Latest posts by Glenn C (see all)
- Why Blog Post Length Must Always Be Secondary to Creating Value - March 2, 2013
- Just who the heck is your blog content for? - January 18, 2013
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It would seem that the debate centering on blog post lengths keeps raging on. There are of course two very distinct schools of thought here. Many writers believe that their blog posts can only really deliver when the word count is in excess of 1000 words. Whilst, others believe that less is actually more.
The people behind the rationale for producing low word count content will often argue that readers struggle with their attention spans. These same readers it would seem much prefer a chunk of information, with the minimum opportunity of distraction.
This blog post will take a closer look at both sides of this argument and perhaps more importantly explore the best scenario.
Shorter is best
As we have already discussed, shorter posts run less risk of the reader getting bored and losing interest. There are fewer things more disappointing than coming across a bloated piece of content. Often these will make their point within the first paragraph or two and then spend the remaining 800+ words almost beating their reader to death.
In many respects this type of writing is similar to when an individual was in secondary school. Maybe you can remember scrambling like mad to get as much fluff and filler into the writing as possible. Desperately trying to get over the magical quota line, well long worded posts can often be a little like this.
The reality is that is that if something can be said quickly in a snappy fashion then it should. In a world where there is already far too many distractions, should you really be wanting to add to them?
No, Long Posts are Much Better
Four or five hundred words is barely enough to determine an issue, let alone explore it properly. However, the internet is chock a block full of short content. A lot of this content offers just about as much use as a chocolate teapot. Why? Because content writers are frightened to death about scaring their readers off.
If you believe that your writing cannot hold a readers interest over say 800 or even 1,000 words then now is the time to hang your head in shame. Stop now and find an alternative career.
Great writing is worth much more attention than this.
Who Really Cares About Length? Value is King
Having read the above, you might well be unsure of the best approach to take. The reality is that there is probably no clear winner when it comes to just how long a great blog post or article should be.
When writing for the web it is essential to always deliver value. Without it your readers simply won’t return. What’s more they won’t share your “great” post with others. The time that you spend putting it together will have been by and large wasted.
It’s extremely unlikely that a reader will stop reading after 500 words or so if they are finding your content informative and interesting. The reality is that they will want more!
However, on the flip side, if you are being a little long winded in your approach then people are much more likely to stop reading. Most of the time they won’t even bother to hang around for you to make your point, assuming that there actually is one.
Secret: Value Guaranteed
The easiest way to guarantee successful content is to follow a very simple, but essential pattern.
The written article or blog post must have at its very core a simple goal:
- Identify a problem
- Offer a solution
This will ring true for the vast majority of all non-fiction written material.
Put simply a great writer will be able to provide an interesting introduction. They will then have the ability to raise the tension a little; of course this is achieved by simply discussing the roots of the problem. After this stage they will then be able to provide a conclusion, or in other words they will solve the issue that the reader has faced.
Practice Makes Perfect
Putting content together in the above fashion can take a little practice; however, with some perseverance great results can be achieved.
Without a doubt it is the most likely way that value can be delivered, without the risk of missing something or worse still droning on till the cows come home.
Twitter: turtlers_com
yes i also really like your views that content is king and length doesn’t matter !but sometimes long posts ruin interest of the reader !
harshi recently posted..How to Root Sony Xperia Sola !
Twitter: No1Copywriting
For me it’s definitely all about providing value.
Focusing on good quality original content will always outweigh the length of the post. If you can get the point across in a few hundred words then great, if however, on the over hand it takes in excess of 1,000 then that’s fine too!
Thanks for commenting Harshi
Glenn C recently posted..5 Tips to Write Compelling Blog Posts: Connect with Your Audience
Twitter: TechAndTeaching
Agreed. Simple questions can be answered simply, so if your topic is very narrowly tailored than it shouldn’t take more than a couple hundred words. If you want to write longer posts (which can also be good for picking up longtail keywords), then pick broader topics that justify writing at length.
Brian Rock recently posted..How to Compose the Center of Interest in Your Photographs
Twitter: anndiana93
Hi, Mr. Glenn. C, This is very good article, long or short article was highly influential, but the most influential is the quality of the article. Short article can also be good, if it complete and satisfying readers. Too long is not necessarily complete, occasionally swirling and boring. The content must be considered, so that the reader gets the information is clear and complete. Perhaps a combination of graphical and analytical writing will make the article not too short or too long, but still have good quality and satisfying readers. Thank you, to be honest this article is great, successful for you.
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Thanks for those thoughts Annidiana,
Yes, couldn’t agree more about providing content that satisfies the reader. Thats got to be the most important part.
Inserting images, especially infographics can go a long way into making a blog post more interesting. Your right about that
Glenn C recently posted..Fluff Content: Your Own Site Could Be Guilty of Not Providing Enough Nutritional Content
I agree, I have been told before that longer post is good for Google ranking but what happens when your readers get bored.
Twitter: DiscoverAuction
Hi Glenn,
I feel the length has to be based on the topic. Some topics can get to the point with little content, while others require more. It all depends on the topic of the post.
D Hayes recently posted..Hot Rod 1986 Z28 Camaro Discover This Hidden Treasure
Twitter: No1Copywriting
That’s a good point that you raise there.
Agreed that there will be times when the topic can be covered in shorter posts, just as long as the value is still there for the reader
Glenn C recently posted..Fluff Content: Your Own Site Could Be Guilty of Not Providing Enough Nutritional Content
Twitter: RyanBiddulph
Hi Glenn,
Value trumps all. Love the message here.
I write 400 word posts. I write 800 word posts. If I solve a problem with either post, I attract readers.
One stark difference though, and it has to do with Google. After testing, my 600 word posts generate a higher Adsene Pay Per Click than my 400 word posts. Money seems to follow thorough, in depth value. But never stretch out a post for the sake of stretching it out.
Start with a longer outline. Work off that. Then steadily write from a relaxed place, intending to solve a problem, not reach some word count. Proceed until you hit 600 or 700 word. You will generate higher revenue per click and perform a bit better in search engines too, as most of the Big Boy blogs are working with 600, 700, or 800 word articles these days.
Ultimately, do what sings to you. Create value, solve problems, feel good about it, and you will naturally open channels to success which you had previously been blocking. Magical, it seems to be, but it is all based on how we choose to feel at any given moment.
Thanks for sharing!
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..5 Tips to Help You Quickly Learn Each Day
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Nice response Ryan, thanks so much for taking the time out to reply.
I didn’t know that about the AdSense revenues, not running any campaigns myself. I definitely agree that many of the authority sites are running with longer blog posts. I guess it helps to ensure that they are providing the required amount of value in what they post.
Thanks again for sharing
Glenn C recently posted..5 Tips to Write Compelling Blog Posts: Connect with Your Audience
Twitter: sweetlou2689
Great article Glenn. I feel that it also depends of the topic. If you think you think the topic needs to solved in 1000 words then do it. If not then 500 words is about the right amount of words in my opinion.
Luis Valadez recently posted..Miami Heat Go Viral With Their Version Of The Harlem Shake!
Twitter: Mazzastick
I try not to focus too much on post length anymore. It is what it is and ultimately the readers will decide what works for them.
Justin recently posted..Silva Intuition System
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Nicely put Justin, thanks for commenting.
Glenn C recently posted..5 Tips to Write Compelling Blog Posts: Connect with Your Audience
Twitter: googlai
Hi Glenn!
I’m happy to read your ideas. When i was started to blogging, 400 words are enough. But, time and again i changed my writing pattern and tried to write 700 words. Rihgt now, i have been getting positive result from 1500 words or more. How many words should write in post, that i don’t know, but if your write a content inclding reseach base data, testimonial and social proofs then definately get top ranking.
Content is a king. So that a content should raise problem and give solution. I bassicaly write on http://googma.blogspot.com . My older posts were so short. But recent post are longer: more than 1000 words.
Googma Sansar recently posted..Social Media Optimization (SMO) Strategy
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Interesting response Googma, thanks for taking the time to reply.
Its great if you can provide lots of interesting information to keep your readers tuned in, especially when the word count reaches the 1,000 – 1,500 level that you talk about.
Glenn C recently posted..Fluff Content: Your Own Site Could Be Guilty of Not Providing Enough Nutritional Content
Hello, Funny enough i don’t mind about length when i write my post. i just write and go straight to the point but still some of my post are long but still interesting. and fun to read… by the way i love this post and looking forward to more of your post. tahnks
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Hi Babanature,
Nice to hear that you are creating some fun in your posts, keep up the good work.
Thanks so much for your positive comments about this post. Glad to hear you liked it
Glenn C recently posted..Maybe Your Business Should Stop Blogging
Twitter: umpreetturtlers
Yes quality is always better than quantity. Detail is good , but till the time it is really required. No need of endless boasting around your article.
Umpreet recently posted..Top And Cool Google Fun Tricks
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Thanks for commenting Umpreet,
Glad we agree on the quality vs quantity issue
Glenn C recently posted..5 Tips to Write Compelling Blog Posts: Connect with Your Audience
Twitter: The_ESman
Glenn, I love reading your posts they are always full of facts (sometimes hard facts) and of course they always offer solution. If I was given a chance, I would suggest you write longer posts just to quench my thirst for more of your stuff. Am sure many other readers are for the same opinion.
Viren recently posted..What Makes Good B2B Email Marketing Lists?
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Wow! Thanks so much for that comment Viren.
I will certainly take on board your suggestion about extending some of my blog postings. Watch out in the near future to see how that goes!
Thanks again.
Glenn C recently posted..5 Tips to Write Compelling Blog Posts: Connect with Your Audience
Twitter: pathaderavi
Thanks Glenn
But I have observed that Most of the Blog Owners ask for a minimum 600 to 750 words for the Guest Posts on their Blog where when they write by their own it is hardly 500 word article. I agree that Value is the King but why Guest Posts are asked for More Words?
Ravi recently posted..How to Create WordPress Parallax Scrolling effects?
Twitter: chetanbhsain
I think that’s probably done in order to make sure that people are serious about guest blogging, not just spamming your blog.
Chetan recently posted..5 Must Have WordPress Plugins For SEO
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Yes, your probably right about that Chetan.
Glenn C recently posted..5 Tips to Write Compelling Blog Posts: Connect with Your Audience
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Hi Ravi,
Yes, I have noticed that too. Not sure exactly why. I guess you would have to ask the individual web site owners as to why they demand those kind of word counts.
For me, I’d probably assume that they believe that it is easier to get a good point of view across and provide value with 600-700 words rather than a lesser amount.
But, as you say. Some of them only write a 400-500 word article themselves. Maybe they are lazy! hehe
Thanks so much for reading this post and taking the time to comment.
Glenn C recently posted..5 Tips to Write Compelling Blog Posts: Connect with Your Audience
Twitter: surajramnani
Hi Until now i thought the bigger the blog post the better it is to get higher serp ranking..Thanks for the simple explanation i am now more clear about how my further blog posts are supposed to be
Suraj recently posted..Facebook Newsfeed gets a new look on March 7th
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Your very welcome Suraj,
I’m glad that you found the post useful.
Glenn C recently posted..Why Your SEO Copywriting Might be Damaging Your Image
Twitter: chetanbhsain
It’s true that value matters, but the number of words matter too. It usually depends on what you’re writing. Of course, if you’re writing about a phone and covering in short in fancy language it’s good; but it’s better that when you can write detailed with the same fancy language.
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Agreed Chetan,
The important thing is to cover your subject in sufficient detail, this way your readers are sure to find something of value in the post.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Glenn C recently posted..How to Unleash the Full Potential of Your Blog
Twitter: chetanbhsain
You’re welcome Glenn!
Chetan recently posted..Dreamhost Discount Coupon For $50 Off
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Thank you for this post it’s help me a lot because I am a new blogger. And yes I think you are right valuable content is the king length is nothing…
Alok Dey recently posted..Free Best Domain Name and web Hosting service provider site list
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Thanks for the comment Alok,
Good luck with your blogging, I hope that it all works out well for you.
All the best
Glenn C recently posted..Fluff Content: Your Own Site Could Be Guilty of Not Providing Enough Nutritional Content
Twitter: TpeBlg
When I started blogging, I believed in writing blog posts that are over 1000 words as I wanted the reader to get the complete picture. I later realized that I am not able to retain the visitors till the end of the post. I think an idea post should be between 200-300 and if the reader wants more, he/she can always check other blog posts.
Chang recently posted..Taipei Free WIFI : TPE-Free
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Hi Chang,
If you can provide value in just 200 or 300 words then you are very lucky indeed. Personally if I felt that my readers weren’t sticking around to the end of the post I would try to work on the content itself, rather than reducing the word count.
How do you go about promoting the other posts that you want your readers to take a look at? Links in the blog post or something different?
Thanks for sharing
Glenn C recently posted..Fluff Content: Your Own Site Could Be Guilty of Not Providing Enough Nutritional Content
Twitter: TpeBlg
Hi Glenn, I am sorry, I saw the comment just now. I think 200-500 words is a good average. I tried to get related posts at the bottom of the article to improve my bounce rate and increase user retention. It does help to a certain extent.
Chang recently posted..HTC First to Launch Facebook Phone on Android
totally agreed with you. long posts with unuseful stuff can make your readers board. a short post with total useful stuff can hold them. But does long posts can increase SEO..?????? reply must..
Rajat Prasun Sati recently posted..Sony Xperia ZL C6503 Full Specification & Price
Twitter: No1Copywriting
I think that the demise of the 150 – 200 word posts have been testament to Google and the others wanting longer posts. Above all, the search engines want to make sure that their “customers” receive information that will be of “value” to them.
It is perhaps harder to do this with blog posts that are extremely short. Likewise, a longer post is no guarantee of success.
As discussed throughout my original post here, it is all about providing that elusive value. If you like, answering the questions that the reader has.
Thanks for your valued comment, Rajat.
Glenn C recently posted..Fluff Content: Your Own Site Could Be Guilty of Not Providing Enough Nutritional Content
Twitter: mylakshya
Agree with you. Always I try to keep my blog post short and simple. But I hear search engine gives more importance to longer post than a shorter one. Thanks for sharing.
Lakhyajyoti recently posted..Top 7 Google Chrome Extensions for Webmasters
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Short and simple posts are great, providing they give the reader value.
Yes, the medium and longer posts tend to do better with regards to search engine results.
Above all, it should be remembered that a post of any lenghth will fail if it doesn’t provide the element of value to its readers.
Glenn C recently posted..7 Tips for Creating Effective Blog Content
Twitter: ashuaj2
Thanks for this post i’ll surely help me because i thinking to be a blogger and i need tips like you share .
Ashutosh recently posted..ecommerce website development
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Hey Ashutosh,
You are most welcome, I’m glad that you found it useful.
Fell free to check out some of the other articles on my site, you might well find them interesting.
Glenn C recently posted..Fluff Content: Your Own Site Could Be Guilty of Not Providing Enough Nutritional Content
Twitter: Drw3c
300 words posts , which is the minimum word require by google for a good seo content, are this too long?
Steve Wec recently posted..Top jeux htmlogiste 1!
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Hi Steve,
I fail to see just how a 300 word post can deliver any real value.
The initial introduction will be somewhere between 60 – 120 words. So that leaves 180 – 240 words to provide value to your reader. Highly unlikely!
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Glenn C recently posted..5 Tips to Write Compelling Blog Posts: Connect with Your Audience
I have seen posts where it’s a 300 word post, but they have a very useful graph, map or data table. The page may then rank from backlinks to the useful data.
Jane recently posted..Bringing Home a Second Cat
Twitter: No1CopyWriting
Great point Jane,
The combination of other materials can really help to make a great blog post. Infographics etc have become very popular and are of course a super way of providing value.
Thanks for your comment, much appreciated.
Glenn C recently posted..5 Tips to Write Compelling Blog Posts: Connect with Your Audience
I don’t think that word count is a direct indicator of value. Some bloggers go for quantity and that’s fine, but it’s also boring and repetitive. As long as the topic gets the point across and hits the keywords you’re looking for then you’re good.
Robert Koenig recently posted..Toby Keith Bassist Killed in Car Accident
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Nice summary there Robert.
Couldn’t agree more!
Thanks so much for commenting
Glenn C recently posted..Fluff Content: Your Own Site Could Be Guilty of Not Providing Enough Nutritional Content
Twitter: No1Copywriting
Excellent points Anurag,
Thanks for taking the time to check out this post and for the comment
Glenn C recently posted..How to Bore your Blog Post Readers to Death
Is there such a thing as strategic writing? sometimes I write just enough to pull the reader in and spark their curiosity. Whether the post is 500 or 800, it doesn’t matter. I write enough to tell a complete story, and leave just a little bit out to encourage readers to visit other parts of my blog. Generally though, I stick to 800 words or less. I find anymore would be a little long.
Pat Drummond recently posted..Why it is Worth Paying for Online Access to your Credit Report
Twitter: No1CopyWriting
Great stuff Pat,
I think that can be a great way of keeping readers interested in your other material.
Thanks for sharing this tip!
Glenn C recently posted..5 Tips to Write Compelling Blog Posts: Connect with Your Audience
Hey Glenn,
Nice post and Yes, we have to not depend on the post length and should write complete thing whatever we research about the post and have to write till our satisfaction. Thanks for sharing this post.
Sudipto recently posted..Sony Xperia Z Vs BlackBerry Z10 Vs Samsung Galaxy S IV Comparison
Twitter: Techblowup
Post length doesn’t make any sense. We should take care of the quality of the post rather then focusing on the length of the post.
Prakash recently posted..Download Kik Messenger for Android Smartphones | Tablets
Twitter: musicianmakers7
Long posts are only good to search engines.
Shorter posts are more friendly to actual readers. Seriously who wants to read 800 plain words?
Leslie Edwards recently posted..The Basics On How To Make Electronic Music: Drum Loops
Twitter: keralpatel
Have seen and read many blog posts on this subject but for the first time I have to agree that this one is the correct way to do it. For me length it not important but conveying what I wanted to convey is the point.
Keral Patel recently posted..Five Reasons You Should Have Your Own Website
Twitter: GlobalCraze
Hey Glennthanks for the well explaination. I am a new blogger so i am trying to learn day by day.Thanks and take care.RegardsChetan Gupta