How Long Should a Blog Be?
The question of how long a blog should be remains a topic of heated debate and varying opinions within the blogging community. There is no unanimous agreement on the ideal length for a blog post, as it largely depends on the blog's purpose, target audience, and content.
A shocking statistic: According to the Content Marketing Institute only 40% of marketers have a written content strategy. To me, this is a massive oversight as content marketing (blogs), done well, can be the best thing anyone can do for SEO.
Some argue that shorter blog posts, typically 300 to 600 words, appeal more to readers with limited time and shorter attention spans. On the other hand, proponents of longer blog posts, typically exceeding 1,000 words, argue that they provide a more comprehensive and in-depth exploration of a topic. While no definitive answer applies universally, several key factors should be considered when determining the ideal length for a blog post.
Purpose and Content
Blog posts can range from 300 to 2000 words or even longer, depending on the topic's complexity and depth. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between providing comprehensive information and keeping the readers' attention throughout the article. A well-crafted and concise blog post can often convey the intended message and engage the audience more effectively.
The purpose and content of the blog should heavily influence its length. If the goal is to provide a quick update or a brief answer to a question, a concise, short-form blog of around 300-500 words may suffice. On the other hand, if the aim is to provide an in-depth analysis, research findings, or comprehensive tutorials, a longer post of 1000 words or more might be appropriate.
PRO TIP: Google your topic and skim top-ranking articles similar to your topic, checking the length.
Audience and Reading Habits
Understanding the target audience's reading habits is crucial. Are they typically busy individuals who prefer snackable content, or do they appreciate and engage with longer, more detailed posts? Knowing the preferences of your audience can help you tailor the length accordingly.
PRO TIP: Avoid unnecessary fluff and prioritize valuable content, regardless of the length.
How Long Does it Take to Write a Blog
This varies based on a variety of items, including:
Complexity of the topic
Amount of research needed
Ability and experience of the writer
Typing speed
Just know that blogs are taking much longer to write than in the past, not only because of the competition, but we now know that longer, well-researched blogs tend to rank better.
PRO TIP: No matter how long it takes, writing a blog can be a waste of time if the topic is not needed. Are your potential clients or customers even searching for it, or are you unsure of the goal? Are you trying to make more money, increase your traffic or followers, or increase your rank for specific keywords? Have goals in mind before you begin.
SEO Considerations
Search engine optimization (SEO) is an essential aspect of blogging. Longer blog posts tend to perform better in terms of search engine rankings, as they often cover topics comprehensively and target more keywords. However, it's essential to remember that quality should never be compromised for length. A well-structured, informative blog post that genuinely meets users' needs is more likely to rank higher, regardless of its length.
PRO TIP: When considering SEO, the best blog length depends on what each type is currently ranking, according to Ahrefs. There may be different lengths for how-to guides, top-ten lists, pros and cons, or other types of content.
Readability and Engagement
A blog post's readability and engagement level play significant roles in keeping readers on the page. Large blocks of text can be visually overwhelming and discourage readers from engaging with the content. Breaking up the text with headings, subheadings, bullet points, and images can improve readability and make the post more scannable. This can be particularly important for longer blog posts, as it helps readers navigate and skim through the content to find information quickly.
PRO TIP: Images add visual interest while breaking up the content. Write the content first, then use royalty-free images, infographics, or even videos that accurately reflect or enhance your meaning.
The Bottom Line
Longer content is better. Yes, that is a bold statement, and there is still no definitive answer that Google’s algorithm prefers longer blogs. But we do know that longer content tends to attract more backlinks (other sites linking to your site), more social shares, and more traffic, which, in turn, causes Google to rank your blog higher. The caveat is that blog needs to be relevant, well-research, and, frankly, needed. The bottom line? Long content full of fluff is bad. Long content that is helpful is good.\\
PRO TIP: If you are writing your own content, read this article on what should be included and this one on how to get your blogs seen.
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Every small business owner is a hero to me. Unless you own a small business yourself, it is not easy to see the time, effort, and sacrifice needed to make that business successful. But I get it. Like all other small business owners, we are the CEO, CFO, COO, and CIO. We are the sales and marketing team, the development and visionary team, the accountant, the IT department, the customer service rep, the admin assistant, and the receptionist. And all that is on top of our actual business: offering a service or product and doing it better than our competitors.
Not every business owner has the time or expertise to create a professional website and write relevant content consistently, not to mention the knowledge to utilize SEO or social media to its fullest extent.
Please get in touch with Charlotte’s Web Designs, LLC for help getting your business seen and remembered. I’ve worked with over 100 small businesses and have a perfect 5-star rating for several reasons: over 35 years of technology and marketing experience, customer service, reliability, and unparalleled results. I understand how busy you are and, even more importantly, how to ensure your online presence reflects the care and expertise you put into your own business. Visit my current portfolio here or reach out below to get started.
