Short vs. Long Blogs: Which Word Count Works Best for SEO?

When it comes to SEO and content marketing, one frequent question is, “How long should my blog posts be?” There’s an ongoing debate about short vs. long content and how word count impacts search rankings, with strong arguments made for both sides. However, the truth lies in understanding your audience, topic, and the purpose of your content.

The Debate Over Blog Length and SEO

Is a 300-word post too short? Is a 2500-word article overkill? The truth is, there is no Goldilocks zone when it comes to blog length, no word count that is ‘just right.’ Over the years, content trends have shifted. While extremely long “ultimate guides” had become popular, there’s now an emphasis on making every word count. Still, longer posts continue to correlate with better results, as bloggers who publish articles over 2,000 words are far more likely to report “strong results” from content marketing.

On one hand, short blogs, such as those under 800-1000 words, cater to readers looking for quick answers or bite-sized insights. They take less time to create and consume. On the other hand, long-form blogs (1500+ words) can dive deep into a subject, cover multiple facets of a topic, and potentially rank for a wider array of search queries.

Why does length matter at all for SEO? Longer content often naturally includes more relevant keywords and provides more information that search engines can use to determine relevancy. It also tends to keep readers on the page longer. In fact, an analysis by Backlinko found the average Google first page result contains around 1,447 words. Clearly, many top-ranking pages are not short articles. Additionally, very comprehensive content (think, 7,000+ words) has been shown to earn over 3 times more shares and links on average, compared to shorter posts. Shares and backlinks are positive signals for SEO, as they indicate people found the content valuable enough to reference or recommend.

That said, more words do not automatically mean higher rankings. Google’s own experts have stated that word count isn’t a direct ranking factor. A short, extremely relevant piece can outrank a long, fluffy one. The key is to deliver what the user is looking for.

Pros and Cons of Short Blog Posts

Short-form blog posts (typically around 300-800 words) have some clear advantages:

• Quick to Read: In an era of limited attention spans, many readers appreciate quick reads that get straight to the point. A concise post that answers a specific question or provides a brief update can satisfy users who want information fast.
• Easier to Produce Consistently: Since they require less content, shorter blogs can be written and published more frequently. This can be great for maintaining a consistent posting schedule. Regular updates can keep your audience engaged and signal to Google that your site is active.
• Focused on One Idea: Short posts often stick to a single topic or answer a single question directly. This tight focus can make the content highly relevant to a specific search query without unnecessary digression.

At the same time, there are some disadvantages to only sticking to short-form content.  

• Limited Depth: By nature, a short post can’t cover a complex topic in detail. Important nuances might be left out. This could leave readers wanting more or prompt them to seek additional sources.
• Lower SEO Potential for Competitive Topics: If you’re targeting a highly competitive keyword or a broad topic, a very short article might not have enough substance to signal authority. Competitors with in-depth posts may outrank you by covering more subtopics and related queries within the same post.
• Fewer Backlink Opportunities: Other websites tend to link to content that they find authoritative or comprehensive. A 400-word opinion piece is less likely to earn backlinks than a well-researched 2,000-word guide with facts and examples. Longer content simply has more that others might reference.

When to use short posts: Short blogs shine when the topic is narrow or the user needs a quick answer. A straightforward 300-word answer that perfectly answers a user’s query can outrank a 3,000-word post that misses the point. As one SEO expert aptly put it, if you can answer the question in 100 words better than someone else does in 1,000, “then you win.” In scenarios where brevity equals clarity, short content is ideal.

Why Long-Form Content Often Wins in SEO

Long-form content refers to blog posts and articles usually 1,500 words or more (sometimes much more). These in-depth pieces come with powerful benefits for SEO and user engagement:

• Greater Depth and Value: With more words, blog writers can cover a topic from multiple angles and provide thorough information. This comprehensiveness is rewarded by search engines that want to satisfy users with the best answer. Readers also tend to spend more time on the page when there’s detailed content, which can improve dwell time metrics.
• Higher Likelihood of Ranking for Multiple Keywords: Longer articles naturally incorporate more relevant terms and subtopics. A study found that longer content is more likely to rank in the top 10 for multiple keyword variations, including long-tail keywords. Therefore, a single well-written long post can attract traffic from many different search queries.
• Establishes Authority and Expertise: A 2,500-word ultimate guide on a subject demonstrates to readers (and Google’s algorithm) that you have deep knowledge. This can build trust. For example, a company might publish a comprehensive guide on how to recover a suspended Google Business Profile to showcase expertise in local SEO issues. An authoritative guide can also subtly promote the company’s services;  e.g., a business offering a Google Business Profile Reinstatement Service could use a long blog post to walk readers through the recovery process, illustrating that they truly understand the ins and outs of Google’s policies.
• More Shares and Backlinks: Several analyses have noted a correlation between content length and backlink count. Longer, research-backed articles tend to attract more inbound links. They’re also more shareable on social media if they provide value. In other words, people are more inclined to share a definitive 2,000-word resource than a thin 300-word post. These backlinks and shares boost your SEO by increasing your content’s authority and reach.
• Better for Complex Topics: Some subjects simply require more words. If you’re explaining a complex process or comparing detailed options (like a case study, a technical tutorial, or an industry analysis), long-form is necessary. For instance, an in-depth tutorial on how to get Google Listing Back Online, covering why profiles get suspended, how to appeal, steps to get your Google listing back online, etc., would naturally be a long article because there’s a lot of ground to cover. Readers looking for that info want as much detail as possible.

