How Long Should a Blog Post Be? Ideal Length For SEO

If you ask the average content writer what the typical blog post length is, many will say 500–800 words.

If it’s as simple as that, then why are there so many viral posts longer than a movie script and some that are shorter than a coffee order menu?

Clearly, there’s a lot more behind this than just numbers. 

Unless you’re planning to channel your inner Colleen Hoover, we’ll be breaking down the sweet spot for word counts.

You’ll learn what works for SEO and why your audience’s attention span might surprise you.

Let’s get to the bottom of what really makes blog posts stick, no matter the length.

What Is Blog Post Length and Why Does It Matter?

Blog post length isn’t just about word count.

It’s about delivering value to your readers while satisfying search engine algorithms.

It’s a lot like cooking a meal, where you need enough ingredients to make it satisfying, but know that using too much can spoil the dish.

Why Length Affects SEO

The length of your blog post plays a significant role in boosting SEO.

Longer content often provides more opportunities to naturally incorporate relevant keywords, which can help search engines understand the context and relevance of your post. 

Additionally, comprehensive articles are more likely to attract backlinks, as they are seen as authoritative resources.

However, it’s essential to balance length with quality, as search engines prioritize content that is helpful and relevant to users.

As Google’s guidelines suggest, focusing on creating people-first content is crucial for effective SEO. 

Quality vs. Quantity

Length means nothing without substance.

You’ve certainly seen 500-word posts outrank 2,000-word articles simply because they better match search intent. 

The question is: What’s your goal? 

Write enough to cover the topic thoroughly—no more, no less.

How to Determine the Ideal Blog Post Length for SEO

There’s no magic number that guarantees your blog will hit page one on Google.

Determining the perfect length is part science, part art, and part stalking your competition (the healthy, content-research kind). 

But don’t worry—tools, trends, and a sprinkle of common sense can help you nail it.

Let’s dive into how to figure out the ideal length to make Google happy and your readers even happier.

Google’s Preferences

Google has one rule above all else: write for the user. 

Their algorithms prioritize content that satisfies search intent and provides real value.

But how do you figure out what that means in numbers?

Here’s a simple method:

1. Take your target keyword.
2. Analyze the word count of the top 5 ranking posts for that keyword.
3. Calculate the average length.
4. Add 10% more depth to ensure your content stands out.

For example, let’s say your keyword is best coffee makers 2025.

If we look at the top search results for this term on Google:

• Top result: 3,245 words
• Second: 2,987 words
• Third: 2,756 words
• Fourth: 2,543 words
• Fifth: 2,432 words

Average length? Around 2,793 words.

Add 10%, and your target length should be roughly 3,072 words—enough to match and outperform your competition while satisfying Google’s thirst for depth.

Search Intent

Not all searches are created equal.

The length of your blog post should align with what users expect from the query.

For example:

• A quick question like “What time is it in Tokyo?” needs a short, snappy answer—100 words tops.
• On the flip side, “How to invest in stocks” deserves an in-depth guide of 2,000+ words to address all the angles, strategies, and risks users are curious about.

The key is understanding what users want and delivering it in a format that fits their needs.

Your content is like a tailored suit: it’s all about the right fit.

Competition

Peek over the fence. What’s your competition doing?

If the top-ranking articles are long, detailed guides, don’t try to beat them with a 500-word summary.

Conversely, if the competition is light, you might not need a novel to win.

Study what works, but don’t just mimic—improve.

Add unique insights, better visuals, or an extra layer of depth.

After all, the goal isn’t just to match what’s out there but to raise the bar and give users something they can’t resist clicking.

When it comes to blog length, it’s not about being the longest; it’s about being the most satisfying. 

And with the right approach, you can hit that sweet spot every time.

What Are the Best Blog Post Lengths for Different Goals?

Let’s break this down by content type.

Short-Form Content (400–800 Words)

Short-form content is ideal for news updates, quick tips, or brief product descriptions.

For instance, a news post about a product launch might be concise yet informative, engaging readers who seek quick insights.

Examples

• “5 Quick Morning Habits to Boost Productivity”
• “Breaking News: Apple Announces Revolutionary Product”
• “3 Reasons This Gadget is a Game-Changer”
• “How to Clean Your Coffee Machine in 5 Minutes”

Tips

• Focus on clarity and concise messaging. Avoid unnecessary fluff to maintain reader interest.
• Utilize Undetectable AI’s AI Humanizer to ensure your content maintains a natural, human-like tone, enhancing readability and engagement.

Test the Humanizer in the widget below!

