How Many Words Should A Blog Post Be? (For Better SEO)

Ready to write a great blog post?

But the real question: how long should the post actually be?

Write too little, and your post might never rank well.

Write too much, and you could waste your precious time overdoing it (and maybe even bore your readers).

The ideal blog post length varies by topic and intent. News articles perform well at 750-1,000 words. How-to guides and product reviews need 1,500-2,500 words. In-depth guides require 2,500-4,000 words.

Let’s dive in deeper and explore how many words you should actually add to your post, what factors to consider, and how to decide the ideal word count with an example word count range for each blog post type.

Why Blog Post Length Matters For SEO?

Search Engines like Google are always looking for the best possible, trustworthy resource for their users. So, the content that matches a particular user query in the best way gets a higher chance of being surfaced as a top-ranking article for that query or keyword.

Now, users are most satisfied when they land on a blog post that answers all their questions.

In other words, a comprehensive and in-depth piece that covers the topic from all angles is the best resource the users would like to see. And search engines follow their user’s needs.

So, they are also looking for more in-depth content. And that’s why you see longer content ranking well, simply because it’s more comprehensive and value-packed.

If a shorter article satisfies the user’s query better, then, of course, it will rank better. But in general, the longer the content, the more opportunities you’ll have to add more depth and detail than a shorter post, which leads to comparatively better performance.

Now, you might be wondering: How do you know exactly how long a blog post should be? Let’s explore more!

Ideal Blog Post Length By The Numbers

Minimum Word Count For Ranking

There’s no particular word count limit for ranking on the first page of Google. Even an 800 words post—if value-packed—can rank well compared to a 3000-word post that has no concrete or clear information.

On average, though, the bare minimum for ranking on page 1 is 1000 words. But that’s just the minimum. If adding more words means you can add more value—by adding more examples, insights, details, facts, statistics, and unique content that others have missed out—then yes, go for it!

Posts under words face three big problems:

• Limited keyword optimization opportunities

• Struggle to cover topics comprehensively

• Often seen as "thin content" by search engines

Maximum Effective Length

3000-5,000 words mark the point, after which you could end up overdoing it. In fact, if it’s a very long post, then you can split it into separate related topics.

Of course, once in a while, if you post a huge guide that has 7000+ words, then it’s fine.

But if every other post reaches that word range, then either you’re combining too many topics in one post, over-explaining your posts, or not editing it thoroughly. In fact, it’s a good time to check how long your industry competitor's blog posts are and then stick closer to that range.

Longer posts—if in-depth and value-packed—are good. But your time could also be better spent with:

• Breaking huge topics into multiple posts

• Adding visuals, examples, statistics, additional research

• Improving readability and formatting

Read More: Top AI Tools For SEO Content Writing

Best Blog Post Length By Content Type

Different types of blog posts need different lengths to serve their purpose. Let's break down the ideal length for each format with real examples.

How-To Guides: 2,000-2,500 Words

How-to guides need enough space to explain complex processes step-by-step. Take a guide on "How to Start a Blog" - you'll cover:

• Platform selection (300-400 words)

• Website Setup (300-400 words)

• Theme customization (400-500 words)

• Essential plugins (300-400 words)

• First post tips (300-400 words)

• SEO basics (300-400 words)

Pro Tip: Break long processes into clearly numbered steps. Use screenshots or diagrams at key points to boost understanding.

List Posts: 1,500-2,000 Words

List posts work best when each item gets proper context. A "Top 10 Tools" type of blog post might include:

• 150 words per tool review

• Price comparison tables

• Key features breakdown

• Specific uses

• Pros and cons lists

Your readers need enough detail to make informed decisions, not just the list.

Product Reviews: 1,500-2,000 Words

Strong product reviews cover every angle buyers care about:

• Product specs (200-300 words)

• User experience (300-400 words)

• Performance data (300-400 words)

• Pricing analysis (200-300 words)

• Comparisons (300-400 words)

• Conclusion (200 words)

Related Read: How To Use AI For SEO Content Writing?

News Articles: 750-1,000 Words

News posts need to be crisp and current. Structure them like this:

• Breaking news (150-200 words)

• Background context (200-250 words)

• Expert quotes (150-200 words)

• Impact analysis (200-250 words)

• Next steps (100-150 words)

Speed matters more than length for news content. Get the facts right and publish fast.

In-Depth Guides: 2,500-4,000 Words

Ultimate guides require comprehensive coverage. A guide on "Complete SEO Strategy" might include:

• Technical SEO (500-700 words)

• On-page optimization (500-700 words)

• Content strategy (500-700 words)

• Link building (500-700 words)

• Analytics & tracking (500-700 words)

How To Determine Your Ideal Blog Post Length?

Now, here are the four key factors that determine the optimal length for maximum impact:

Finding the perfect length for your blog posts requires strategic analysis, not guesswork. Here’s to determine the optimal word count for maximum impact.

1. Research Competition Systematically

Start your content planning with thorough competitor analysis. Open the top 10 ranking posts for your target keyword in separate tabs. Use tools like Semrush or Ahrefs to analyze their word counts, structure, and content depth.

Create a spreadsheet to track key metrics from each competitor. Note their word count, subheading structure, and unique angles. Calculate the average length of the top 10 posts - this becomes your baseline target. Add 10-20% more depth to outperform them.

