Blog post length is one of the most hotly debated topics in the world of SEO. While some experts swear by word counts of 2,000 words or more, others insist that shorter posts of 600-800 words are the way to go. There are clearly many opinions out there. That’s why it's hard to know which one to follow.

Read on to discover the ideal length for your blog posts. We’ll also provide tips for optimizing your blogs.

Factors to consider when determining blog post length

How long should an average blog post be? There are several factors to consider. Some marketers believe that shorter blog posts are better for SEO. This is because they’re easier to consume. Plus, they can be written and published more quickly. However, data shows that long-form content tends to have higher search engine rankings and better user engagement metrics. 

User engagement metrics

Search engines consider user engagement metrics when determining the relevance and value of a piece of content. Blog posts with higher word counts tend to have lower bounce rates and longer average session durations when compared to shorter blog posts. This indicates that longer blog posts are more engaging and informative, leading to higher search engine rankings.

The importance of high-quality content

Blog post length is important. But it should not compromise the quality of the content. Blog posts that are longer but contain low-quality content are less likely to rank well in search engines. It is essential to produce high-quality, informative, and engaging content regardless of the length. Search engines prioritize quality content relevant and valuable to readers over keyword stuffing and other black hat techniques.

Ultimately, the perfect blog post length should be determined by the topic being covered. You also need to consider the amount of information needed to fully convey that topic to readers. The most important thing is to provide value to your readers. High-quality, informative content is key to building a loyal audience and developing your online authority. Experiment with different lengths and find what works best for your brand and audience. 

What is the ideal blog post length?

Bloggers and SEO experts have diverse opinions when it comes to the ideal length of blog posts. However, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Content should be tailored to the target audience and purpose. 

Here are different views on blog post length:

The shorter, the better

Some experts argue that readers' attention span is limited, and therefore, long-form blog posts are likely to be boring and deter potential visitors. According to their perspective, a 300-500 word count per post is adequate. However, these experts run the risk of sacrificing quality for brevity.

The longer, the better

On the contrary, some SEO gurus recommend writing detailed blog posts that are between 2000-2500 words. They argue that long content provides more value to the reader and is more likely to rank higher on search engine result pages (SERPs).

Quality over quantity

The optimal blog post length is determined by the quality of the content. Not the quantity. Search engines, including Google, are prioritizing user engagement metrics when ranking web pages. These include time spent on the page, bounce rate, and click-through rates. Therefore, producing high-quality and engaging content should be the ultimate goal regardless of word count.

Sure, a blog post can be lengthy. But it will not be effective if it does not provide value to readers. Ultimately, the goal of a blog post is to engage and educate readers. Simultaneously, it must drive traffic to a website. By focusing on quality content, bloggers can achieve these goals regardless of the length of their blog posts.

Benefits of longer blog posts

According to studies, the ideal length for a blog post is between 1,500 to 2,000 words. Writing blog posts within this range can increase the chances of ranking higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). 

Despite differing opinions, longer blog posts can have greater benefits for SEO. They provide an opportunity to provide value to readers. Longer articles can dive deeper into a topic and explore it in greater detail. This can result in more informative and engaging content that keeps readers on your site for longer periods.

In addition to engaging readers, longer blog posts can also help with search engine ranking. Google tends to favor longer and more comprehensive content, as it is seen as more authoritative and helpful to users. Longer blog posts can also include more internal and external links and higher-quality images, which can further boost search engine performance.

Moreover, longer posts can reduce the number of published blogs, which aids the website in streamlining its categories and tags better. Additionally, longer blog posts provide more opportunities for including relevant keywords and phrases. 

Overall, longer blog posts offer more extensive engagement opportunities, and it's recommended to use them when the topic demands it.

Examples of successful blog posts with higher word counts

There are many examples of successful blog posts with higher word counts. These posts often provide comprehensive information on a particular topic and are well-researched. Some popular examples include ultimate guides, product reviews, and opinion pieces.

How long does it take to write a blog post?

Writing a blog post is not only about putting words together. But it’s also about researching the topic, crafting a catchy title, creating an outline, and proofreading. Considering all these aspects, it takes time to create a high-quality blog post. 

Average writing time for different blog post lengths

The time it takes to write a blog post can vary. This depends on its length and complexity. It takes an average of 3 hours and 16 minutes to write a 1000-word blog post. This is according to a survey by Orbit Media. As the length increases, so does the writing time. It takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes to write a post of 1500 words. For a post of 2000 words, it takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes. However, these numbers are just averages. The writing time can vary depending on the writer's proficiency, knowledge of the topic, and writing style.

Tips for optimizing blog post writing time

Want to optimize your blog post writing time? You can follow some tips that will help you streamline the writing process. The first tip is to start with an outline. This should include the main points you want to cover. This will give you a clear structure to follow, making the writing process smoother. The second tip is to set a specific time for writing and stick to it. This will help you avoid distractions. In turn, you’ll be able to focus on your writing. The third tip is to use tools that can increase your productivity, such as Grammarly for proofreading, Hemingway for simplifying language, or Trello for task management.

The importance of quality over speed in blog post writing

While it's essential to optimize your writing time, it's equally important to prioritize quality over speed. Quality blog posts attract readers, build trust, and establish your authority in the industry. On the other hand, low-quality blog posts can harm your brand's reputation. They can also lower your search engine rankings. Write high-quality blog posts by researching your topic thoroughly and using credible sources. You must also provide valuable insights that resonate with your audience. Additionally, you should proofread your post multiple times. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Writing a blog post requires time and effort. But it's a worthwhile investment. It can yield significant benefits in terms of SEO, audience engagement, and brand reputation. Remember, writing a blog post is not a race. It's a marathon that requires commitment, strategy, and creativity.

Final recommendations

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for how long a blog post should be. Experimentation is critical. And the quality of the content should always be a top priority.

Experimentation is essential in determining the ideal length of a blog post. Testing different lengths, average word count, and formatting can reveal what resonates best with the audience. Analyzing metrics like bounce rate, time on page, and shares can help to assess the effectiveness of the post.

During the writing process, consider the topic. You must also identify the post’s purpose and the target audience. Ultimately, the blog length should reflect the needs of the audience and the topic being discussed.

Create quality content with B12

Quality trumps quantity when it comes to writing blog posts for SEO. Experimentation is critical. And bloggers should focus on creating high-quality content. This is so they can engage their audience, encourage social shares, and drive traffic to their website.

Need help improving your blog posts and engaging your readers? Look no further than B12. Our AI-powered text generator enables you to create content in less time, helping streamline your content marketing efforts. Our expert copywriters are also available to help you craft winning copy perfectly tailored to your audience. Get started for free.