Pros

• Perfect for busy readers
• High social sharing potential
• Quick to produce
• Great for mobile users

Cons

• Limited SEO potential
• Less authoritative
• Fewer linking opportunities

Medium-Length Content (1,000–1,500 Words)

This length suits general how-to guides, listicles, or opinion pieces.

For example, a post titled “How to Start a Podcast” can provide detailed steps and personal insights within this word count.

Examples

• “How to Start a Podcast: A Step-by-Step Guide”
• “Top 10 Travel Destinations for 2025”
• “The Pros and Cons of Electric Cars”
• “The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Budgeting”

Tips

• Strike a balance between detail and brevity. Use subheadings and bullet points for readability.
• Use Undetectable.AI’s AI Paraphraser to rephrase sentences, ensuring your content is unique and engaging while maintaining the original meaning.

Pros

• Engages readers by providing substantial information without overwhelming them.
• Offers sufficient depth for SEO optimization, helping your content rank higher in search results.

Cons

• Requires more research and effort compared to shorter posts.
• May need regular updates to keep the information current and relevant.

Long-Form Content (1,500+ Words)

Long-form content includes ultimate guides, in-depth tutorials, or pillar content that thoroughly explores a topic. An article like “Complete Guide to Digital Marketing” would fall into this category.

Examples

• “The Complete Guide to Digital Marketing in 2025”
• “Mastering SEO: Tips, Tricks, and Tools for Success”
• “Everything You Need to Know About Building a Sustainable Home”
• “A Deep Dive into Cryptocurrency: Risks, Rewards, and Strategies

Tips

• Break content into sections with visuals and bullet points to maintain reader interest.
• Use Undetectable.AI’s AI Stealth Writer to transform AI-generated text into natural, human-like writing, ensuring your content is both comprehensive and engaging.

Pros

• Establishes authority on the subject, positioning you as a thought leader.
• Great for ranking for competitive keywords, as search engines favor in-depth content.
• Increases dwell time, as readers spend more time engaging with comprehensive articles.

Cons

• Time-consuming to create, requiring extensive research and writing.
• May deter casual readers who prefer quick reads.

How to Tailor Blog Post Length to Your Industry

Different industries demand different approaches to blog post length.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your content hits the mark:

Step 1: Analyze Industry Standards

Research the top-ranking articles in your industry to understand what’s working.

Look at the average word count of successful posts.

For example, in tech, detailed guides often hit 2,000+ words, while fashion blogs thrive with concise 800-1,200-word articles.

Use competitor analysis tools or simply study the length and depth of high-performing content to establish benchmarks.

Step 2: Understand Your Audience’s Preferences

Identify who’s reading your posts and what they value.

Are they scanning for quick tips or diving into in-depth research?

Check analytics from past content to see which posts performed best.

Comments and engagement metrics can also reveal whether your readers prefer snackable content or detailed guides.

Step 3: Align with Content Goals

Your blog post length should match its purpose.

If your goal is to provide a quick answer, keep it short and focused.

For educational or thought-leadership content, aim for medium to long-form articles to provide depth and authority. 

Map out your sections beforehand to ensure each part contributes directly to your goal without unnecessary fluff.

Step 4: Optimize for SEO

Longer posts have the advantage of fitting more keywords naturally, but they need to stay relevant and well-structured.

To maintain readability, break up text with subheadings, visuals, and concise paragraphs. 

Always prioritize quality—content that genuinely helps your audience will perform better than word count alone.

Tools to Help You Optimize Blog Post Length

Optimizing your blog post length doesn’t have to be a guessing game.

Undetectable AI offers a suite of tools to assist:

AI Word Counter: This tool goes beyond simple word counting.

It analyzes your content’s structure, ensuring each section contributes meaningfully to your message.

Evaluating competitor content lengths helps you position your posts effectively within your industry standards.

AI SEO Writer: Crafting content that appeals to both readers and search engines is an art.

The AI SEO Writer suggests optimal content lengths, identifies strategic keyword placements, and maintains a natural language flow, ensuring your posts are both informative and discoverable.

AI Paraphraser: Repetition can disengage readers.

The AI Paraphraser rephrases sentences, offering fresh ways to present information while preserving your original intent.

This keeps your content dynamic and engaging, encouraging readers to hang around longer.

FAQs: Everything About Blog Post Length

The Verdict

The perfect blog post length depends on your goals, audience, and topic.

Use these guidelines as a starting point, not rigid rules.

As a rule of thumb:

• Match content length to user intent.
• Use tools like Undetectable.AI’s Word Counter to optimize.
• Focus on quality first and length second.
• Test and adjust based on performance.

Ready to optimize your content length? Start with Undetectable AI’s Word Counter and watch your engagement soar.