When I sit down to write a chatty blog post like this, I usually have a pretty clear idea of what I’m trying to get across. I let my thoughts sort of drift through my head for a few minutes; then, I go ahead and start writing.
Today, however, is not like most days. Because as I’m sitting here, attempting to write this post, I’m not entirely sure what direction it is going to take. I don’t have a clear, definitive idea of what I want to say. Primarily because, well, I don’t believe this topic has one clear, definitive answer.
That being said, let’s talk about it, shall we? Blog post length. Is there an ideal word count that every blogger should try and reach? And if so, what is that word count? I feel like this is one of the most hotly debated topics in the blogging world, as I’ve seen quite an array of answers after multiple google searches.
Some people say posts should be short. Some people say posts should be long. In fact, the articles I’ve read have ranged between 75 and 2,500 words. That’s obviously a massive range, and it’s not super helpful if you’re searching for a specific answer.
Within these numbers, there’s even more disparity. I’ve read articles that say short posts are more effective for SEO purposes. Then, I’ve read ones saying the complete opposite. There’s a lot of conflicting data out there, and no one seems to know what is or isn’t accurate.
So, is there an ideal blog post length? In my mind, no. Regardless of SEO and all that technical jibber jabber, I think each individual blog post has its own ideal length. Every blogger and every topic is different. And I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all word count for a blog post.
To me, the ideal post length is a feeling, not a word count. When I’m writing something, and I think to myself “okay, that’s good,” that’s when I decide it’s time to end it. I don’t try and keep writing to hit a desired word count because, quite honestly, I think it becomes pretty transparent when I do. There have been times in the past when I thought word count was everything, and I focused so much on making sure I hit that perfect number that I ended up repeating myself a dozen times or not making a whole lot of sense.
Instead, I now concentrate on reaching the point when the post feels done. I know that sounds cliche, but I think it becomes obvious after a while. When a post is done, it’s done. It doesn’t need anything else.
This might not be the way that everyone thinks (surely not if you’re an SEO expert). However, my feeling on the matter is that content quality is more important than quantity (oh, look, another cliche).
The way I see it, every blog post out there has one goal in common: to convey a specific message or idea. For some posts, that message can be conveyed in 500 words. For other posts, that message may require 2,000 words. Word count, in my mind, doesn’t matter as long as the central message of the post is effectively conveyed. Someone could write a bloated, incoherent piece about something, but not have it be as convincing as a shorter, carefully crafted piece on the same topic. Because, ultimately, the focus should be on what you’re trying to say, not in how many words you’re trying to say it in.
And with that, I feel like this post is ready for a close.
Have a lovely day, and thank you for reading!
Do you think there’s an ideal blog post length? And if so, what is it?
Currently, Lately 
I agree with you. Its the feeling, not the length. If I’m writing a long post, I asked myself would I read this? You should be able to say yes. If not, cut it down or change some things before posting.
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I like to ask myself the same question! It’s definitely an important thing to ask!
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This is a great post! I try to keep mine short and sweet lol. Thanks for sharing!!
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Thank you! And that’s awesome! It’s great when you find a length you like! 🙂
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You’re welcome and I agree!! 🙂
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[ Smiles ] It is a proven fact, that search engines like Google love beefy articles. However, we need to keep in mind that we are posting articles for human beings to read.
Also, it all depends on what you are posting; for example, if you are posting a recipe for bread, it would be absurd to do it using 2,500 words.
And, you could getaway with posting an article about safety using 2,500 words.
From a realistic perspective, it is not mandatory to post an article that comprises of 2,500 words. If you feel like only using 1000 words, that would be okay.
Another thing to consider is, that not everyone is a fan of long-form content.
On my blog, I do produce both short-form and long-form content.
The most important thing is, providing the reader with a valuable article; which is done via addressing their needs.
