How long should a blog post be?
Too short and your content will be lightweight.
Too long and readers will tune you out.
It’s a delicate balance — and one made all the more difficult when you consider every topic is unique. Some topics demand detail, others demand brevity.
In this post, we’ll help you maneuver through this tricky minefield.
And we’ll start with the tip that overrules the rest…
Master the Art of Engagement
It’s time to rethink the way we view the ideal blog post length.
If you type the question “How long should a blog post be?” into a search engine, you’ll find a lot of resources saying that a single post should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words for the sake of search engine optimization (SEO).
To a degree, this is a true statement.
But to stop your consideration, there would be a disservice to your work and your audience.
So, instead of obsessing over hitting a certain word count, why not shift your focus to engagement and provide high quality content?
After all, you can have a 2000-word post that loses readers after the first two paragraphs or a 300-word piece that keeps them hanging on to every word.
Consider this scenario: you’ve stumbled across a post on ‘The Hidden Treasures of Rome.’ But instead of a dull, encyclopedia-like dissertation, you find yourself immersed in an engaging narrative filled with captivating anecdotes of hidden alleys and unexpected treasures.
It’s a 500-word whirlwind tour of Rome, leaving you satisfied yet wanting more.
That’s the power of engagement!
So, here’s a tip: spend an hour brainstorming your blog post outline.
Identify your key points and ensure each one is a golden nugget of information, insight, or entertainment.
Aim to give your readers a ‘Eureka!’ moment in every paragraph.
That’s the kind of blog content that keeps them coming back for more.
Tap Into The Power of Brevity
In the age of Twitter and TikTok, we’re all getting a little accustomed to bite-sized information.
In fact, a short post with punchy blog content can often make a bigger impact than a long-winded essay.
So let’s embrace the power of brevity!
Think about it: wouldn’t you be intrigued by a blog post titled The World’s Most Dangerous Journey in 300 Words?
It’s brief, sure, but it’s got your attention.
Now, imagine that post delivering an exhilarating snapshot of a perilous journey with the energy and pace of a thriller.
By focusing on one compelling point, it becomes a piece that sticks with the reader long after they’ve left your site.
So, the next time you’re writing a blog post, try this: aim to deliver one clear, compelling message.
Keep your language simple and your points sharp.
Embrace the power of a shorter post, and you might just see your engagement soar.
Embrace Long Form Content
While we’re singing the praises of brevity, let’s not forget the other end of the spectrum: long form blog posts.
Longer content might sound contradictory, but that’s the beauty of blogging — there’s room for all types of content.
In fact, longer content is gaining popularity among readers hungry for in-depth, insightful content. Imagine writing a 2000-word post on The Untold Stories of Ancient Egypt.
Instead of a dry historical piece, it’s an engaging deep-dive filled with forgotten pharaohs, enigmatic hieroglyphs, and little-known cultural practices.
Here’s a tip: spend a bit more time planning for these pieces.
Break them up with subheadings, bullet points, and compelling visuals to keep your readers engaged.
When done right, these long-form posts can skyrocket your site’s dwell time and build your reputation as an authoritative voice in your field.
So, while it’s great to keep things short and snappy, don’t shy away from long form blog posts.
Your readers might just thank you for the longer post.
Break Free From Just One Content Length
Now, we’re going to provide another tip that’s strongly connected to the two above — your posts don’t all have to be the same content length.
In the world of blogging, variety is the spice of life. If you want to keep your readers coming back, mix it up.
One day you could post a brief 200-word update about a new product you’re launching.
The next, you could write a 2000-word piece sharing a comprehensive guide on how to use it.
After that, why not post a graphic breaking down the product’s features?
This kind of variety keeps your readers on their toes and keeps your content fresh and interesting.
So why not create a content schedule with a variety of post lengths?
It will not only give your blog a dynamic feel, but it will also let you cover a wider range of topics to help keep your readers interested and engaged.
Amplify Your Message with Infographics
Let’s shake things up a bit. Who said that blog posts need to be a wall of text?
In fact, mixing up your content with infographics can make your blog more engaging, dynamic, and digestible.
Imagine this: instead of writing a traditional blog post on The Science Behind Climate Change, you decide to create a detailed, visually appealing infographic.
It includes timelines, diagrams, and bite-sized facts about the impact of climate change on the planet.
Not only does this add variety to your content creation, but it also appeals to visual learners, making complex information more accessible.
There’s a good reason people say a picture is worth a thousand words.
Here’s a practical tip: try using online design tools like Canva or Piktochart.
They have tons of ready-to-use templates that you can customize to create eye-catching infographics.
And remember, a well-designed infographic can go viral on social media, increasing your blog’s visibility exponentially!
Let Your Topic Dictate the Length
Here’s another surprising idea: why not let the topic dictate the ideal length of your blog post?
Instead of forcing your content to fit a specific word count, allow the depth and scope of your subject matter to guide you.
For instance, if you’re writing a post titled A Quick Guide to Coffee Brewing Techniques, it might be most effective as a short, snappy piece full of practical tips.
On the other hand, a topic like The Comprehensive History of Coffee would naturally lend itself to a longer blog post.
So, for your next blog post, instead of deciding on the content length first, focus on the topic.
Plan out the key points you want to cover and let that guide your word count.
It might seem unconventional, but remember: your primary goal is to do justice to your topic and provide value to your readers.
If you achieve that, you’re golden.
Experiment, Measure, and Adapt
Last but certainly not least, let’s challenge a common convention: don’t just follow advice blindly.
As counterintuitive as it might sound coming from a blog post full of advice, the most practical tip we can give is to experiment and measure the outcomes for yourself.
Let’s set the scene.
Suppose you usually stick to 800-word blog posts about home DIY tips.
After reading this, you decide to switch things up.
One week, you post a 200-word quick fix for a common household issue. The next, you share a detailed 2000-word guide on remodeling a room.
Later, you decide to create an infographic on picking the right paint colors.
After each post, you measure engagement — comments, shares, likes, and even dwell time.
Over time, patterns will start to emerge.
Maybe your audience loves your quick fixes but doesn’t engage much with the long guides. Or perhaps your infographic gets shared on social media more than any other post.
By experimenting with different post lengths and measuring your audience’s response, you can discover the sweet spot for your own blog.
Remember, blogging isn’t a one-size-fits-all game.
Your target audience is unique, and what works for one blog may not work for another.
So go ahead, mix things up, keep an eye on the results, and you’ll soon find your perfect rhythm.
And the best part?
This trial-and-error approach keeps you in tune with your audience’s needs and preferences, making your blog a dynamic, evolving platform that truly resonates with your readers.
After all, isn’t that what great blogging is all about?
So, How Long Should a Blog Post Be?
The answer to the question “how long should a blog post be?” isn’t a single number for all situations.
Everything depends on your content marketing goals and on you knowing what your audience wants and needs.
So now that you understand the pros and cons of various blog post word counts, you’ve got all you need to figure out what lengths work best for future posts.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to get writing.
The post How Long Should a Blog Post Be in 2024? (+ Tips & Examples) appeared first on Smart Blogger.
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