Content length for a blog is fast changing with new Google rules. If you get this wrong it is back of the class for you
How many words should there be in a blog?
This is a question we get a lot and there is no real answer other than what is Necessary.
However, there are Google rules which change quicker than an escape artist.
The answer is a five-minute read or about 950 words.
Therefore I have done my job, answered the question and we can all move on.
Except that some of you will disagree so let me explain why I chose 950 words.
In the beginning, it was 300 words
In fact, Yoast SEO had a 300-word recommendation back when blogging was still in its infancy.
Gradually over time that went up as readers wanted more and moved the needle over 2000 words to meet
an acceptable level.
However, because we are all time pore that gradually came down to an average of 1400 words as the Norm.
The bloggers among you will know that writing less than a thousand words is actually harder than writing more.
You grab a dozen headlines and presto a long manifest is produced.
Google changed its mind yet again
Google has come to a realisation that the preferred time to spend reading a blog is under five minutes.
This came about as they changed the page ranking system from exact match keywords to user intent or what the reader really wanted.
We need to be careful here because Bing is still on the old system and they likely handle a lot of your traffic. Therefore you must
please two masters.
Google wants to know what your blog is about.
Are you selling stuff?
Perhaps Internet marketing
Does it have commercial intent
Maybe academic or similar information
Once you get sorted into this pigeon hole they want to know if you provide the best answer based on what the readers want.
So if you have a line on page one position and those below get more user clicks you get kicked down the ladder.
This is a simple but true position that can take your best work to the back of the class.
plus it is all done by AI so it is no use arguing with a robot, they don't listen.
Content length for a blog by using a tool
Sub five minutes is the appropriate content length
Now some of you speed readers can get through a few more but I use Yoast SEO time clock to tell me to the closest minute how long my blog is.
Let me tell you 1000 words breaks the limit
The above is taken to this point on the page so a bit over halfway. It is only in full minutes so there are no halves or quarters. My aim is to finish in under 1000 words without fluffing on irrelevant subjects.
However, there is a more important material that you need to understand so read on for some surprises.
When Keywords no longer matter
Again I remind you that Bing and Yahoo remain in the old method of exact match keywords.
The Chinese and Europeans have followed the Google example so it is only time before it becomes a one-method system.
What is now more important than previously is content and reader satisfaction. Get it wrong and get out of the room.
You could argue with me but Google makes the rules and the robots enforce them so it either complies or misses out.
General blog writers have a simple system, to answer a question.
Selling product needs to differ from plagiarised manufacturers' specifications. Be different to the others by adding some spin.
Documents must be original material and backed up by a strong authority. What backs up your opinion that will influence others?
Material designed to take you to a location must do that as a single chore. Ticket sales, invitations, directories.
When target audiences matter
It is more important than ever to look at your target audience and write directly to them. We are all different and
respond to different inputs so writing to a chosen Avitar will keep them on the page that bit longer.
While your Keyword may not be the end of all of the search results it is still important in having you placed in a category.
Keywords still matter however reader intent matters more.
Your content must be applicable to your audience and retain their interest until the end of the article.
A great headline is the starting point that draws them in. You have but a part of a second to grab attention and get
that click to start the reader going. Then it is providing what they want.
Conclusion
The world of Google search is certainly dynamic and constant attention is required to stay ahead of the changes.
The training at Wealthy Affiliate regularly covers these situations and keeps you up with the challenges of all
search aspects.
Use both Google search console and Bing Webmaster tools to track your results and ensure you are staying ahead of the pack
Content length for a blog by Peter Hanley
P.S. 880 words and a 5-minute read
