One of the most common questions writers ask is: “How long should my blog post be?” The answer, like most things in content creation, is “it depends.” But let’s break down what the data actually tells us.

The Short Answer

For most blog posts targeting competitive keywords, aim for 1,500 to 2,500 words. This range consistently performs well in search rankings while keeping readers engaged.

But word count alone doesn’t guarantee success. A rambling 3,000-word post will underperform a focused 1,200-word article that directly answers the reader’s question.

What the Research Shows

Studies from Backlinko, HubSpot, and other SEO researchers have found that:

  • The average first-page Google result contains approximately 1,447 words
  • Long-form content (2,000+ words) earns more backlinks than shorter posts
  • Posts between 2,250-2,500 words tend to earn the most organic traffic

However, these are averages. Your ideal length depends on your topic, audience, and goals.

Word Count by Content Type

Different types of content have different optimal lengths:

News and updates: 300-600 words. Readers want quick information, not lengthy analysis.

How-to guides: 1,500-2,500 words. Enough space to be thorough without overwhelming readers.

Ultimate guides: 3,000-5,000+ words. Comprehensive resources that cover every angle of a topic.

Listicles: 1,000-2,000 words. Depends on how many items and how much detail each needs.

Opinion pieces: 800-1,500 words. Long enough to make your argument, short enough to stay punchy.

Quality Over Quantity

Here’s the truth that word count obsession misses: no one has ever shared a blog post because it hit a specific word count.

People share content that:

  • Solves their problem
  • Teaches them something new
  • Makes them feel understood
  • Is genuinely enjoyable to read

A 700-word post that perfectly answers a specific question will outperform a 2,500-word post padded with fluff.

Practical Tips

  1. Start with an outline. Map out your main points before writing. This prevents both under-explaining and rambling.

  2. Answer the question first. Don’t bury your main point under lengthy introductions. Respect your reader’s time.

  3. Use our letter counter. Paste your draft to check your word count and reading time. Aim for a reading time that matches your audience’s attention span.

  4. Read it out loud. If you’re bored reading your own post, your readers will be too. Cut ruthlessly.

  5. Check your competitors. Search your target keyword and note the word count of top-ranking posts. That’s your baseline.

The Bottom Line

The perfect word count is the number of words it takes to thoroughly cover your topic—no more, no less. Use word count as a guideline, not a goal. Focus on being helpful, and the right length will follow naturally.