optimal content length for seo: how long should your blog post be?

Let’s be honest: if you’ve ever Googled “optimal content length for SEO,” you’ve probably seen everything from “write 300 words and call it a day” to “don’t even bother unless it’s a novella.” So, what’s the real story in 2024? Grab your coffee (or your third cup — no judgment), and let’s break it down, with a few laughs and a lot of actionable advice.

The Data: What’s the Optimal Blog Post Length for SEO?

First, the numbers. Because nothing says “I know what I’m talking about” like a good statistic.

Most studies agree: The optimal blog post length for SEO in 2024 is between 1,800 and 3,000 words. If you’re aiming for the SEO sweet spot, 2,000–2,400 words is the golden range for both ranking and engagement.
HubSpot recommends 2,100–2,400 words for blog posts. (They’ve done their homework — and probably drank even more coffee than us.)
Backlinko found that articles between 1,000–2,400 words get 56.1% more social shares. And if you’re feeling ambitious, posts over 3,000 words tend to earn more backlinks — those precious little SEO gold stars.
The average first-page ranking blog post is about 1,477 words. So, yes, you can still win with shorter posts — if you play your cards right.

Sources: HubSpot, Backlinko, Search Engine Journal, Neil Patel

Why Does Content Length Matter for SEO?

1. Rankings

Longer content tends to rank higher. Why? Because it lets you dive deep, answer every question, and sprinkle in those juicy keywords (without sounding like a robot). Google loves content that covers a topic thoroughly — think of it as the search engine’s version of a hearty meal.

2. Engagement

Comprehensive articles (1,800–3,000 words) keep readers around longer. More time on page = lower bounce rates = Google’s algorithm doing a happy dance. Plus, longer posts are more likely to get shared and linked to. (And who doesn’t want to be the popular kid on the SERP?)

3. Organic Traffic

Pages with in-depth content are more likely to land on the first page of search results. But here’s a sobering stat: 96.55% of all pages get zero search traffic from Google. Ouch. So, it’s not just about word count — it’s about discoverability and quality.

What Does Google Actually Say About Content Length?

Here’s where things get interesting (and a little ironic). Google has said, repeatedly, that there’s no minimum or maximum word count for ranking. John Mueller, Google’s Search Advocate, put it bluntly: “Word count is not a ranking factor.” Fluffing up your content just to hit a number? Not going to help.

What matters is user intent. If your post answers the reader’s question — whether in 500 words or 5,000 — you’re on the right track.

“There is no true ideal length for a blog post. The right length is whatever it takes to comprehensively answer the user’s query.” — SEO.co

Busting the Myths: Word Count Edition

Let’s clear up a few things:

Myth: Longer content always ranks better.
Reality: Quality and relevance beat length every time. Short, focused posts can rank just as well if they nail the user’s needs.
Myth: There’s a “magic” word count for SEO.
Reality: Sorry, no secret number. The best length depends on your topic, your competition, and what your audience wants.

Best Practices: How to Nail the Optimal Content Length for SEO

So, what should you do? Here’s what we (and the experts) recommend:

Match the length to the topic. Complex subjects need more words. Simple questions? Keep it concise.
For in-depth guides: Aim for 1,800–3,000 words.
For standard blog posts: 1,000–2,400 words is a solid target.
For quick answers or FAQs: 500–1,000 words can work wonders — if you’re direct and thorough.
Don’t pad your content. Every sentence should add value. If you’re writing just to hit a number, your readers (and Google) will notice.
Check out the competition. Analyze the top-ranking posts for your keywords. If everyone else is writing 2,000-word guides, you probably should too.

The 2024 Trend: Quality Over Quantity

Backlinko’s latest study shows that while longer content still attracts more backlinks, the average length of top-ranking pages is actually trending downward. Translation: search engines are getting smarter. They care more about content quality and relevance than sheer length.

HubSpot also found that some of their best-performing posts are under 1,500 words. The key? They’re well-written and laser-focused on user intent.

So, if you’re sweating over word count, relax. Focus on depth, user satisfaction, and topical authority. The rest will follow.

How Blogging Machine Makes It Effortless

Let’s be real: writing 2,000 words of SEO-optimized brilliance every week is a tall order — especially if you’d rather be, well, doing anything else. That’s where we come in.

At Blogging Machine, our AI agent handles the heavy lifting. We automate content creation, keyword optimization, and topic research — so you can focus on running your business (or, you know, finally taking that lunch break).

Why choose us?

Effortless SEO optimization: Our AI knows the latest best practices, so your posts are always on point.
Consistent, high-quality content: No more scrambling for ideas or worrying about word count.
More organic traffic: Let us help you climb those rankings — without the stress.

Ready to scale your content without breaking a sweat? Try Blogging Machine today.

FAQ: Optimal Content Length for SEO

Q: Is there a perfect word count for every blog post? A: Nope! The optimal blog post length for SEO depends on your topic and audience. Aim for 1,800–3,000 words for in-depth guides, but focus on quality and user intent above all.

Q: Can short blog posts rank well? A: Absolutely. If a short post fully answers the user’s query, it can rank just as well as a longer one. Don’t add fluff just to hit a number.

Q: Does Google penalize short content? A: No. Google cares about relevance and value, not length. As long as your content satisfies the user’s needs, you’re good.

Q: How do I know if my content is long enough? A: Check the top-ranking pages for your target keywords. If they’re all long-form, you might need to go deeper. If they’re short and sweet, that’s your cue.

Q: How can I consistently create high-quality, SEO-optimized content? A: That’s where we come in! Blogging Machine automates the process, so you get great content — without the hassle.

Optimal Content Length for SEO: How Long Should Your Blog Post Be?