Word Count for SEO: How Much Does It Really Matter?

When we talk about search engine optimisation (SEO), content quality is always prioritized. But what about the length of the content? You might be wondering if word count really affects your SEO. Well, people often perceive that the longer the content is, the better the traffic is. 

But is longer content always better? Not necessarily. Let’s find out this and that of word count for SEO, whether or not word count influences your rankings, and what works best for SEO below!

Does Word Count Matter for SEO?

Word count is the amount of words in a piece of SEO article. There is a saying that the ideal word count for SEO to be ranked in SERPs is around 2,000 words per piece. If you write less than that, your article will be scored as thin content and will not rank higher than the others.

However, is that really the case? Does word count matter that much in order to get a spot on the first page of search results?

In fact, word count does not determine the ranking factor for SEO. Google’s John Mueller supports this by stating, “Word count is not a ranking factor. Save yourself the trouble.” Therefore, you cannot aim for the top spot in SERPs by simply writing a long article.

John Mueller also said that word count alone does not determine whether an article is thin content. As an expert on your site’s topic, you can assess the information that is truly useful for your audience without adding unnecessary fluff. 

Therefore, do not solely focus on word count; instead, focus on the quality of your content and the value it brings to your audience.

Where Does the Misconception Come From?

The idea of the minimum length for an article came from digital marketing blogs and news articles, which are often cited as the source of the myth. It was reported that the ideal length for an article is 2,100-2,400 words.

Another stated that the ideal length for driving social shares was 1,000-2,000 words and 3,000 words to increase backlinks. Soon, writers started using this number as a benchmark and perceived it as the best practice. 

However, it lacks important context, where it was revealed that not all content needs to be super long, and shorter articles can also rank high in search engines. Besides, social traction does not influence Google rankings. 

There is also a study investigating the correlation between word count and backlinks, which resulted in a strong negative correlation between the two. This emphasizes that longer articles that often get more links do not mean that the length itself is the reason, which proves the myths wrong.

How Many Minimum Word Counts for SEO?

It was a common belief that an article needed a certain length to rank high in SERPs. Initially, the minimum length for a piece of content was 750 words, then it increased to a minimum of 1,500-2,000 words over time.

However, Google has clearly stated that word count is unrelated to the ranking algorithm. So, there is absolutely no rule for the best word counts for SEO-friendly blog posts. Instead, search engines prioritize helpful, informative, and reliable content over length.

The aim is to create content that offers the reader more value than a superlong piece full of fluff and filler. Focus on covering topics that are concise yet comprehensive enough to deliver information meaningfully.

What Makes Long-Form Content Rank Higher Than Short-Form Content?

Word count is not a determining factor for SEO, but it does not mean you can overlook it and write something shallow. If you fail to provide valuable and meaningful information, Google will view your article as thin content and won’t rank highly on search engines. 

Search engines are designed to provide users with the best results for their queries. Therefore, thin content that lacks substance and depth will not meet this requirement, and it probably won’t rank high in SERPs.

Besides, a thin article has less chance to incorporate keywords naturally, so search engines will not find it as relevant to a search query as a long article that uses keywords more inherently. Of course, this rule does not apply to long, keyword-stuffed articles. 

How to Write A Winning Article?

You can write long articles as long as they are of high quality and provide value to readers. There are no hard-and-fast rules for long-form content, but there are some guidelines you should follow to make sure your article is worth reading and ranks well. 

Here are some tips to help you write an engaging and high-quality article:

1. Make Text Readable

The most important aspect of an article is its readability. Articles are not just text; they are an information source that must be easily read and understood. To achieve that, you need to write relevant information and put it in the right order. 

Avoid wordiness to keep the text clear and concise, free from unnecessary details. If you use a word more than twice, consider using shorter and more precise terms. You can also try removing some of the details and figures to create a simpler version that is easier to understand.

Besides, break up your text into paragraphs with a clear topic sentence to make it easier to read. The topic sentence will ensure each paragraph has a single point to support. This way, readers will have a clear idea of each section. 

2. Construct Content With Headings

When structuring an article, use headings to create a clear hierarchy of information. Headings help readers scan through your content and decide what is most important. Incorporating headings into your text is important to guide your readers and make your content easier to follow.

3. Identify the Search Intent

Search intent is the purpose of the search query, and it significantly impacts the content you create. It helps you identify the information that most people need and give them the answers they are looking for.

You can find it using keyword research tools to see what people seek in your industry. You can also use the Google search bar to find out what people are searching for and learn what comes up on the first page of search results.

4. Use Long-Tail Keywords

Another tip you can consider is using long-tail keywords in your content. These keywords are more specific and likely to bring qualified traffic to your site. They are also easier to rank for and help you get on the first page of search results.

5. Observe How Competitors Make Content

To write an engaging and SEO-friendly article, you need to know how to write content your competitors have created and how they optimize it for search engines. By observing your competitors, you will get more insights on how to make your article concise, understandable, and accurate.

6 Develop Original Content

The last thing you can do is develop original content for your website. While it may be challenging, creating original content is the best way for people to visit your site. 

You can start by thinking about what makes your content different from competitors. Then, proceed to keyword research to get ideas on what to write and how to make it stand out.

Conclusion

While word count is not a direct ranking factor for SEO, it is still vital for content visibility and user engagement. The key is to find the perfect balance between the length of your content and the quality of the information you offer. 

Although there is no minimum word count for SEO, your article must be long enough to cover the topic thoroughly but not too long to lose the reader’s attention.

Ultimately, the right word count depends on your content goals and target audience. Whether you are writing in-depth guides or short, informative posts, focus on delivering value. 

Search engines reward content that satisfies user intent, so you need to aim for content that is not only optimized in length but also provides meaningful insights.

For a more comprehensive approach to SEO, you can partner up with SEO Writing Service by cmlabs. We offer services that can fine-tune your strategy, from content optimization to technical SEO, helping you rank higher and drive more traffic. 

Contact our marketing team to set up a meeting and get special offers today!