Minimum Blog Post Length SEO: How Long Is Long Enough?
Let’s face it: we all want our blogs to rank, but nobody wants to write a novel every time we hit “publish.” So, what’s the real minimum blog post length for SEO? Is there a magic number that unlocks Google’s affection, or are we all just typing into the void, hoping for the best? At Blogging Machine, we’ve automated the art (and science) of SEO-optimized content, so let’s break down the facts, the myths, and the occasional existential crisis that comes with word counts.
The Short Answer: How Short Is Too Short?
If you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all answer, sorry to disappoint. But here’s the gist: the minimum blog post length for SEO is generally at least 300–600 words. Anything less, and you risk being labeled “thin content” by Google — a fate worse than your boss catching you on a coffee break for the third time before noon.
But let’s not stop there. The average blog post length in 2023 was 1,427 words (source), and the trend is only going up. Experts now suggest that for competitive topics, you should aim for 1,760–2,400 words (Hook Agency). That’s right: your blog post should be longer than most lunch breaks.
Why Does Blog Post Length Matter for SEO?
Google’s Not Counting, But It’s Definitely Judging
Google doesn’t have an official minimum word count. Instead, its algorithms look for content that thoroughly covers a topic and provides value to users. If your post is too short to answer the reader’s question, it’s probably too short for Google, too (Google Search Central).
Yoast, a leading SEO authority, puts it simply: “We advise writing more than 300 words for posts or pages, while product descriptions should be over 200 words.” (Yoast) But let’s be honest — 300 words is barely enough to explain why you’re late to a meeting, let alone cover a complex topic.
The Rise of In-Depth Content
The internet has evolved from the Wild West of keyword stuffing and 200-word “articles” to a place where comprehensive, well-structured content wins. The average blog post length has nearly doubled over the past decade, reflecting a growing emphasis on depth and expertise.
Why? Because longer posts:
- Answer more user queries
- Cover related subtopics
- Demonstrate expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (E-A-T)
In short, Google wants your blog to be the Wikipedia of its niche — minus the endless edit wars.
What Actually Works in Practice?
The 600–1,000 Word Rule (And When to Break It)
For most small to medium-sized businesses, aiming for 600–1,000 words per blog post is a safe bet. This gives you enough space to provide value without rambling like your uncle at Thanksgiving.
But if you’re targeting a competitive keyword or creating “pillar content,” shoot for 1,760–2,400 words. Yes, it’s a commitment. But so is SEO, and at least this one doesn’t require a gym membership.
Quality Over Quantity (No, Really)
It’s tempting to crank out 2,000 words of fluff and call it a day. But Google’s smarter than that. Quality always trumps quantity. Make sure every post:
- Answers the reader’s question
- Includes relevant subtopics
- Uses keywords naturally (no stuffing, please)
- Is well-structured and easy to read
If you’re using AI content tools (like us at Blogging Machine), let the AI handle the heavy lifting — but always add your unique insights. Google loves originality almost as much as it loves cats (probably).
AI Content Tools: The Game Changer (But Not a Free Pass)
AI writing assistants are making it easier than ever to produce longer, higher-quality articles. But here’s the catch: search engines are getting better at detecting low-quality, generic, or unoriginal content. Use AI to boost your productivity and spark ideas, but don’t skip the human touch.
At Blogging Machine, our AI agent generates SEO-optimized articles that are both comprehensive and engaging — so you can scale your content without sacrificing quality (or your sanity).
What Do the Experts Say?
- Yoast: “More than 300 words for posts or pages.”
- SheKnowsSEO: “Google doesn't give much credit to anyone that has a post less than 600 words. That's the minimum... but the ideal length depends on the depth required to cover the topic.”
- Hook Agency: “The best blog length for SEO in 2025 is 1,760–2,400 words. This conclusion is supported by a decade of data and numerous studies, which consistently show that Google’s algorithm favors longer content over shorter posts.”
Regulations, Policies, and Guidelines
There are no formal government regulations dictating minimum blog post length for SEO. But Google’s Webmaster Guidelines stress the importance of original, high-quality content that satisfies user intent and avoids “thin content” (Google Webmaster Guidelines). In other words: don’t try to game the system. It’s not 2008 anymore.
How to Decide Your Blog Post Length
- Check the Competition: Analyze top-ranking posts for your target keywords. If they’re all 2,000+ words, you know what you’re up against.
- Consider User Intent: Is your topic a quick answer or a deep dive?
- Aim for Depth, Not Just Length: Cover related subtopics, answer FAQs, and provide actionable advice.
- Use AI Wisely: Let AI handle the grunt work, but always review and personalize your content.
Summary Table: Blog Post Length Recommendations
Source/Expert | Minimum Length | Ideal Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Yoast | 300 words | N/A | Avoid thin content; focus on quality |
SheKnowsSEO | 600 words | 1,000–2,000+ words | Depends on topic and keyword |
Hook Agency | 300 words | 1,760–2,400 words | Based on data and expert consensus |
Polly Clover Writes | 1,000 words | 1,427 words (avg) | Average length in 2023; varies by niche |
Google (unofficial) | 300–600 words | N/A | No official minimum, but avoid thin content |
FAQ: Minimum Blog Post Length SEO
Q: Is there an official minimum blog post length for SEO? A: No official number, but most experts recommend at least 300–600 words to avoid “thin content.”
Q: Do longer blog posts always rank better? A: Not always, but longer, in-depth posts tend to perform better for competitive keywords. Quality and relevance are key.
Q: Can I use AI to write my blog posts? A: Absolutely! AI tools like Blogging Machine can help you create SEO-optimized content efficiently. Just make sure to add your own insights and review for quality.
Q: What happens if my blog post is too short? A: Posts under 300–600 words may not rank well and could be flagged as thin content by Google, hurting your site’s authority.
Q: Should I focus on word count or content quality? A: Both matter, but quality is more important. Aim for enough length to cover your topic thoroughly, but don’t add fluff just to hit a number.
Final Thoughts: Blogging Without the Burnout
The minimum blog post length for SEO isn’t just about hitting a number — it’s about providing value. At Blogging Machine, we believe in effortless, high-performing blog posts that attract readers and boost your rankings, without turning your lunch break into a writing marathon.
Ready to scale your content without breaking a sweat? Let us handle the word count (and the optimization) while you focus on running your business. Check out Blogging Machine and see how easy SEO blogging can be.
Further Reading:
- Google Search Central: Creating Helpful Content
- Yoast: SEO Blog Post Length
- Hook Agency: Best Blog Length for SEO
- Orbit Media: Blog Post Length Survey