Content length has a significant impact on SEO rankings. Short, thin content often fails to rank well, while in-depth, useful content tends to perform better. This is why optimizing the length of your content is crucial for good SEO results in 2024. But how long should your content be? Let's discuss the ideal SEO content length.
TL;DR
For optimal SEO performance in 2024, aim for long-form content between 1,200-2,000 words. Anything below 1,000 words is often too short these days. The best practice is to focus on creating comprehensive, engaging content that provides value for your readers.
Factors That Determine Ideal Content Length
Several key factors impact how long your content should be:
- Topic Complexity - More complex topics often require longer content for adequate explanation. Simple topics may only need 600-800 words.
- Keyword Density - You need enough content to incorporate keywords naturally at a density of 2-3%. Too short, and density gets too high.
- Multimedia - Images, charts, videos, etc. help break up long blocks of text and improve user experience. This allows longer content while maintaining engagement.
- Audience Expectations - Readers expect thorough information. Too short, and they may feel disappointed and leave.
Recommended Length for Different Content
Here are some general guidelines for ideal length by content type:
- Blog Posts - 1,500-2,000 words on average. Can range from 1,000-4,000 words.
- Guides/Tutorials - 2,000-4,000 words. In-depth guides often exceed 5,000 words.
- Product Descriptions - 500-700 words. Include key features, benefits, and details.
- Category Pages - 800-1,200 words. Offer a useful overview of the category.
Tips for Optimizing Content Length
Follow these tips for great content of an optimal length:
- Prioritize Value Over Word Count - Don't "fluff up" content. Only include useful information.
- Include Keywords Naturally - Work into title, headers, opening paragraph, URL, alt text. Don't over-optimize.
- Break Up Text - Use headers, lists, images, videos to improve readability.
- Check Keyword Density - 2-3% density is ideal. Use a tool like Yoast to analyze.
Conclusion
When it comes to SEO content length, focus on creating content that provides value for your readers rather than chasing a specific word count. Aim for 1,200-2,000 words for most blog posts and include keywords naturally throughout. Well-researched, comprehensive content over 1,000 words tends to perform best. Just don't overdo it! Follow these tips to optimize content length, and your 2024 SEO results will improve.
Supporting sources:
- How-To Find the Best Content Length For SEO
- Is It Beneficial To Regularly Update Content-Length For SEO?
- The Role of Content Length in SEO: How Much is Enough?
- SEO Content: Complete Beginner's Guide
- How long your content should be to top Google Search
- How Much Content Do You Need to Rank?
- The Impact of Blog Post Length on SEO Rankings
- 10 Google Ranking Factors to Act on in 2024
- How Content Length Affects Google Rankings
