.

Your Turn: Friend, how long do your blog posts usually run? Drop your thoughts in the comments, or share this with a fellow blogger who might be overthinking their word count.

 

 

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