How Long Should a Blog Post Be for SEO? Word Count That Ranks

Does word count really matter when it comes to ranking on Google? It’s a question every blogger has asked, especially when short posts rank above longer, detailed ones.

Quick answer: On average, blog posts that rank on Google’s first page are between 1,500–2,500 words. However, ideal length depends on your topic, audience intent, and competition.

For example, HubSpot found that their best-performing blog posts in terms of SEO had an average length of 2,100 words. But in competitive niches like finance or health, successful posts often exceed 3,000 words.

Keep reading to understand why your blog post's length matters—and how to determine the right length for your content.

Quick Answer

• On average: A high-performing SEO blog post is 1,500–2,500 words.

• Fastest possible time: Short, focused posts of 700–1,000 words can rank if competition is low and intent is satisfied.

• Longest possible time: In competitive niches or broad topics, posts may need to be 3,000–4,000+ words to rank well.

Factors Influencing Ideal Blog Post Length

Search Intent: Satisfying the Reader’s Need

• Google rewards content that matches what searchers want—whether short answers or in-depth guides.

• Tip: Use the top-ranking pages for your target keyword to reverse-engineer the expected depth and structure.

Competition Level: How Hard It Is to Rank

• More competitive niches require more comprehensive, authoritative content.

• Tip: Check the average word count of the top 5 Google results for your keyword using tools like SurferSEO or Clearscope.

Topic Complexity: Broad vs. Narrow Subjects

• Complex, multi-faceted topics demand longer posts. Simple, specific questions can be answered concisely.

• Tip: If your headline contains “how to,” “guide,” or “best,” you likely need 1,500+ words.

Content Format: Listicles vs. Tutorials vs. Reviews

• Listicles often perform well between 1,000–2,000 words, while in-depth guides can run much longer.

• Tip: Choose a format that supports thoroughness without fluff.

Domain Authority: How Trusted Your Site Is

• Newer blogs often need longer, better-optimized content to compete with established domains.

• Tip: If you're a new blogger, over-deliver in quality and depth until your domain gains traction.

Best-Case vs. Worst-Case Scenarios

If you're in a low-competition niche and answer a specific query well, your blog post could rank with 900–1,200 words.

However, if you're targeting a competitive keyword or trying to dethrone authoritative sites, you might need 3,000+ words packed with value, visuals, and sources to have a shot.

Common Mistakes That Delay Ranking Success

• Writing for length, not intent

  • Google rewards quality, not word count.

  • Simple fix: Always match your content to what the reader wants to know.

• Skipping competitor research

  • Not analyzing top-ranking pages can lead to content that's either too short or off-base.

  • Simple fix: Use tools like Ahrefs or Ubersuggest to study competitors’ length and structure.

• Fluff and filler content

  • Overstuffed posts lose reader engagement and SEO value.

  • Simple fix: Edit ruthlessly and prioritize value over volume.

• Neglecting internal structure

  • Walls of text are hard to skim and hurt UX.

  • Simple fix: Use subheadings, bullets, and short paragraphs.

• Ignoring post updates

• Old posts can slide in rankings even if they’re long.

• Simple fix: Refresh content every 6–12 months with new stats or trends.

FAQs: Related "People Also Ask" Questions

Question: Is a 500-word blog post too short for SEO?
Answer: In most cases, yes. While 500 words might work for ultra-specific queries, longer content usually performs better for SEO.

Question: How do I know how long my blog post should be?
Answer: Google your target keyword and check the average word count of the top-ranking results. Match or exceed the standard, while keeping it valuable and focused.

Question: Does Google prefer longer content?
Answer: Not always. Google prefers content that satisfies search intent. That said, longer content tends to perform better because it’s often more comprehensive.

Question: Can short blog posts still rank well?
Answer: Yes—if the keyword has low competition and your content is highly relevant and well-structured.

Question: What’s the best blog post length for traffic?
Answer: According to Backlinko, posts over 2,000 words earn more backlinks and tend to rank higher, leading to more organic traffic.

Question: Does word count affect SEO rankings directly?
Answer: Word count isn’t a direct ranking factor, but longer posts tend to perform better because they cover topics more thoroughly and attract more backlinks.

Question: How long should a blog post be to get backlinks?
Answer: Posts between 2,000–3,000 words typically earn more backlinks due to their comprehensive value and shareability.

Question: Is it better to write one long blog post or several shorter ones?
Answer: For broad topics, one long, in-depth post usually performs better. For niche subtopics, several focused shorter posts can help target specific queries.

Question: Should every blog post be the same length?
Answer: No. Blog post length should vary based on the topic, user intent, and competition for each keyword.

Question: How many words should a pillar post be?
Answer: Pillar posts are typically 3,000–5,000 words, as they serve as comprehensive guides covering broad topics in depth.

Question: What is the minimum word count for SEO?
Answer: Most experts recommend at least 800–1,000 words to provide enough substance for Google to index and rank effectively.

Question: Do shorter blog posts hurt SEO?
Answer: Not necessarily. Shorter posts can still rank well if they fully satisfy the searcher’s intent and target low-competition keywords.

Question: Can updating a blog post with more words improve SEO?
Answer: Yes. Adding relevant, high-quality content during updates can improve rankings by increasing topical depth and freshness.

Question: What’s more important: word count or content quality?
Answer: Content quality is more important. Google prioritizes relevance, usefulness, and accuracy over raw word count.

Question: How often should you publish long-form blog posts?
Answer: Aim for 1–2 long-form posts per month, depending on your capacity, niche, and content strategy goals.

Final Thoughts

While 1,500–2,500 words is a solid benchmark, the ideal blog post length ultimately depends on your topic, audience, and competition. Focus on satisfying search intent, not just hitting a word count.

How long are your highest-ranking blog posts? Share your insights in the comments!