How Long Should a Blog Post Be for SEO? (Complete Guide)

If your goal is to rank your content on Google, a primary concern is How long should my blog post be for SEO?

To keep it short, the answer is as simple as 1,000 - 2,500 words.

But the answer varies by search intent, competition, and how deep the topic is.

We will explain further down.

Why Blog Post Length Matters for SEO?

Google does reward content length, but from a more holistic approach that focuses on content quality more. Long-form posts simply do better, as they allow for more:

• Detailed answers.
• More keyword coverage.
• Better content depth.
• Greater likelihood for backlinks.
• Improved reader engagement.

So, it makes sense that the highest-ranking blog posts for the most competitive keywords are over 1,500 words.

What is the Best Blog Length by Content?

Each content type has its own ideal length range.

1. Informational Blogs: How-to, Guides, Tutorials.

290 words to 2,500 words is the ideal length.

2. Listicles:

1,000 words to 1,800 words is the ideal length.

It is simply a title like, 15 Best SEO Tools, and it does not require heavy explanations for each listed item.

3. News and Updates:

For this content type, it is ideal to keep it short and straight, so it is 300 words to 900 words.

4. Product/Service Pages

Typical Length: 800 to 1,300 words

Your writing should be long enough to tackle all the features, benefits, radio, FAQs, and comparisons.

5. Pillar Pages

Typical Length: 3,000 to 6,500 words

Since these provide a comprehensive coverage of a single topic.

6. Landing Pages

Typical Length: 500 to 1,000 words

It should focus on achieving conversions. In that case, clarity supersedes length.

The Real Answer: Length Depends on Search Intent.

Rather than thinking, “How many words?” ask:

What is Google already ranking?

Search the keyword and see:

Are the top 3 pages 1,000 to 1,500 words? Then follow that.

Are the top pages 3,000-plus words? Google wants long-form content.

Are the results short, quick answers? Then you should keep it concise.

You should be looking to match or exceed the average length of the top-ranking blogs.

Does Longer Always Mean Better?

No.

For instance, writing a 4,000-word blog about a straightforward topic like “How to boil an egg” is unreasonable.

Google cares about:

✔ Relevance

✔ Depth

✔ User satisfaction

✔ Structure & readability

If there is a topic that can be adequately addressed in 800 words, then it should not be unnecessarily stretched out just for the sake of SEO optimization.

What should you consider the perfect length for a blog?

Consider this 5-step method:

1. Check the Top 10 Ranking Pages

You can use Ahrefs, Surfer or just count manually.

2. Identify the Search Intent

What is..?’ = short

How to . . .? = medium to long

Complete guide = long form

3. Cover the Topic Fully

Your content should be the best resource on the internet for that keyword.

4. Add Subtopics & FAQs

More depth to the content.

5. Maintain Readability

Use:

• Short paragraphs
• Headings o (H2/H3)
• Bullets
• Images

More readability is favored on Google.

Best Word Count Formula for SEO

A simple formula:

Your target word count = Average word count of top 5 ranking pages + 10% more

This means you will meet to depth needed for the content and more than your competitors.

Conclusion

How long should a blog post be for SEO?

General blogs: 1,000 – 2,500 words.

Long form guides: 2,500 – 5,000 + words.

Short form content: 300 – 900 words.

But remember:

• Write enough to fully answer the search intent- no more, no less.
• Depth beats word count.
• Quality beats quantity.

Hence, if your blog gives Google the best answer, it will rank regardless of the length.