How Long Should A Blog Post Be For SEO In 2024? (Sweet Spot Unveiled)

Have you ever wondered about the ideal blog post length to get the best search results on Google?

Well…

Welcome to the party! 

This is one of the most common questions bloggers have around the web.

Everyone wants to know the right length for every blog post they’re going to write.

But unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

It’s a little bit more complex than relying on a magic word count number.

It all starts with the user search intent.

Let’s picture this…

A user that Google “how many people live in Italy” wants straight-to-the-point information because the intent behind the query is just to know a more or less accurate number.

Instead, a user searching for “how to invest in cryptocurrency” expects to find articles that explain in depth all the steps necessary to start investing in crypto.

For example, from choosing the best platform to know the top 10 cryptocurrencies currently on the market.

It makes perfect sense if you consider it for a moment because, in the latter case, what’s on the stack is more substantial (the user money).

In this post, I’ll simplify the whole process and guide you through all the steps necessary to determine whether your blog post is long enough to answer a user query.

Factors Influencing The Ideal Length

Let’s have a look at the key factors that influence the ideal length for blog posts to achieve optimal SEO performance and reach the first page.

Addressing these factors helps you create a piece of content that ranks, engages readers, and meets your specific goals.

Search Intent

We’re basically talking about the reason behind a user’s search query.

It’s crucial to align your content length with the type of intent:

• Informational intent: users looking for detailed information benefit from longer posts that thoroughly cover a topic.
  These can range from 1,500 to over 3,000 words, providing comprehensive answers and in-depth insights.
• Navigational intent: when users seek a specific website or page, shorter content suffices, as the intent is to find a particular destination.
• Transactional intent: for users intending to make a purchase, concise yet informative content can be more effective. Here, shorter posts with clear, actionable information work best.

Audience Needs

Your audience’s preferences and behavior significantly impact the article length:

• Expert audience: if you’re writing for a knowledgeable audience, detailed and in-depth content is necessary.
  These readers expect comprehensive analyses and advanced insights, often requiring longer posts.
• General audience: for a broader audience, striking a balance between depth and readability is essential.
  Posts of around 2,000 words can provide enough detail without overwhelming the reader.
• Time-constrained readers: if your audience is busy and prefers quick reads, shorter posts that get straight to the point can be more effective.
  However, including concise, valuable information is key to maintaining engagement.

Content Goals

The purpose of your blog post also dictates its ideal length:

• SEO ranking: longer, in-depth posts generally perform better in search rankings because they provide comprehensive coverage of a topic and include more keywords naturally.
• Social shares: content that is easily shareable on social media, such as lists, infographics, and how-tos, can be shorter but highly engaging.
  However, research shows that long-form content tends to receive more shares overall due to its perceived value and thoroughness.
• Lead Generation: content needs to be informative and persuasive to generate leads.
  The length can vary, but detailed posts that address potential customer’s pain points and offer solutions typically work well. These can range from 1,000 to 2,000 words.

Your Competitors

Analyzing competitor content helps you determine the optimal length for your own posts by revealing what is currently working in your niche.

Here’s why it’s important:

• Benchmarking: knowing the average length of top-performing blog posts in your niche provides a benchmark for your content.
  If the leading posts are comprehensive and lengthy, you may need to match or exceed their word count to compete effectively.
• SEO insights: competitor analysis can reveal patterns in content length that correlate with higher rankings.
  This helps you understand the expectations of search engines and audiences in your industry.
• Content gaps: by examining the length and depth of competitors’ posts, you can identify content gaps or opportunities to provide more detailed, valuable information than what is currently available.

What Is The Ideal Blog Post Length For SEO?

The best way to pinpoint the optimal length of a blog post is by examining the word count of your competitors’ ones. 

There are two effective and simple ways to do this: manually or by using a tool like Neuron Writer.

Manual Method

Step 1 – Identify Competitors

Start with keyword research on Google.

Look at the top-ranking blog posts in the search results.

Step 2 – Analyze Content

Open each top-ranking blog post and use a word counter tool (e.g., WordCounter.net).

Copy the content into the tool to get the word count.

Step 3 – Record Data

Note down the word counts of several top-ranking posts to get an average length.

By doing so, you can accurately determine the average length of these successful posts.

However, it’s essential to ensure that the text you’re counting belongs to the main content of the posts rather than supplementary elements like sidebar widgets, ads, or opt-in sections.

Step 4 – Evaluate

Assess the structure and depth of these posts to understand how detailed your content should be.

This method provides a clear view of the length and quality of content that is currently ranking well for your chosen keywords.

While it can be time-consuming, it offers a direct insight into your competition’s strategies.

Using A Tool Like Neuron Writer

Neuron Writer is a specialized tool designed to streamline the process of content analysis and optimization.

I use it for my blog because it’s user-friendly and helps me a lot with the LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords, ensuring that my content is optimized for search engines.

Here’s how you can use it to check your competition:

Step 1 – Keyword Analysis

Enter your primary keyword into Neuron Writer’s search function. The tool will generate a list of top-ranking competitors for this keyword.

In the example below, I’m querying the keyword ‘how to invest in cryptocurrency.’

Step 2 – Content Analysis

Select the top-ranking blog posts from the list.

Neuron Writer will provide detailed insights, including word counts, for each post.

Step 3 – Compare And Plan

Use the data from Neuron Writer to compare the lengths of the top posts.

