If you have ever wondered how long your blog post should be you are not alone.
Writers marketers and business owners have debated this for years. Some believe short and snappy works best while others insist that longer is better.
The truth is there is no single perfect answer but there is a range that often works well. Let us break it down in simple terms.
The Short Answer Around 1500 to 2500 Words
Many studies show that blog posts between fifteen hundred and twenty five hundred words perform well. This length is usually enough to cover a topic in depth while still keeping readers interested.
Here is what research has found
SEMrush in 2023 reported that high performing blogs average one thousand one hundred fifty two words medium performers average nine hundred two words and low performers average six hundred sixty eight words
QuickSprout found that posts over fifteen hundred words received sixty eight percent more tweets and twenty two percent more Facebook likes compared to shorter posts
OrbitMedia reported in 2024 that the average blog post length is one thousand three hundred ninety four words which is seventy two percent longer than the average in 2014
The lesson here is that people often prefer detailed content that answers their questions fully
Why Word Count Alone Does Not Decide Rankings
Google does not rank articles based only on length.
For example for the keyword what is a motherboard top ranking articles range from six hundred thirty five words to three thousand three hundred one words. Clearly length is not the only factor.
Other important factors include how well you match the readers search intent how much authority your site has and the quality of your content.
If your site is smaller longer posts can help you show expertise but only if those extra words add real value.
What Google Representatives Have Said
Google search advocate John Mueller has said there is no single ideal content length. Instead the focus should be on delivering unique value.
In other words do not worry about hitting an exact number of words. Think about what your audience wants. If they need a quick answer keep it short. If they want a detailed guide go deeper. Your goal is to meet their needs not follow a rigid rule.
How to Find the Best Length for Your Topic
If you still want a target length you can check what is working for your competitors.
Search your topic in a browser where you are not logged in. Look at the top ten results and note their word counts. Find the average and use it as a guide.
You can also use SEO tools such as Frase Surfer SEO or Scalenus to see the average length for your keyword along with related keywords and optimization suggestions.
When Short Works and When Long Works
Short posts between five hundred and twelve hundred words work well for quick answers news updates and readers who prefer short content.
Long posts with two thousand or more words are better for competitive topics in depth guides and building authority.
A smart strategy is to use topic clusters. This means writing one detailed guide on a subject and then linking it to smaller related posts. This covers your topic fully and encourages readers to explore more of your site.
The Final Word
Most high performing posts fall between fifteen hundred and three thousand words but this is not a fixed rule. The right length is however long it takes to fully answer your readers question keep them interested and achieve your goal.
Write for your audience first. Cover the topic in the detail it deserves. Keep testing and see what works for your niche.
In the end it is not about how much you write but about how well you write.
