How Long Should Your Blog Post Be In 2023?
Last Updated on July 19, 2023 by Jordan Alexo
Ever wondered how long your blog post should be? Well, you aren’t alone.
This question has been plaguing bloggers since the dawn of the internet. And in 2023, it’s more relevant than ever.
A study by Orbit Media: on average, blog posts increased from an 808-word count in 2014 to 1,376 in 2022.
But does that mean longer is better? Not necessarily.
In this post, you’ll discover whether there’s an ideal length, how your blog post length impacts SEO, the pros and cons of long vs. short posts, and much more.
So, stick around whether you’re a blogging newbie or a seasoned pro. I’m going to share actionable advice that will help you nail your blog post length every time. Let’s roll!
Key Takeaways
- There’s No Magic Number: The ideal blog post length depends on your audience, topic, and goals. It isn’t about hitting a specific word count but delivering helpful and engaging information.
- Quality Over Quantity: Whether your post is 500 words or 2,500 words, make every word count. If it doesn’t add value, remove it.
- Mix It Up: Keep your blog fresh by mixing up your post lengths. You may throw in a short, quick-read post for every few longer, in-depth ones. This spices your blog content and keeps your readers waiting for more.
- Know Your Post Types: Different posts serve different purposes, and their ideal lengths can vary. Whether it’s a pillar page, a listicle, a how-to post, or a product review, focus on providing value to your readers.
- Break It Down: Make your long posts skimmable with clear subheadings, bullet points, images, and section summaries. This helps your readers quickly go through your content.
Don’t let your laptop destroy your success! Discover the best laptops for blogging.
Is There an Ideal Blog Post Length?
Are you looking for a magic number for blog post length? Sorry to burst your bubble, but there isn’t one.
In a way, a blog post’s length is like a movie, meaning it depends on the content. A thriller might need 2 hours, a short animation only 15 minutes.
And the same goes for your blog posts. The right length is:
- The one that answers the question or solves the problem for your readers. In other words, it’s the length that provides value and keeps your readers engaged.
A SerpIQ study shows the top 10 results on Google all have a minimum content length of over 2,000 words.
But don’t rush to inflate your posts to hit that 2,000-word mark.
Google’s algorithms prioritize valuable, relevant content. So, padding your posts won’t help. Instead, create useful, engaging content that answers your target audience’s needs.
So, is there an ideal blog post length? Yes, and no. Instead, it’s not about hitting a specific word count but delivering high-quality information.
Sometimes, that might take 2,000 words or more. Other times, you might nail it in just 500.
How To Find The Right Word Count Length?
So, how do you nail down the perfect word count for your blog post? Here’s a simple, actionable strategy:
1 – Google Your Main Keyword
Start by searching for your main keyword on Google. Look at the top ten results. These are your competitors. You may open each result in a different tab.
2 – Analyze The Competition
Use a browser app like Detailed to help you see these top-ranking posts’ word count and subheadings. This gives you a ballpark figure for your post.
But be careful. Sometimes the word count is overinflated because it counts the comments and other non-relevant content on the page.
3 – Outdo The Competition
Now, here’s where you can really shine. Don’t just aim to match the average word count. Aim to provide more detailed, comprehensive information than your competitors.
You may do this by writing down a more in-depth outline with all the subheadings and key points you find on the top-ranking pages.
The goal is to create a post that’s so good, so valuable, that it outshines your competition.
And that’s how you win at SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and your readers. Better saying, “that’s how you win in blogging.”
How Does Blog Post Length Impact SEO?
Let’s talk SEO. You’ve probably heard that longer posts rank better on search engine results pages (SERPs).
But why is that? And how long should your posts be to get that special top spot?
Here’s the deal: Google loves detailed and in-depth content.
Based on Backlinko‘s study: The average word count of a Google first page result is 1,890 words.
That’s because longer posts usually cover a topic more thoroughly, providing more value to readers. But don’t get it twisted!
See, longer doesn’t mean boring or repetitive. Every sentence, every word should serve a purpose. If it doesn’t add value, cut it off.
And here’s another twist: Google Quick Answers.
Ever noticed those boxes at the top of Google search results that directly answer your query? Those are Quick Answers, and they’re changing the game.
The average length of a Quick Answer is only 40-50 words, according to a study by SEMrush.
So, what’s the takeaway?
- For comprehensive posts aiming for a top spot in SERPs, write around 1,890 words. Of course, this depends on the content in question. Some content needs more information and others less.
- But keep your answers concise and to the point for a shot at Quick Answers.
Remember, SEO isn’t just about length. Also, it’s about relevance, readability, and value. So, focus on creating killer content that your readers will love, and the SEO will follow.
