Word Count for SEO: Does It Matter in 2024? (Complete Guide)

When it comes to SEO, one of the most common questions I hear is: does word count for SEO really affect rankings?

There’s been a long-standing belief that longer articles automatically rank better on search engine results pages (SERPs), but is this true?

In this article, I’ll discuss word count for SEO and dispel the myth that it’s a ranking factor. I’ll also discuss the impact of word count for SEO and explore what Google really values regarding content.

Let’s start by understanding where this originates from.

How Did the Belief Develop that Longer Articles Rank Better?

For years, marketers have argued that there’s an optimal word count for articles to rank well. The recommended length was 750 words back in the day, but today, many claim it’s between 1,500 and 2,000 words or even more.

This notion gained more attention as case studies and blog posts suggested that long-form content tends to perform better.

But why?

Studies from platforms like HubSpot and Backlinko have reinforced this idea, providing data that links longer articles with higher rankings, more social shares, and better backlink profiles. In their research, Backlinko discovered that articles with over 3,000 words attract more backlinks, a crucial factor in SEO.

Yet, as useful as these insights are, they’ve led to a misconception that word count alone drives success. 

The truth is that SEO is far more nuanced than just length, and Google’s algorithm considers many factors. So, simply padding content with extra words won’t get you to the top of SERPs.

A Closer Look at Word Count Studies

Let’s dig deeper into the studies that have fueled this myth. 

HubSpot’s analysis of its top 50 blog posts revealed that while the average word count was around 2,300 words, the shortest post was just 333 words, and the longest was over 5,500. Clearly, there’s a wide range, which shows that length alone isn’t the deciding factor.

In fact, longer articles tend to earn more backlinks, largely because they’re comprehensive and provide in-depth insights that readers find valuable.

However, shorter content can still rank well if it’s focused, well-researched, and tailored to the user’s needs.

You can use AI-powered tools like SEOBoost and its Topic Reports feature to analyze top-ranking articles for your target keywords and optimal length.

The Topic Reports feature analyzes the top SERPs and presents the average word count you should aim for.

It also analyzes the content structure and content format, giving you a clearer picture of what works best for specific topics.

Using this data, you can easily decide whether a shorter, more focused piece will suffice or if a longer, comprehensive guide is necessary.

Google’s View on Word Count: “The Number of Words Doesn’t Impact Ranking”

Google’s John Mueller says word count for SEO is not a ranking factor.

Mueller has repeatedly stated that the number of words in an article is not important but the quality and relevance of the content. 

That’s because Google focuses on delivering valuable, trustworthy, and well-written content that satisfies the user’s intent.

If word count alone were a ranking factor, we’d see pages full of irrelevant or fluffy content just to hit a certain length.

But that’s not the case.

Google emphasizes quality over quantity, which is where Google’s EEAT guidelines come in.

So, the question should be how to create high-quality scannable content?

Let’s discuss that in the next section.

How to Create High-Quality Content that Meets EEAT Guidelines?

When I create scannable content, I prioritize delivering genuine value to the reader while aligning with Google’s EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) guidelines.

Remember, creating high-value content is the only way to improve rankings, build credibility, and foster trust with your audience

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how I integrate EEAT principles into my content creation process:

1. Experience: Sharing First-Hand Insights

Experience focuses on demonstrating that the creator has real-world, hands-on experience with the subject matter. 

This involves sharing personal insights, case studies, or practical applications that show you’ve worked directly with the topic you’re writing about.

To do that, I’d suggest you do the following:

• Incorporate personal experiences and relevant anecdotes from your own experience to provide readers with insights they won’t find elsewhere.  

• Use case studies or client examples to illustrate how you’ve applied your expertise in real-world scenarios.

2. Expertise: Demonstrating Deep Knowledge

Expertise refers to the depth of knowledge presented in your content. This is where research, accuracy, and thoughtful explanations come into play. 

To ensure your content is seen as expert-level, take the following steps:

• Conduct thorough research using credible sources, industry studies, and up-to-date information.

• Provide actionable insights rather than just sharing general knowledge.

• Break down complex topics into simpler content pieces to simplify complex topics for your readers.

3. Authoritativeness: Establishing Your Content as a Go-To Resource

Authoritativeness refers to how well your content is recognized and trusted within your field. 

To build authority, ensure your content reflects industry best practices and is backed by trusted sources. 

You can do so by:

• Citing authoritative sources and linking to reputable studies, industry leaders, and trusted publications.

• Showcase industry expertise by demonstrating your authority by using real-world examples and professional knowledge.

• Earn backlinks from credible sites and build a network of links from other authoritative sites.

4. Trustworthiness: Creating Transparent and Reliable Content

Trustworthiness refers to the honesty, accuracy, and reliability of your content. 

Remember, Google prioritizes content from sources that can be trusted, so to ensure that your content meets this standard, do the following:

• Back content with real data, facts, and statistics from reliable sources.  
• Be transparent about sources and affiliations or partnerships.
• Provide accurate information.
• Use HTTPS and secure connections.

How SEOBoost Supports EEAT Compliance

When it comes to creating high-quality cornerstone content as per Google’s EEAT guidelines, SEOBoost does a phenomenal job.