It’s no surprise that many professional blog writing services recommend long-form content as part of a content strategy. To illustrate, one marketing study noted that posts over 2,000 words tend to appear in the top 10 search results more often. Another survey found a strong correlation between longer posts and self-reported success: 39% of blog writer who write 2000+ word articles report “strong results,” compared to only 10% of those writing under 500 words. The impact of well-written long content can be significant.

When to use long posts: Use long-form content for topics that deserve exploration in depth. If a reader is likely to have multiple related questions, if the subject is complex, or if the goal is to be a go-to resource on a broad topic, longer is better. How-to guides, “ultimate” or “complete” guides, listicles with extensive explanations, detailed tutorials, and comprehensive industry insights all fall into this category. Also, if you notice that all the top-ranking pages for your target keyword are 2,000+ words, that’s a hint that Google (and readers) expect a thorough article on that topic.

However, before you decide to crank out nothing but long posts, there are important caveats to consider.

How to Determine the Right Word Count for Your Blog

Now that we’ve weighed the pros and cons, how do you decide how long your next blog should be? Here are some practical tips:

1. Analyze Search Results for Your Topic: Before writing, take a moment to Google the keyword or question you plan to target. Look at the top 5 or 10 results. Are they lengthy articles or brief answers? This can be very telling. If all the top results are 1,500+ words, your 300-word blog might struggle to compete. Conversely, if the top results are quick reads, a super-long post may not be what the target audience is looking for. Use the existing ranking content as a benchmark for what users and Google consider appropriate. Many SEO tools also provide the average word count of top-ranking pages for a keyword, which can guide you.
2. Consider the Complexity of the Topic: Think about how much explanation the subject requires. If you’re covering a broad concept like content marketing strategy, writing a long piece will be more beneficial. But if you’re answering a simple question like how to enable dark mode on an iPhone, you can successfully answer with a short-form blog that provides straightforward instructions. Depth should align with complexity.
3. Consult a Professional: Instead of doing guesswork, you can always consult professional blog writing services. Blog writers are generally more knowledgeable about what should be the appropriate length for a specific topic, and can guide you accordingly.
4. Prioritize Value Over Count: Finally, make your decision based on value. Ask yourself, “Will adding more detail make this piece better for my reader?” If yes, add it. If not, consider cutting or stopping. An ideal blog post length is just enough to convey the necessary information, solve the reader’s problem, and perhaps gently encourage them toward a next step (like contacting you or exploring your services, if applicable). Sometimes that’s achieved in 800 words, other times it might take 2,000.

Many successful content strategies actually use a mix of short and long posts. This hybrid approach lets you capture both types of readers - those who skim and those who dive deep - and gives you material to share across different channels. Short pieces can be great for newsletters and social media snippets, while long pieces can be repurposed into eBooks or whitepapers.

Finding the Balance (Short vs. Long)

An effective strategy would be to not think about it as a short-form vs. long-form situation, and finding a balance between the two.

• Short posts are excellent for maintaining consistency, providing quick value, and keeping up with timely topics. They require less commitment from the reader and the writer. Use them when you need to stay top-of-mind with your audience or address very focused questions.
• Long posts are ideal for cornerstone content that drives organic traffic over time. They can establish your site as an authority on significant topics. Use them to make a splash in search results, answer the big questions your customers have, and demonstrate expertise.

However, choosing the right blog length is only part of the challenge. What matters most is having well-written content that fits your goals. Short blogs are great for quick updates and reader engagement. Long blogs work well for ranking on competitive keywords and showing expertise. The smartest strategy usually includes both.

If you want a professional blog writing service to do the job, Content Development Pros can help. Our team creates short-form and long-form blog content tailored to your business needs. Whether you need frequent updates to stay visible or in-depth articles to attract search traffic, we’ll make sure your content delivers results.