Long vs. Short Blog Posts
So which is better? Well, it’s not that simple. Both have their place in your content strategy. Let’s break it down:
| Long Blog Posts (Over 2,000 words) | Short Blog Posts (Under 1,000 words) | |
| Content-Type | Deep dives, comprehensive guides, ultimate lists | Quick tips, news updates, bite-sized insights |
| Social Shares | More social shares (BuzzSumo) | Less social shares |
| SEO Ranking | Tend to rank better on SERPs | It may not rank as high |
| Reader Engagement | High engagement, more time on page | Quick reads, less time on page |
| Purpose | Provide in-depth value, detailed information | Quick updates, easy-to-digest content |
Long Blog Posts
These are your deep dives. Your comprehensive guides. Your ultimate lists. They’re typically over 2,000 words and packed with value.
Based on BuzzSumo’s study: long-form content gets 56% more social shares than short-form content.
Also, as we’ve already discussed, longer posts tend to rank better on SERPs.
Short Blog Posts
These are your quick tips. Your news updates. Your bite-sized insights.
Usually, they’re under 1,000 words and easy to digest. Well, short posts are great for keeping your blog active and engaging your readers without demanding too much of their time.
So, which should you choose? The answer is…both! You want to mix up your content strategy with several lengths. This keeps your readers on their toes and coming back for more.
What Are The Ideal Lengths For Different Types of Blog Posts?
Not all blog posts are created equal. See, different types of posts serve different purposes, and their ideal lengths can vary. So, let’s crack this nut:
| Blog Post Type | Ideal Length |
| Pillar Pages | Around 4,000 words |
| Listicles | 2,300 to 2,500 words |
| How-to Posts | Varies, cover each step in detail |
| “What is” Posts | 1,000 to 1,500 words |
| Product Review Posts | 1,000 to 2,500 words |
1 – Pillar Pages
These are your comprehensive and in-depth guides. Aka, the cornerstone of your content strategy.
It should be around 4,000 words. And make them as detailed and valuable as possible.
2 – Listicles
These are your “Top 10” or “Best of” posts. These posts should be easy to skim and popular with readers.
Between 2,300 to 2,500 words, depending on the number of items in your list.
3 – How-to Posts
These are your step-by-step guides. The length can vary widely, depending on the complexity of the task. Just make sure to cover each step in enough detail to be helpful.
4 – “What is” Posts
These are your explainer posts. Often shorter, around 1,000 to 1,500 words. Also, keep them concise and to the point.
5 – Product Review Posts
These are your in-depth analyses of specific products. They should be thorough, honest, and provide enough detail to help the reader make a purchase decision.
This depends on the product’s complexity. But usually, between 1,500 to 2,500 words works well.
Once again, this is just a rule of thumb. So it isn’t set in stone. However, it gives you the idea that your pillar content should be lengthier compared to a normal “how-to” post.
How To Break Down Long Posts To Keep Your Readers Engaged?
So, you’ve got a killer long-form blog post. And it’s packed with value, SEO-optimized, and ready to go.
But how do you ensure your readers stay engaged from start to finish?
Here’s the secret: break it down. You want to make your content easily skimmable for those in a hurry. But also engaging for those who want to dive deep. Here’s how:
1 – Use Subheadings
Break up your content into sections with clear, descriptive subheadings. This helps readers navigate your post and quickly find the information they seek.
2 – Use Bullet Points and Lists
These are great for summarizing information or breaking down complex ideas into digestible points. Plus, they’re easy on the eyes.
3 – Use Images
As they commonly say, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” right? Images can help explain complex ideas, break up the text, and engage readers.
4 – Include Key Takeaways or Section Summaries
This gives your readers a quick overview of each section, even if they’re just skimming.
5 – Include Tables
Tables are a fantastic way to present data or compare information quickly and clearly. They can simplify complex information and make it easy for your readers to understand at a glance.
Whether comparing different products or a breakdown of statistics, a well-structured table can add much value to your post.
Last Thoughts
Oh, that was quite a run! We discussed the ideal blog post length and how to keep your readers engaged. But let’s circle back to the question we started with: “How long should your blog post be in 2023?”
The answer? It depends. But the best way to know is by checking your competitors’ content.
You want to analyze the top-ranking posts, see their word counter and subheading, and try to write even better content.
See, it isn’t so much about hitting a specific word count. But rather about writing a high-quality blog post that solves your reader’s problems.
Sometimes, this may take 2,000 words, and other times only 1,000 words.
For this reason, don’t stress about hitting a specific word count.
Instead, focus on creating the best content you can. Because, at the end of the day, that’s what both your readers and Google want. And when you deliver, the results will follow.
If you have any questions, leave them below, and Jordan Alexo will reply to you soon.
Hey, wait! Do you have a good blogging schedule? Probably, not! Read here.
Questions? We Have Answers.
So, let’s wrap things up with some quick-fire answers to the most common questions about blog post length.
