How long should your blog posts be?

If you’re wondering how long your blog posts should be, you’ve probably heard lots of different answers from lots of different people. 

The truth is, there is no correct or golden length for a blog post.

And so, our answer is simple:

You should write the number of words it takes to get your message across.

No more, no less.

However, while there is no universally perfect blog post length, examining your audience, goals, and topic can help narrow the ideal range.

Why Does Post Length Matter?

Length affects both reader experience and search engine optimisation (SEO).

Longer posts allow you to explore topics more thoroughly. But huge walls of text can overwhelm readers. Short, scannable posts may increase readership. But they limit opportunities to optimise content.

The ideal length provides enough value to be useful for readers while also enabling SEO best practices like keyword optimisation. Very long posts (over 2,000 words) may rank well. But concise, high-quality content between 600-1,000 words has the best chance of getting read and shared.

Tips for Determining the Right Length

Start by thinking about your readers. Look at metrics for your top-performing posts. Do your readers prefer short posts of around 500 words? Or do in-depth posts over 1,000 words attract more shares and comments?

Next, examine your goal. Is the purpose to rank for a short-tail keyword like “content marketing”? You may need a long post. If you want to answer a simple question, 600 words should suffice.

Consider your niche, too. Complex B2B topics often require more in-depth posts. But concise posts around 500-600 words work well for more general audiences.

Finally, focus on providing value. Don’t pad posts to make them longer. And don’t shorten them so much that you can’t cover the topic sufficiently. Find the “sweet spot” where you give readers exactly what they need.

Formatting Longer Posts

If you do write posts over 1,000 words, formatting becomes crucial. Include:

• A table of contents for easy navigation.
• Plenty of headers and sub-headers to break up sections.
• Lists and bullet points to highlight key takeaways.
• Relevant images, graphics, or videos.

Proper formatting transforms dense posts into easily digestible content.

Should You Ever Go Shorter Than 500 Words?

Some situations call for shorter posts. Specific topics only require a brief answer. For example, explainers answering common questions may only need 300-500 words.

Brief announcements or news updates are also well-suited to short posts of 200-400 words.

The key is providing enough value. Give readers the right amount of content to satisfy their needs.

Aim for Balance

Strive for balance in your content strategy. Use longer posts for pillars and in-depth guides. Write brief posts for news or quick tips. And employ medium-length articles for many blogs.

Analyse the top-performing posts in Google to identify your readers’ preferences. Experiment with different lengths to see what works best for your audience and goals. With a mix of long and short posts, you can keep readers engaged while optimising for SEO.