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I completely agree with your point. I really think the amount of words you use should depend on the circumstances. Your ultimately goal should always be to create the best article possible. Sometimes the best possible article is short. Other times it’s more in-depth. It really depends on what you are talking about and what your audience tends to like
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I completely agree! I personally try to keep my posts short/ medium size. I blog about beauty so I do not focus on my word count rather the quality of the words. I try to use the right words to describe my exact thoughts. Although I ask myself if I would read this post and try to keep it short, sometimes I just need extra words to get the perfect description.
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I would say I keep my posts around that length, too! And I agree that quality is definitely more important than quantity. It’s always a good idea to write descriptions that are as specific and accurate as possible!
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I like a good Medium sized post. I think if somethings too short it runs the risk of not being able to get a point across or engage the reader. However if a post is too long like essay length or greater it runs the risk of people only skim reading not being willing to read the post at all. unfortunately we tend to live in a time poor world.
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That’s such a great point! Writing posts can be kind of tricky because you want to go into as much detail as possible, but as you said, a really long post increases the chance that reads will just skim it or not even reader it at all. Ultimately, I feel like the most important thing to consider is what your readers typically like and respond well too! Also, what kind of posts you end up feeling the most content with!
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I used to say I wouldn’t change myself to ‘catch a guy’, because then I’d be stuck being that fake version of myself for however long we were together. I won’t be fake to win friends and I won’t use a ‘formula’ to win readers because then my blog would become about someone else, rather than me and what I enjoy.
My philosophy is that, although your writing style may not be everyone’s cup of tea, SOMEBODY out there will like it and you should write for that person; they are not concerned about your post length, how many pictures you include, fancy fonts or any such nonsense; they read for content and because they enjoy your writing!
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That’s such a great philosophy! It really is important to remember that one should write blog posts that they are both happy with and passionate about. As you said, it might not be everyone’s taste, but someone out there will like it!
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This is surely a food for thought topic. I’ve read somewhere that, a reader’s patience wears off after scrolling down through 650-700 words, when someone is reading a post on Internet. Personally, I like to read/write medium-sized posts.
But you’re absolutely right in saying “Instead, I now concentrate on reaching the point when the post feels done.”
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Most of my posts end up being medium-sized, too! I feel like it’s the easiest way to get your point across in detail without losing the interest of your readers!
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It’s definitely a feeling about length. You have to feel like you’ve gotten your point across and that doesn’t always come in a short post. Sometimes it can, but most of the time you’re going to write until you get all the details out. That’s why my succulent post ended up so freaking long!
If you write it appropriately, then the reader won’t even realize the length. Been there with many a fanfiction that I’ve read, getting sucked in by the story line and never realizing I read a chapter that was probably 20 pages long. It’s more about how you write in that respect than the topic sometimes.
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That’s so true! I’ve definitely read stuff online without realizing how long it is because I’ve been so interested in it. It really is about whether or not you write in the way that works for both the topic and the reader!
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I definitely agree with you. I usually just write until I feel the post is finished!
Florence
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I agree, I usually write until I feel like I’ve exhausted every point I can talk about. Sometimes I just feel like writing a short post, other times I want a longer more detailed post. I hate writing for the sake of writing, so there are times when I just don’t blog at all.
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I totally agree – it’s all about getting your point across in as many words as necessary. xx
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I’ve been reading a lot of “how to” blogging tips from Pinterest and so many of the bloggers I find there keep saying that the sweet spot is 700 to 1000 words, but I think it really depends on what you’re writing about. Unless I really, really love the blogger or the blogger is sharing something that it really, truly thought provoking and informative, I will not commit to reading a longer post – even though that’s what they say the kids love!
As for what I actually write, I have a set format for some posts – like reviews and listicles – and really commit to having a similar amount of lines of text to correspond with each bullet, rather than a set word count, but I’ll definitely go over the amount if it really needs it! Ultimately, I think it really depends on what you’re writing about. If it’s long because it’s full of fluff, I’m not here for it, but if I genuinely need to make it longer to get in all the details, then I’ll do it!
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Completely agree with this and think the quality of our writing is so much more than the quantity of words on a page. Sometimes I scroll through a post and think, “meh, too long to read.” I like when they are concise!
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