The tool often includes additional metrics like readability and keyword usage, which are also valuable for optimizing your content.

Using Neuron Writer saves time and provides comprehensive insights into the competition’s content strategies.

It automates the process of gathering and analyzing data, making it easier to create content that can compete effectively in search rankings.

Current Trends And Stats About Blog Post Length

I’m about to share some super helpful stats that will give you a better idea about the blog post trends online.

You might notice there are no specific statistics about short posts.

This is because most recent studies and trends focus on the benefits of longer, more comprehensive posts.

Short posts, typically under 800 words, can be effective for quick updates, news, or brief insights.

They cater to readers looking for fast information but often lack the depth required for more complex topics.

With that said, let’s talk about the average post length.

Now, I know what you might be thinking – how long is too long?

Well, according to a recent study by Copypress, the average blog post is now a whopping 1416 words.

That’s a lot of words, but the average has steadily increased over the years, especially because of the newest AI tool.

Another study by Credo found that the average length is even higher at around 1700 words.

That’s a 48% increase from 2018!

It just goes to show that people are hungry for more in-depth, valuable content.

Now, let’s talk about the median blog post length.

You might be wondering, “What’s the difference between average and median?”

Well, the median is the middle value when all the numbers are arranged in order.

And again, according to Credo, the median post is 1,370 words long.

So, half of all blog posts are shorter than that, and half are longer. 

Now, let’s dive into the optimal blog post length.

We already talked about the ideal length of a blog post and how to find it.

But talking about some stats…

Buffer suggests that the ideal length is around 1,600 words.

HubSpot, on the other hand, has a slightly different take.

They believe that the optimal length is between 2,100 and 2,400 words.

But here’s the thing to keep in mind…

Longer content tends to perform better in various content marketing metrics, such as time spent on the page and social media shares.

So, if you can create engaging, valuable content that keeps your readers hooked, don’t be afraid to go long.

Remember, the key is to craft quality content that is full of value to your readers, no matter how many words it takes. 

So, take these stats as a starting point, and always experiment and find what works best for you and your audience.

6 Smart Ways To Increase A Blog Post Length

For bloggers who find it challenging to expand their content effectively, it can be frustrating to hit a word count that satisfies SEO best practices without compromising on quality.

So I want to talk about some smart ways to help you write longer article while keeping your content informative, engaging, and reader-friendly.

1. Expand On Subtopics

Break down your main topic into smaller subtopics and cover each in detail.

This approach not only adds length but also enriches the content with comprehensive information.

For instance, if you’re writing about “Healthy Eating,” you can create detailed sections on different aspects such as meal planning, the benefits of various food groups, and tips for grocery shopping on a budget.

2. Include Case Studies And Examples

Adding real-life case studies, examples, or personal experiences can significantly increase the length of your blog post.

These elements provide practical insights and make your content more engaging and relatable.

For example, if discussing “The Benefits of Regular Exercise,” include specific examples of people who have experienced positive changes in their health due to consistent exercise routines.

3. Integrate Expert Quotes And Interviews

Incorporate quotes from industry experts or conduct interviews to add authority and depth to your post.

This not only increases the word count but also provides readers with valuable perspectives and insights.

For instance, if writing about “The Impact of Climate Change,” include quotes from environmental scientists or excerpts from interviews with experts discussing the latest research and findings.

4. Add Visual And Interactive Elements

Incorporate images, infographics, charts, and videos to illustrate your points.

Describing these elements in detail within the text can also add to the word count.

Additionally, embedding interactive elements like quizzes or polls can engage readers and provide more content to discuss.

For example, if your blog is about “Interior Design Tips,” include detailed descriptions of design layouts, color schemes, and furniture arrangements, along with interactive room planning tools.

5. Provide Detailed How-To Guides And Tutorials

Transform your blog post into a step-by-step guide or tutorial.

This format naturally requires more detailed instructions and explanations, thereby increasing the length.

For instance, if your topic is “How to Start a Garden,” include detailed steps on picking the right plants and prepping the soil to planting them.

6. Check The “Also Asked” And “Related Queries” Sections Of Google

Use Google’s “People Also Ask” and “Related Searches” sections to find additional questions and topics related to your main subject.

Answering these questions within your blog post can add valuable content and increase the length naturally.

For example, if you’re writing about “Travel Tips for Europe,” you might find related queries like “What is the best time to visit Europe?” or “How to travel Europe on a budget?” 

Bringing It All Together

In short, the ideal length for a blog post to optimize SEO isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal.

It’s more about finding a sweet spot influenced by various factors. 

Understanding what users are searching for, meeting your audience’s needs, aligning with your content goals, and checking out what your competition is up to are all factors to consider.

While longer, more detailed posts usually do better in search rankings and get shared more on social media, the main focus should always be on giving your readers quality, useful content.

Using tools like Neuron Writer can give you insights into the right word count and structure to help you compete in your niche… 

And keeping up with current trends and stats about blog post lengths will help fine-tune your content strategy.

Ultimately, your blog post should thoroughly cover the topic and hit your SEO targets. 

Whether it’s a short post answering a simple question or a long guide tackling a complex topic, make sure to write always content that is comprehensive, interesting, and valuable. 

Now that you understand the ideal length for your next piece of content, I suggest checking my latest blog post for additional expert tips and tricks to amp up your online game!