Expert Answer: How Long Should a Blog Post Be?

Last Updated on July 10, 2025 by Becky Halls

If you’ve ever stared at a blinking cursor wondering, “How long should a blog post be?”- congrats, you’re officially a content writer now.

Whether you’re a business owner, coach, SEO newbie, or just setting up your first site, knowing how many words to aim for can feel like an impossible riddle. 500? 1,000? 7,000? Does Google even care?

Well the short answer is: yes, it does!
The long answer is slightly more complicated… but totally manageable (and we’re here to help).

Let’s break it down based on what works, what doesn’t, and what we’ve actually seen succeed (because we’ve tested a lot of content over the years!)

Why Blog Length Matters

First off: word count affects SEO, user engagement, and conversion rates. But not all in the same way.

Here’s what the data tells us:

• Long-form content ranks better: According to a Backlinko study, the average first-page result on Google contains 1,447 words.

• But quality trumps length: HubSpot found that 2,100–2,400 words is the “sweet spot” for SEO on average, but shorter posts with strong intent still perform.

• User behaviour matters: A 300-word post might rank (barely!) but it won’t keep people on the page or convince them to buy, sign up, or trust you.

So the better question to ask is:
How long should your blog post be for its purpose?

The Goldilocks Formula (for Beginners)

Here’s a basic rule of thumb we use at 3way.social when guiding our users and clients:

Our Tip: Don’t obsess over hitting a word count. Focus on covering the topic thoroughly. That’s what search engines (and us humans) care about.

But Wait… What About AI Search?

Ah yes, the 2025 twist.
With Google’s AI Overviews and tools like Perplexity and ChatGPT browsing, the way users consume content is changing. They want clear, fast answers but that doesn’t mean short blog posts always win.

In fact:

• AI summaries often pull content from well-structured, long-form posts

• Clear structure – like headers and FAQs, give AI models easier content to cite

• If your blog answers a specific long-tail query early in the post, you increase your chances of getting visibility in the AI snapshot

Translation:
Yes, make it readable and scannable but don’t be afraid of length. Just make sure your value shows up in the first 200 words.

Our Experience: What Works Best for New Bloggers

We’ve worked with tons of small business owners and new site creators through platforms like AppInstitute and now 3way.social. Here’s what we’ve learned:

1. Short posts (under 800 words) are good for:

• Updates, events, or announcements

• Simple how-to steps

• Explaining a single concept quickly

But they rarely rank well unless you’re in a very low-competition niche.

2. Medium posts (1,000–1,500 words) are your safe zone:

• Perfect for beginner guides

• Gives room for keywords and quality

• Easier to write consistently than massive posts

3. Long-form posts (1,800+ words) work best when:

• You want to rank for multiple related keywords

• You’re targeting a competitive topic

• You’re writing evergreen content (stuff that stays relevant for months or years)

Real example: Our long-form piece on podcast link building brought in consistent traffic for 6 months, and it wasn’t even our most promoted post. Why? Because it was detailed, helpful, and answered more than one question.

How to Choose the Right Length for Your Blog

Use this quick decision tree:

1. Is it a competitive topic?
   Go long (1,500+), cover it in depth, and aim to be the best.

2. Are you answering a very specific query?
   You can stay short (600–1,000 words), but hit the answer fast.

3. Are you trying to rank in AI Overviews?
   Structure matters more than raw word count—include bullets, answers, and summaries near the top.

4. Is this content for sharing (not just SEO)?
   A conversational tone + visual breaks + 1,000–1,300 words usually wins on social and email.

Blog Length Best Practices

No matter how long your post is, follow these golden rules:

• Hook early: Your intro should tell the reader why they should keep scrolling.

• Use headings often: Every 200–300 words, break things up with a new subhead.

• Add visuals: Screenshots, memes, graphs – basically anything to make it easier to digest.

• Include a CTA: At the end (or even in the middle), tell them what to do next.

• Don’t be vague and boring: If it’s not helpful, entertaining, or insightful it’s gotta go.

Quote Breaks (because stats are great, but words from humans hit harder)

“Writing a blog post is like making lasagna. You can throw it together in 15 minutes, but the ones that simmer longer usually taste (and perform) better.”
– Ian, Founder @ 3way.social

“We’ve seen blog posts under 1,000 words rank well when they deliver real answers fast, but for most new sites, the 1,200–1,800 word range is a safer bet.”
– Becky, SEO & Content Strategist

TL;DR – So, How Long Should a Blog Post Be?

• There’s no one-size-fits-all answer

• For SEO and beginners, 1,200–2,000 words is the sweet spot

• For clarity and AI-friendliness, structure and intent matter more than word count

• For building trust? Write with personality, purpose, and consistency

Your blog is your digital handshake.
Make it warm, helpful, and not too long-winded, and you’re already doing better than most.

FAQs: How Long Should a Blog Post Be?

Is 500 words enough for a blog post?
Sometimes. For very niche topics or announcements, it’s fine. But for SEO and ranking potential, we recommend at least 1,000–1,200 words.

Do longer blog posts rank better?
Yes, generally. Posts over 1,500 words tend to perform better on Google because they cover more angles and include more keyword variations.

What’s the ideal word count for beginners?
Start with 1,200–1,500 words. It’s long enough to add value but short enough not to feel overwhelming to write.

Can short blog posts still perform well?
They can—especially if you answer a specific question clearly and quickly. But don’t expect to compete on highly searched terms with 400 words.

Should I focus on blog length or quality?
Always quality. A 1,200-word post full of value will beat a 2,500-word waffle fest every time. But combine both? You win.