Why does word count matter for SEO?
Word count plays a role in how search engines see your content. Longer posts tend to offer more value, which can help your site rank higher. They also keep readers on the page longer, which tells Google your content is worth showing.
Avoid thin content
Thin content doesn’t give enough information. It lacks depth and doesn’t help the reader.
Search engines want detailed, useful posts. If your blog is too short or vague, it could hurt your rankings.
Small businesses should aim for quality. Don’t just add words to fill space - focus on giving real answers. A strong word count helps you explain topics clearly without losing your reader’s attention.
Importance of Yoast SEO check
Yoast is a helpful tool for checking your content before you post.
It shows if your word count is on track, and whether your post is easy to read. It also checks if your keywords are used well throughout the post.
By following Yoast’s tips, you avoid thin content and boost your chances of ranking higher. It’s a simple way to stay in line with SEO best practices.
Impact on reader engagement
The right word count keeps people reading.
Longer posts - around 1,500 words or more - often get more shares and better engagement. People stay longer on the page, and that’s a good sign to search engines.
Helpful, relevant posts build trust. If your content hits the mark, readers are more likely to come back or pass it on to others. That’s good for traffic - and good for SEO.
What is the ideal word count for SEO?
There’s no magic number, but many top-ranking blog posts are between 1,000 and 2,500 words.
Longer content tends to perform better because it has more space to answer questions, use keywords naturally, and keep the reader engaged.
Average content length of top Google search results
Here’s a look at the average word count based on Google ranking position:
| Position | Average Word Count |
|---|---|
| 1st | 2416 words |
| 2nd | 2292 words |
| 3rd | 2256 words |
| 4th to 6th | 2200 words |
| 7th to 10th | 2032 words |
| 11th to 20th | 1922 words |
Posts with over 2,000 words tend to show up higher in search results. Shorter posts often fall lower in the rankings. The key is to balance length with quality.
Average page views and shares by length
Blog posts between 1,500 and 2,000 words usually get more views and shares.
They give readers enough detail to be helpful without dragging on. That makes them more likely to be read, shared, and linked to - especially if the content is relevant.
Median content length by rank for top 40 results
Across the top 40 search results, the most common word count is around 1,500 words.
This length works well for SEO. It gives you enough space to cover your topic and include keywords, while still holding the reader’s attention.
Word count vs. average linking domains
Longer content often gets more backlinks.
When your post covers a topic in detail, other sites are more likely to link to it. That’s good news for SEO.
Blog posts with more than 1,200 words tend to attract more links. That makes 1,500 to 2,000 words a strong range for building authority.
Average total content shares
Longer posts also get shared more often.
People are more likely to share something they find helpful or informative. Posts around 1,500 words are shared more than shorter ones - making them a smart choice for small businesses looking to grow their reach.
The importance of quality over quantity
Word count matters - but quality matters more.
Google doesn’t reward long posts just because they’re long. It looks for content that’s helpful, relevant, and clearly written.
Focus on giving your readers something useful. That’s what builds trust - and gets results.
Google's stance on blog post length
There’s no official number when it comes to blog post length.
Google ranks content based on how well it answers a question or solves a problem. Posts that are 1,500 to 2,000 words tend to do well, but only if the content is strong.
What matters most is the value your post gives. That’s what leads to shares, links, and higher rankings.
Focus on delivering value
Think about what your audience needs - and give them that.
If you’re writing for small business readers, keep your advice clear and focused. Answer their questions. Solve real problems.
A short post can rank well if it’s useful. A long post won’t help if it’s all filler. Every word should have a reason to be there.
Consider target audience and keywords
Know who you’re writing for.
Ask yourself: what are they searching for? What problems are they trying to solve? Let those questions guide your content.
Use the keywords they’re using. Add them naturally throughout your post. This helps people find your content - and shows Google it’s worth ranking.
Always strike a balance between keyword use, reader needs, and clear writing. That’s the key to content that works.
How to create high-quality, SEO-friendly content
To get the most out of your blog posts, focus on quality and structure.
Strong content starts with research, follows a clear layout, and gets seen through the right channels.
Do thorough research
Good research helps you write posts your audience actually wants to read.
Use tools like Google Trends or check what’s being talked about on social media. Look at what your competitors are publishing - and take note of how long their posts are.
Use facts from trusted sources. Stats, quotes, or examples can make your content more useful and more shareable.
Well-researched posts often get more links and perform better in search results.
Use headings and enhance readability
Headings break up long text and help readers find what they need fast.
They also improve SEO. Google likes posts that are easy to scan and understand.
Use your keywords in headings when it makes sense. This helps with rankings and makes your post more useful to readers.
Promote through multiple channels
Once your post is live, make sure people see it.
Share it on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or wherever your audience spends time. Use email to let subscribers know about new content.
Ask your readers to share it too. The more views and shares you get, the better your post will perform over time.
Final thoughts
Blog post length will continue to shift, but the basics stay the same.
Aim for around 1,500 to 2,000 words, and focus on quality over quantity. Clear, useful content keeps readers engaged and helps your posts rank better.
Stay up to date with SEO trends and keep refining how you write. That’s how you get results that last.
FAQs about blog post length and SEO
1. What’s the best word count for a blog post ?
Aim for 1,500 to 2,000 words. This range tends to perform well in search rankings and keeps readers engaged.
2. Can shorter blog posts still rank on Google?
Yes, if the content is clear, helpful, and meets the reader’s needs. Quality matters more than length alone.
3. Do longer blog posts get more shares?
In many cases, yes. Longer posts often offer more value, which makes them more likely to be shared and linked to.
4. How does word count affect SEO?
Word count helps you cover topics in more detail. It also supports better keyword use and improves time on page - both good for SEO.
5. Should every blog post be over 1,500 words?
Not always. Use that range as a guide, but let the topic decide. Some subjects need more space, while others can be explained quickly.
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