Your blog post conclusion should scale with article length: a 500-1,000 word article needs a 50-100 word conclusion, a 1,500-2,000 word article needs 100-150 words, and 3,000+ word articles need 150-250 words. Conclusions should include a summary of key points, reinforce the main takeaway, include a clear CTA, and link to related content. Conclusions are shorter than most writers expect—they should be tight and action-focused.

This guide covers conclusion length best practices and strategies for endings that convert readers into action-takers.

The Conclusion Length Formula

Length by Article Size

Essential Conclusion Elements

What every conclusion should include:

• Summary of key points
• Reinforce main takeaway
• Clear CTA
• Link to related content

Why Conclusions Should Be Short

Reader behavior at article end:

• Readers who reach conclusions have already invested time
• They want the payoff, not another extended section
• Attention is waning—be concise

What happens if too long:

• Repeats information unnecessarily
• Tests patience of engaged readers
• Delays the call-to-action

Essential Conclusion Elements

The Summary (Optional)

What it does: Reinforces key points

When to include:

• Long-form content (2,000+ words)
• Complex topics with multiple takeaways
• When readers might have skimmed sections

When to skip:

• Short content (under 1,000 words)
• When “Key Takeaways” section already exists
• Simple, linear topics

If included: 1-3 sentences maximum, hitting only the most important points

The Synthesis

What it does: Connects the dots and shows the bigger picture

How it differs from summary:

• Summary: “We covered X, Y, and Z”
• Synthesis: “Understanding X changes how you approach Y, which impacts Z”

Example: “Now that you understand conclusion length guidelines, you can write tighter endings that respect your readers’ time and drive action.”

The Call-to-Action (CTA)

What it does: Directs readers to take a specific next step

CTA types:

• Soft: “Consider applying these principles to your next post”
• Medium: “Try these techniques and share what works for you”
• Direct: “Download our free template to get started today”
• Conversion: “Sign up for our newsletter for weekly writing tips”

CTA best practices:

• One clear action (not multiple competing options)
• Specific and actionable
• Relevant to the content they just read
• Usually the final sentence

What NOT to Include in Conclusions

New Information

Problem: Introducing new concepts in the conclusion

Why it fails:

• Feels incomplete—new ideas need development
• Confuses readers expecting closure
• Should have been in the body

Exception: Teasing a related future topic (“We’ll cover advanced techniques next week”)

Extensive Repetition

Problem: Restating everything from the article

Why it fails:

• Readers just read it; they don’t need it again
• Wastes words on redundancy
• Makes conclusions feel bloated

Better approach: Reference key points without full explanation

Weak Endings

“In conclusion…”

• Unnecessary signpost
• Obvious from position
• Wasted words

“I hope this helps”

• Tentative and weak
• Undermines authority
• Offers no direction

“That’s it for today”

• Anticlimactic
• No call-to-action
• Misses opportunity

Effective Conclusion Formulas

The Summary + CTA Formula

Structure:

1. One-sentence recap of main takeaway
2. One-sentence practical application
3. Call-to-action

Example: “Effective conclusions are 5-10% of your total word count—tight, focused, and action-oriented. Apply these principles to your next post and watch engagement improve. Download our free editing checklist to refine your conclusions today.”

The Forward Look Formula

Structure:

1. Acknowledge what reader now knows
2. Point to what’s next
3. Call-to-action

Example: “You now have the tools to write conclusions that convert readers into action-takers. The next step is practice—apply these techniques to one post this week. Sign up for our newsletter for more writing tips delivered weekly.”

The Empowerment Formula

Structure:

1. Affirm the reader’s new capability
2. Emphasize the benefit
3. Encourage action

Example: “You’re ready to write conclusions that drive action, not just fill space. Tighter endings mean better engagement and higher conversion rates. Put this into practice today—your readers will notice the difference.”

Conclusions for Different Content Types

How-To Guides

Focus: Recap final step, encourage implementation

CTA: Tool, resource, or related guide

Example: “You’ve learned to calculate conclusion length and structure it for impact. Open your most recent draft and apply these guidelines now. Use our word counter to verify your conclusion hits the 5-10% target.”

