Ideal Blog Post Length for Good SEO

Let’s cut to the chase: you want your blog to rank, and you’re wondering, “How many words should a blog post be for good SEO?” (And maybe, “Can I get away with writing less if I’m really, really charming?”) At bloggingmachine.io, we’ve spent more time pondering this than we’d care to admit — so you don’t have to.
The Magic Number: What the Data Says
If you’re hoping for a simple answer, you’re in luck — sort of. Recent studies and SEO experts agree that the ideal blog post length for SEO in 2024 sits comfortably between 1,500 and 2,500 words. Why? Because Google loves depth, readers love value, and, let’s face it, nobody ever said, “Wow, that 200-word post changed my life.”
- HubSpot found that posts between 2,100 and 2,400 words perform best for SEO.
- Wix’s research pegs the sweet spot at 2,450 words for higher rankings, more shares, and juicy backlinks.
- SEO.co reports the average first-page result is about 1,500 words.
- CoSchedule claims 2,500-word posts typically dominate search results.
- Capsicum Mediaworks confirms that most top-10 Google results are between 2,000 and 2,500 words.
So, if you’re aiming for the top, think “comprehensive guide” rather than “quick tip.” But don’t worry — no one’s asking for a novel. (Unless you’re blogging about writing novels, in which case, go wild.)
Why Longer Blog Posts Win (But Not Just Because They’re Long)
Let’s address the elephant in the room: length alone won’t save you. You can write 3,000 words about your cat’s favorite napping spots, but unless you’re optimizing for “feline sleep psychology,” Google won’t care.
Here’s why longer content tends to perform better:
- Depth of Coverage: More words mean more room to answer questions, solve problems, and address related topics. Google loves it when you satisfy search intent.
- Engagement Metrics: Posts over 7,000 words (yes, really) get three times more shares and links than shorter ones. But before you panic, remember: quality over quantity.
- Resource Value: In-depth, well-structured posts are seen as more valuable by both users and search engines. They become the go-to resource, not just another blip in the search results.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Tailoring Length to Your Niche
Here’s where things get interesting (and a little less robotic). The ideal blog post length isn’t universal. It depends on your topic, industry, and what your audience expects.
- Technical topics (think: “How to configure a Kubernetes cluster”) might need more words to explain complex steps.
- Lifestyle or news posts can get away with being shorter, especially if they’re timely or visual.
- E-commerce and product reviews often perform well with concise, focused content — unless you’re writing the definitive guide to buying a mattress online.
Pro tip: Check out the top 5 ranking posts for your target keyword. Average their word counts, and aim for that — or a little more. It’s like peeking at your neighbor’s test answers, but totally allowed.
Minimum Requirements: Don’t Go Too Short
If you’re thinking, “Can I just write 300 words and call it a day?” — technically, yes. But don’t expect fireworks.
- 300 words is the bare minimum for Google to take you seriously.
- 1,000+ words is where you start to see real SEO traction.
- 1,500-2,500 words is the goldilocks zone for most topics.
Remember, it’s not about padding your post with fluff. If you can answer the question thoroughly in 1,200 words, do that. If you need 2,000, go for it. Just don’t add “lorem ipsum” paragraphs to hit a quota. (We see you.)
The AI Angle: Automating Quality at Scale
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the server room: AI-generated content. At bloggingmachine.io, we use AI agents to create SEO-optimized articles that hit the ideal blog post length, nail keyword optimization, and keep your readers engaged. (And yes, we’re a little biased, but only because it works.)
AI doesn’t just crank out words — it analyzes top-ranking content, identifies gaps, and crafts posts that are both comprehensive and readable. That means you get the benefits of long-form content without spending your weekends glued to a keyboard.
Bonus: Our AI never gets writer’s block, never asks for a coffee break, and always remembers to optimize for your target keywords. (If only it could remember your anniversary.)
SEO Best Practices: It’s Not Just About Word Count
Let’s be real: you could write a 2,500-word masterpiece, but if it’s not optimized, it’s just a really long diary entry. Here’s what matters:
- Keyword Optimization: Use your primary and secondary keywords naturally. No stuffing — Google’s smarter than that.
- Structure: Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs. Make it skimmable.
- Internal and External Links: Link to relevant resources (like Google’s SEO Starter Guide), authoritative sites, and your own cornerstone content.
- Engagement: Write for humans first. Entertain, inform, and invite readers to take action.
For more on SEO best practices, check out resources like Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO and Search Engine Journal.
How Bloggingmachine.io Makes It Effortless
Let’s be honest: writing long, SEO-friendly blog posts is a slog. That’s where we come in. At bloggingmachine.io, our AI agent handles:
- Automated topic research (so you’re always ahead of the curve)
- Keyword optimization (without the awkward keyword stuffing)
- Consistent content creation (even when you’re on vacation)
The result? You get high-performing, SEO-optimized blog posts that drive organic traffic — without the late-night writing marathons.
Ready to let AI do the heavy lifting? Try bloggingmachine.io and watch your rankings (and your free time) soar.
FAQ: Blog Post Length & SEO
Q: Is there a perfect word count for every blog post? A: Not exactly. While 1,500-2,500 words is ideal for most topics, always consider your audience, industry, and the competition for your target keywords.
Q: Can shorter posts rank well? A: Yes, if they’re highly relevant and answer the search intent. But longer, comprehensive posts generally have an edge in competitive niches.
Q: Does Google penalize posts that are too long? A: No, but if your post is long and rambling with little value, readers (and Google) will tune out. Focus on quality and relevance.
Q: How does AI-generated content affect SEO? A: AI can help you scale content creation and maintain consistency. As long as the content is high-quality, original, and optimized, it can perform just as well (or better) than human-written posts.
Q: Should I update old blog posts to increase their length? A: If you can add value — new insights, updated data, or more thorough answers — absolutely. Just adding words for the sake of it won’t help.
Final Thoughts
The ideal blog post length for SEO isn’t about hitting a magic number — it’s about delivering value, depth, and relevance. Whether you’re writing yourself or letting our AI handle it, focus on quality, structure, and optimization.
And if you’re ready to skip the guesswork (and the carpal tunnel), let us at bloggingmachine.io handle your content needs. Because life’s too short for bad blog posts — and even shorter for writing them all yourself.
References & Further Reading:
- HubSpot: How Long Should a Blog Post Be?
- Wix: How Long Should a Blog Post Be?
- Moz: Beginner’s Guide to SEO
- Google’s SEO Starter Guide
- Search Engine Journal: SEO Guide