Here’s how I use its features to ensure my content meets the highest standards:

With SEOBoost’s Content Audit tool, I track performance and continually improve my content based on user engagement and SEO marketing plan.

It analyzes content against more than 25 ranking metrics and factors to present a complete report on what needs improvement. 

This information helps you understand the gaps in your content and create better ranking content.

Other than this, as mentioned before, the Topic Reports feature allows you to do better keyword research by identifying high-value, trending keywords, ensuring your content is aligned with what the users are searching for.

And finally, my favorite SEOBoost feature is the Content Optimization feature that allows me to optimize the on-page SEO score and elements. I’ll talk about this feature in more detail in the next section of this article.

What to Focus on Instead of Word Count?

Word count alone won’t make or break your SEO strategy.

Instead, I recommend focusing on these key areas to ensure that you create high-quality SEO content:

1. Write for Your Audience, Not Just Search Engines

Google’s algorithm has shifted to prioritize content that is written for humans, not search bots.

Remember, the primary goal of your content should be to address and solve the user’s problem and provide value. 

When you write for your audience, focus on making the content useful, engaging, and actionable.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Identify the user’s intent. Before writing, ask yourself: What is the user searching for? Are they looking for an answer to a question, step-by-step guidance, or in-depth insights?

• Break down complex concepts into simple steps. Avoid overwhelming readers with technical jargon. Simplify your content so it’s easy to understand.

• Use examples to clarify your points because examples make your content more relatable and easier to follow.

• Make your content actionable by giving readers specific steps they can take after reading your content.

• Prioritize clarity over word count. Remember, quality matters more than length. If you can solve the user’s problem in fewer words, do it.

2. Structure Your Content Clearly and Optimize for On Page SEO

A well-structured article is easier for users to read and helps search engines understand and index your content effectively.

Remember, clear organization improves user experience, increases engagement, and boosts SEO rankings.

Here’s how I structure my content to maximize clarity:

• Use clear headings and subheadings to break up your content.

• Incorporate bullet points and lists to make it easier for readers to digest information quickly.

• Optimize title tags and include relevant meta-descriptions

• Keep paragraphs short and focused to improve readability and keep users engaged.

• Add multimedia and visuals where appropriate.

I also use SEOBoost’s Content Optimization feature to analyze the effectiveness of my content structure. 

This feature helps ensure that my headings, visuals, and bullet points work together to enhance readability and on-page SEO score.

Remember, beyond content quality, on-page SEO elements like title tags, meta descriptions, headers, and internal linking are important, too. 

And by using SEOBoost’s Content Optimization feature, you can ensure that your content is optimized for search engines while keeping the user experience at the forefront.

3. Incorporate Long-Tail Keywords

While high-competition, short-tail keywords are often tempting, I’ve found that targeting long-tail keywords brings in more relevant traffic and helps rank for niche searches. 

That’s because these more specific phrases tend to have lower competition but a higher conversion rate.

So, instead of targeting the broad keyword like “digital marketing,” aim for “digital marketing strategies for “small businesses SEO” or “how to create a digital marketing plan,” which attract users looking for specific solutions.

Doing so also ensures that you’re reaching out to your target audience more effectively.

4. Align Content with Search Intent

Understanding search intent is crucial to winning the SEO game. 

You have to ask yourself: is the user looking for information, wanting to make a purchase, or comparing products? 

Tailoring content to keyword intent makes it more likely to satisfy both the user and Google.

So, for example, if you’re targeting the keyword “best SEO tools,” you need to understand whether the intent is informational (learning about tools), commercial (comparing options), or transactional (ready to purchase). 

Final Thoughts on Word Count for SEO

Word count for SEO is not the ultimate ranking factor. 

While longer articles can sometimes perform better due to their depth and comprehensiveness, quality always trumps quantity. 

So, whether your article is 500 words or 5,000 words, what really matters is how well it serves the user’s needs.

By focusing on delivering high-quality, well-structured, and user-focused content and using tools like SEOBoost to guide your SEO efforts, you can achieve higher rankings without obsessing over word count. 

FAQs about Word Count for SEO

1. Is 500 words enough for SEO?

Yes, 500 words can be enough word count for SEO if the content is highly targeted, answers a specific query, and meets the user’s intent. While longer content often performs better due to its depth, short-form content can rank well if it provides users with clear, focused, and valuable information.

2. What is the ideal word length for SEO?

The ideal word count for SEO typically exceeds 1,500 and 2,500 words. Studies suggest that longer, in-depth content tends to rank higher because it is more likely to cover a topic comprehensively. However, there is no minimum word count; the best word count depends on the keyword, search intent, and topic complexity.

3. How many SEO keywords for 1,000 words?

For a 1,000-word article, targeting 1-2 primary keywords and incorporating 3-5 related keywords or keyword variations is recommended. The goal is to use these keywords naturally throughout the content without keyword stuffing.

4. What is the best text size for SEO?

The best text size for SEO is one that provides a positive user experience. Typically, a font size of 16px is ideal for body text, as it’s easy to read across devices, especially on mobile.

Alina Zahid Content Writer

Alina is an SEO professional with specialized knowledge of content marketing. When she’s not busy researching and creating awesome content for SEOBoost, she can be found practicing piano, writing fiction and traveling.

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