For example, if you're writing about "email marketing automation," you might find the top 10 posts average 2,200 words. Plan for 2,500 words to include additional case studies, implementation tips, and troubleshooting guides your competitors missed.

2. Analyze Top-Ranking Content Structure

Look beyond raw word count to understand content organization. Study how top-ranking posts break down their topics. Note their subheading hierarchy, content blocks, and information flow.

Map out their content structure in detail. A top-ranking post about "SEO for e-commerce" might use 2,800 words divided into:

• Technical optimization (700 words)

• Product page SEO (600 words)

• Category page structure (500 words)

• Internal linking strategy (500 words)

• Performance optimization (500 words)

Use this structural analysis to identify gaps in coverage. Your post can then improve upon this framework while maintaining similar proportions.

3. Study User Engagement Signals

Study how readers interact with existing content. Use free tools like Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity, or heatmap software like Hotjar and Lucky Orange to track engagement patterns. Pay special attention to:

1. Time on-page metrics reveal optimal content length. For instance, if readers spend an average of 5 minutes on similar posts on your site, aim for 1,500 words (based on an average reading speed of 300 words per minute).

2. Scroll depth analysis shows where readers lose interest. For example, if you see 70% of users drop off at the 1,800-word mark, focus on tightening your content rather than adding length. Break longer topics into series posts instead of creating one massive guide.

3. Match your content length to topic complexity. Simple topics need concise coverage, while complex subjects require detailed explanations. Consider these examples:

Definition Topics:

"What is PPC advertising" needs 800-1,000 words to cover:

• Basic concept explanation

• Key components

• Common examples

• Getting started steps

Strategy Topics:

"B2B Content Marketing Strategy" demands 3,000+ words to cover:

• Market research methods

• Content planning frameworks

• Creation Guidelines

• Distribution tactics

• Measurement systems

• Team structure

• Budget allocation

Pro Tip: The complexity of each subtopic determines your final word count. Add depth where needed, but keep explanations crisp and focused.

Tips For Optimizing Blog Length

Raw word count means nothing without proper optimization. Here's how to make every word count for both readers and search engines.

Break your content into digestible chunks using a clear hierarchy. Start with broad concepts, then drill down into specifics. For example, a 2,000-word SEO guide might follow this structure:

The first 500 words cover core concepts. Lead with a compelling introduction, then outline key principles. Each major section should flow well into the subsequent sections.

The middle 1,000 words of body content deliver detailed strategies. Break this section into subsections of 200-300 words each. Use descriptive subheadings that include target keywords naturally.

The final 500 words provide the actual steps. End with implementation guidelines, common pitfalls, and next steps. This creates a satisfying conclusion that drives action.

The Best Tool For Writing Long Blog Posts: SEOWriting

Writing long-form content that ranks takes hours of research, writing, and optimization. SEOWriting transforms this process into an organized system that produces SEO-optimized content in just a few minutes, not hours.

SEOWriting combines advanced AI with effective SEO features to generate complete blog posts from 600 to 5,200 words while maintaining consistent quality throughout. 

The platform automatically includes properly structured headings, tables, key takeaways, and strategic internal and external links—all elements crucial for SEO success.

The built-in Brand Voice Customizer ensures your content maintains a consistent tone across all lengths.

Your unique brand personality shines through whether you're writing a quick update or an in-depth guide.

The AI Text Humanizer adds natural language patterns and conversational elements that make the content more engaging.

Related Read: Best Blog Post Formatting Tips With Examples

FAQs About Blog Post Length

1. Does Word Count Directly Affect SEO Rankings?

Word count alone doesn't determine rankings. Google prioritizes content that best answers user queries. A well-written 1,000-word post can outrank a poorly structured 3,000-word article. Focus on comprehensive coverage of your topic while maintaining high information density throughout your content.

2. How Can I Maintain Quality In Longer Posts?

Break complex topics into clear sections with descriptive subheadings. Use examples and data to support key points. Add visual elements like tables, charts, or images every 300-400 words. Keep paragraphs short and vary sentence length to maintain reader engagement.

3. Should I Split A Long Post Into Multiple Articles?

Consider splitting posts over 4,000 words if the topics can stand alone. Create a series of related posts that link to each other. This approach can capture more keywords and provide a better user experience. However, keep closely related information together if splitting would disrupt the natural flow.

4. How Often Should I Update Post Length?

Review and update your content length every 6 months. Analyze competitor content, check user engagement metrics, and adjust word counts based on performance data. Add new sections to cover emerging subtopics while removing outdated information.

Final Thoughts

The ideal blog post length varies based on your topic, audience, and goals. News updates work well at 750-1,000 words. How-to guides need 1,500-2,500 words. Ultimate guides require 2,500-4,000 words. Focus on matching content length to user intent while maintaining quality throughout.

Success comes from understanding your audience and delivering value efficiently. Research competitors, analyze engagement data, and optimize content structure. Break long posts into digestible sections with clear headings and supporting visuals.

Start by analyzing your existing content performance. Note which lengths work best for different topics. Study competitor word counts. Then, create the best content outline on that topic that matches user intent and topic complexity.

Want to speed up your content writing process by generating an SEO-optimized blog post in just one click? Get started with SEOWriting for free now!

Prit Centrago Prit is an SEO Content Specialist and Copywriter. His work has helped SaaS brands across multiple industries reach more customers worldwide. When not involved in writing or planning content strategies, you'll find him reading books with a cup of coffee.