So you have been thinking how much to write to get your article to rank on Google’s search results? I’ll try to answer that for you.
The short answer is that there’s no magic “optimum number” of words for a webpage to rank perfectly. Search engine algorithms, like Google’s, are far more sophisticated (read: enigmatic) than simply counting words. That said, content length does play a role, and here’s a breakdown of how to approach it:
Key Considerations:
- User Intent and Content Quality:
- The primary focus should always be on providing valuable, relevant, and comprehensive content that satisfies the user’s search intent.
- A longer, in-depth piece of content that thoroughly addresses a topic is generally favoured by search engines, as it indicates expertise and authority.
- Content Depth and Relevance:
- Rather than focusing on a specific word count, prioritize creating content that comprehensively covers the topic.
- This often naturally leads to longer content, as you’ll need to address various aspects of the subject.
- Keyword Usage:
- Focus on using your target keywords naturally within the content. Avoid “keyword stuffing,” which is the practice of excessively repeating keywords.
- Incorporate relevant variations and related terms (LSI keywords) to provide context and improve relevance.
- Content-Length and Keyword Density:
- While there’s no fixed rule, longer content allows for more natural keyword inclusion.
- A keyword density of around 1-2% is often cited as a general guideline, but prioritize natural language over strict percentages.
- Factors that influence word count:
- Topic complexity: Complex topics naturally require more in depth writing.
- Competition: Highly competitive keywords may require very in depth content to outrank existing pages.
- User expectation: if a user is looking for a quick definition, a short page may be appropriate. If the user is looking for a guide, a long page is likely required.
General Guidelines:
- Long-form content (1,000+ words):
- Often performs well for competitive keywords and complex topics.
- Allows for in-depth coverage and natural keyword integration.
- Medium-length content (500-1,000 words):
- Suitable for many informational pages and blog posts.
- Provides a good balance of depth and readability.
- Short-form content (less than 500 words):
- May be appropriate for simple pages, such as “contact us” or product descriptions.
- Requires careful keyword targeting and concise writing.
In summary:
- Focus on creating high-quality, user-friendly content that thoroughly addresses the topic.
- Use keywords naturally and avoid keyword stuffing.
- Consider the complexity of the topic and user intent when determining content length.
By prioritizing these factors, you’ll create content that is both valuable to users and optimized for search engines.