Listicles

Focus: Tie list items together, highlight favorites

CTA: Ask for reader input or suggest starting point

Example: “These 10 conclusion techniques help you end articles with impact. Start with the Summary + CTA formula—it works for most content types. Share your favorite technique in the comments.”

Opinion/Thought Leadership

Focus: Restate position, invite engagement

CTA: Ask for discussion, share, or subscription

Example: “Strong conclusions require brevity and purpose—padding isn’t professionalism. Challenge yourself to cut your conclusion word count by 25% and see if it improves. What’s your take? Share your thoughts on LinkedIn.”

Technical Content

Focus: Summarize key implementation details

CTA: Documentation, tool, or support resource

Example: “Implement these conclusion guidelines: 5-10% word count, single CTA, no new information. Reference our style guide for more standards. Contact support if you have questions about implementation.”

Connecting Conclusions to CTAs

Match CTA to Content

Content type → Appropriate CTA:

• Educational article → Related resource or guide
• Product-adjacent content → Product trial or demo
• Problem-solving content → Tool or service
• News/trends → Newsletter subscription
• Community content → Comments or social share

CTA Placement in Conclusion

Final sentence: Most common and effective position

Why final position works:

• Readers who finish are engaged
• Natural action point after absorbing content
• Clean ending with clear direction

CTA Strength and Length

Soft CTA (short content, casual audience): “Give these techniques a try in your next post.”

Direct CTA (engagement-focused): “Apply these techniques to one post today and track your results.”

Conversion CTA (business goal): “Download our free conclusion checklist to improve your posts instantly.”

Common Conclusion Mistakes

The Rambling Summary

Problem: 200+ word recap of a 1,500-word article

Solution: Hit key points in 2-3 sentences maximum, or skip summary entirely

The Fade Out

Problem: Article just stops without clear ending

Solution: Add explicit call-to-action, even if soft

The Apology

Problem: “I know we covered a lot, sorry if it was too much…”

Solution: Own your content; readers chose to read it

The Cliff Notes

Problem: Bullet-pointed summary of every section

Solution: Separate “Key Takeaways” section if needed; keep conclusion prose-based

No CTA

Problem: Conclusion ends without directing reader action

Solution: Always include one clear next step, even if simple

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use a “Conclusion” heading?

Yes, it helps readers know they’re at the end and signals closure. Alternative labels: “Final Thoughts,” “Wrapping Up,” “Next Steps.”

Can my conclusion just be a call-to-action?

For very short content (under 500 words), yes. For longer content, add brief synthesis before the CTA.

What if I don’t have anything to sell or promote?

CTAs don’t have to be commercial. Ask readers to comment, share, subscribe, try a technique, or read a related post.

Should conclusions have subheadings?

Usually no. Conclusions should be tight enough to not need internal structure. Exception: Very long-form content (5,000+ words) where a brief “Final Thoughts” and “Next Steps” breakdown helps.

How do I avoid “in conclusion”?

Jump straight into your synthesis or summary. The heading already signals it’s the conclusion; you don’t need to say it again.

What’s the difference between conclusion and key takeaways?

Key Takeaways: Bullet-pointed summary of main points (often before conclusion) Conclusion: Prose wrap-up with synthesis and CTA

Key Takeaways

• 500-1,000 word article: 50-100 word conclusion
• 1,500-2,000 word article: 100-150 word conclusion
• 3,000+ word article: 150-250 word conclusion
• Elements: Summary of key points, reinforce main takeaway, clear CTA, link to related content
• Exclude: new information, extensive repetition, weak phrases
• End with one specific call-to-action

Conclusion

Tight conclusions respect readers who’ve invested time in your content. The 5-10% guideline keeps you focused on what matters: synthesizing value and directing next steps. Skip the excessive summary, avoid introducing new ideas, and always end with a clear call-to-action. Your conclusion is your last chance to convert an engaged reader into an action-taker—make it count. Try our free letter counter → to verify your conclusion hits the optimal length.