SEO Number of Words per Page: How Much is Enough?

Let’s be honest: if you’ve ever Googled “SEO number of words per page,” you’ve probably seen everything from “300 words is plenty!” to “Don’t even bother unless you hit 2,000+.” So, what’s the real story? How many SEO words per page does it actually take to climb the rankings, impress Google, and — dare we say — make your readers stick around for more than a coffee break?
At Blogging Machine, we’ve built our entire platform around this question (and, okay, a few others). We’re here to demystify the numbers, sprinkle in some expert advice, and show you how AI can take the guesswork — and the grunt work — out of SEO-optimized blogging.
The Numbers: What Does the Data Say?
Let’s cut to the chase. According to studies from the likes of HubSpot and Search Engine Journal, the sweet spot for SEO-optimized blog posts is typically between 2,100 and 2,400 words. The average first-page result on Google? About 1,500 words. And yes, longer posts (think 2,000+ words) tend to snag those coveted top 10 spots more often than their shorter cousins.
But before you start writing your next magnum opus, here’s a reality check: content length alone won’t get you to page one. Quality, relevance, and — most importantly — meeting search intent are what really matter. (Sorry, word count obsessives.)
Quick Stats at a Glance
- 2,100–2,400 words: Ideal range for blog posts
- ~1,500 words: Average for Google’s first result
- 200+ words: Product descriptions
- 250+ words: Taxonomy pages
- 900+ words: Cornerstone content
- 300+ words: Minimum for regular posts/pages
Sources: HubSpot, Search Engine Journal, Yoast
Why Does Content Length Matter for SEO?
Here’s where things get interesting. Longer content gives you more room to:
- Dive deep into a topic (Google loves depth)
- Naturally include relevant keywords (without sounding like a robot)
- Attract backlinks (people link to valuable resources)
- Answer more user questions (hello, featured snippets!)
But — and this is a big but — overly long content that’s not actually useful can backfire. Google’s not impressed by fluff, and neither are your readers. If you’re padding your posts just to hit a magic number, you’re missing the point (and probably losing your audience).
“It’s not content-length that ranks an article – but the backlinks that are correlated with the length.” — Search Engine Journal
Quality vs. Quantity: The Eternal Struggle
Let’s face it: we’ve all skimmed a 3,000-word article and thought, “This could’ve been an email.” The truth is, quality trumps quantity every time. People (and search engines) want well-written articles that actually answer questions, not just walls of text.
“Quality matters; people will always prefer well-written articles that convey real value rather than very long pieces.” — Red Search
So, how do you strike the right balance? Focus on:
- Search intent: What does your audience actually want to know?
- Topic complexity: Some subjects need more words. Others, not so much.
- Competition: If everyone else is writing 2,000-word guides, a 300-word post probably won’t cut it.
Are There Any Official Rules?
Short answer: nope. There are no government regulations or official Google policies dictating how many words your page should have. But Google does penalize “thin content” — pages with little or no value. So, while you don’t need to hit a specific number, you do need to make your content worth reading.
For more on Google’s stance, check out their Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines.
The Rise of AI (and How We Make It Work for You)
Here’s where we get to brag a little. At Blogging Machine, we use AI to generate SEO-optimized articles that hit the right word count, cover all the bases, and — most importantly — don’t bore your readers to tears.
How do we do it?
- Automated topic research: Our AI digs up the latest stats, trends, and expert quotes, so your content is always fresh.
- Keyword optimization: We sprinkle in SEO words per page naturally, without awkward stuffing.
- Content structuring: Headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs for maximum readability.
- Regular updates: Because stale content is so 2022.
Want to see how effortless SEO blogging can be? Check out Blogging Machine.
Best Practices for SEO Blog Copywriting
Let’s get practical. Here’s what actually works:
- Answer the user’s question. If your post doesn’t satisfy search intent, word count won’t save you.
- Use headings and short paragraphs. No one likes a wall of text.
- Include stats, quotes, and actionable advice. Real value beats filler every time.
- Optimize for featured snippets. Clear, concise answers can land you that coveted “position zero.”
- Update your content. Outdated info is a fast track to irrelevance.
For more tips, see Moz’s guide to SEO content.
When Shorter Content Wins
Not every page needs to be a novel. Product pages, category pages, and highly specific topics can rank well with fewer words — as long as they’re focused and useful. Sometimes, less really is more (especially if you’re writing about, say, the best stapler for home offices).
Summary Table: SEO Word Count Recommendations
Content Type | Recommended Word Count |
---|---|
Blog Posts | 2,100–2,400 |
First Page Results | ~1,500 |
Product Descriptions | 200+ |
Taxonomy Pages | 250+ |
Cornerstone Content | 900+ |
FAQ: SEO Number of Words per Page
Q: Is there a minimum word count for SEO? A: While there’s no official minimum, most experts recommend at least 300 words for blog posts and 200+ for product pages. The real key is value, not just length.
Q: Can short posts rank well? A: Absolutely — if they’re focused, high-quality, and meet user intent. But for competitive topics, longer, more comprehensive content usually wins.
Q: Does Google penalize long content? A: Only if it’s irrelevant or “fluffy.” Overly long posts that don’t answer the user’s question can hurt your rankings.
Q: How can AI help with SEO words per page? A: AI tools (like us!) can automate research, suggest subtopics, optimize keywords, and ensure your content is comprehensive — without the headache.
Q: Should I always aim for 2,000+ words? A: Not necessarily. Use your judgment, consider your audience, and focus on quality. Sometimes, less is more.
Final Thoughts
There’s no magic number, but aiming for 2,100–2,400 words for blog posts is a solid benchmark. Just remember: quality, depth, and user intent matter more than sheer length. And if you’d rather spend your time running your business than counting words, let us handle the heavy lifting.
Ready to see what effortless, high-performing blog content looks like? Give Blogging Machine a try — we’ll handle the word count, so you can handle everything else.
References:
- HubSpot: Blog Post Length Benchmarks
- Search Engine Journal: SEO Content Guide
- Yoast: SEO Blog Post Length
- Moz: SEO Content Guide
- Google: Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines