As a professional provider of SEO blog writing services, we know that word count for SEO and content have always been hot topics in SEO discussions. Years ago, the ideal length for web content was around 250 words. That number gradually increased to 500, then 800, 1200, and today, many believe that around 2000 words is ideal for better rankings.
This trend has led many to assume that longer content automatically ranks higher. But is word count a Google ranking factor?
In August 2019, Google’s Webmaster Trends Analyst John Mueller stated that word count itself is not a ranking factor. Simply matching your content length to top-ranking articles won’t help you rank higher. Instead, optimizing your page with relevant keywords, images, alt text, and helpful information are what improve visibility.
So, while word count doesn’t directly affect SEO, longer articles often perform better because they cover topics more thoroughly, satisfy user intent, and attract quality backlinks, which are crucial factors affecting SEO ranking.
Word Count for SEO Depends on the Type of Content
There’s no single rule for the ideal word count. The best SEO content length depends on the type of content, its purpose, and target audience.
According to a Databox report, SEO professionals share different views. Ken Fortney from Grin suggests that a standard blog should aim for around 2,000 words, while landing pages often perform well between 300 and 600 words. Jon Robinson of Second Eclipse starts with a baseline of 1,000 words for standard blogs, 2,000 for in-depth pages, and 4,000 for comprehensive guides.
On the other hand, Andrew Siskind of Salted Stone believes that word count should match the topic and audience expectations rather than follow a fixed formula. A short, well-written post can outperform a long one if it satisfies the reader’s intent.
Keyword Research Is More Important Than Word Count
No matter how long or short your content is, keyword research remains one of the most powerful tools for SEO success.
Chelsea Baldwin of Business Bitch notes that her goal is always to answer the reader’s question clearly and naturally, ensuring that keywords appear in the title, subheadings, body text, images, and alt text.
Stephen Gagnon of Code Web takes a data-driven approach. His team studies the top-ranking pages for a target keyword and compares metrics like word count, backlinks, and social shares. Based on that, they determine the ideal structure and length for their own content.
Using tools like Google Keyword Planner and SEMrush helps identify high-performing keywords that align with your goals. The key takeaway: keyword relevance and intent matter more than the number of words on the page.
Word Count Alone Does Not Affect SEO
It’s clear that word count is not a direct ranking factor. Janis Thies of SEOlutions points out that some search queries only require short, factual answers, while others need detailed explanations. So, there is no universal word count for SEO success.
Casey Crane from The SSL Store adds that they’ve published long-form content between 5,000 and 12,000 words, and short-form articles between 1,000 and 1,500 words — both types performed well depending on the topic. More recently, they’ve seen the best results with medium-length posts around 2,000 to 3,000 words.
This diversity shows that what truly matters is how useful your content is, not how long it is. Content length and Google ranking are connected only when longer content provides real value and satisfies user intent.
What Matters More: Quality or Quantity?
When it comes to SEO, what matters more for SEO: quality or quantity is a question many professionals debate. High-quality content focuses on providing value to readers. It should answer their questions, offer insights, and demonstrate expertise.
Many SEO professionals advise against adding unnecessary words just to meet a target. This type of filler, often called “fluff,” can hurt your SEO performance because it decreases engagement and increases bounce rates.
Katrina Dalao of Referral Rock says that while her team’s articles usually exceed 2,000 words, it’s not because they’re chasing length—it’s because the topics demand depth. Andy Crestodina of Orbit Media Studios echoes that sentiment: the goal is not a specific word count, but to create the best page about a given topic.
Engaging, reader-focused writing is what keeps users on your page longer, signaling to search engines that your content provides real value.
When Quantity Can Help
That said, longer content has its advantages when used correctly. Lachlan Perry of SEO Kings believes that higher word counts allow writers to demonstrate expertise and build authority. Similarly, Rishabh Ravindran of Inskade notes that while the average article is about 1,500 words, long-form posts around 4,000 words often attract more backlinks and social shares.
Long-form content also ranks for more keywords, increases dwell time, and helps search engines better understand your topic. However, this works only if the article maintains relevance, readability, and structure throughout.
What Actually Matters Instead
- Content Quality and Depth
While word count itself doesn’t influence rankings, content depth and topical coverage do. Recent research analyzing over one million SERPs found that topical coverage—how comprehensively a piece addresses related entities, facts, and subtopics—is one of the strongest on-page ranking factors in 2025.Search engines now reward pages that go deep into a subject, offering detailed, well-organized, and factually rich information.
- User Experience and Helpfulness
Google’s Helpful Content Update, integrated into its core algorithm in March 2024, shifted focus toward user-first content. The update prioritizes articles that genuinely help users rather than those written solely for SEO purposes. It evaluates whether the content satisfies user intent and provides a positive on-page experience.If your content isn’t helpful or doesn’t answer user queries, it won’t perform well, regardless of its word count.
- E-E-A-T Principles
Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) framework is another critical factor. To rank well, content creators should show first-hand experience, provide accurate information, and establish credibility.Demonstrating expertise and trustworthiness builds long-term SEO value—something that word count alone can never achieve.
Focus on Value, Not Length
So, does word count matter for SEO? The short answer is no. What truly matters is creating content that provides value, meets user intent, and showcases expertise.
Whether your content has 800 or 2,500 words, every sentence should have a purpose. Prioritize keyword relevance, clarity, and depth over arbitrary numbers.
If you want content that ranks high and keeps readers engaged, consider associating with an expert SEO blog writing service. They specialize in producing search-optimized articles that enhance brand authority and drive organic growth.
