Whoever started the rumor that every blog post must be 2,000 words owes us all an apology. Because the truth is: word count depends on intent — not vibes, not superstition, and definitely not whatever the top result on Google is doing.
And this matters. If your post is too short, readers bounce because you didn’t give them enough. If your post is too long, readers bounce because you gave them too much. (We love a dramatic over-deliver, but not when someone just wants a yes-or-no answer and you’ve written them a novel.)
So today’s post will help you finally answer the question:
“How long should this blog post actually be?”
And since this is a support post for my larger guide — How to Create a Strategic Blogging Workflow — we’re sticking to the same philosophy: no fluff, no guesswork, just intentional writing.
Let’s dive in.
Why Average Word Count Advice Online Is… Kinda Wrong
If you Google “ideal blog post length,” you’ll see charts, graphs, and a bunch of data saying things like:
- “Longer content ranks better!”
- “Posts over 2,500 words get more backlinks!”
- “Short posts perform poorly!”
And sure, sometimes that’s true — but only because those long posts match the search intent.
It’s not the length that wins.
It’s the depth.
If you write a 2,500-word article answering “What time does Target open?”
You will not rank. You will go to SEO jail. Do you want to go to SEO jail? (I certainly don’t.)
If you write a 500-word post on “How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe for a Family of 6,” you’ll also struggle — because that topic needs depth.
So here’s the real rule:
→ Your blog post should be exactly as long as it needs to be to satisfy the reader fully. No more, no less.
That number changes based on the type of post — which brings us to the fun part.
Understanding Search Intent (The Thing That Actually Decides Your Word Count)
Before you choose how long to write, you need to ask:
“What does the searcher actually want right now?”
Four core intents matter for word count:
1. Informational
They want to learn something.
Examples:
- “How to start a compost bin”
- “What is intermittent fasting”
- “How to change blog fonts in WordPress”
2. Transactional
They’re close to buying something.
Examples:
- “Best blender for smoothies”
- “ConvertKit vs MailerLite”
- “Best laptop for college students”
3. Navigational
They just want a place, tool, or homepage.
Examples:
- “Canva login”
- “Pinterest analytics”
(You don’t target these as a blogger.)
4. Comparison / Investigational
They’re weighing options or making decisions.
Examples:
- “Air fryer vs convection oven”
- “Is the Keto diet sustainable?”
- “DreamHost shared vs DreamPress”
Once you know the intent, the word count becomes obvious.
Word Count Guidelines by Post Type
These aren’t “rules.” They’re more like:
“Based on the internet’s collective behavior, here’s what works most often.”
And don’t worry — none of these involve writing a dissertation.
How-To Guides + Tutorials (1,200–2,000 words)
People reading tutorials want steps, clarity, visuals, and NOT to be confused.
Shorter tutorials work when:
- The task is simple
- The solutions are straightforward
- There aren’t many variations
Longer tutorials work when:
- The task has multiple steps
- Readers need troubleshooting
- You’re showing examples or screenshots
Example:
“How to Declutter a Small Closet” → ~1,000–1,400
“How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe for Work” → ~1,500–2,000
List Posts (800–1,500 words)
List posts should feel snappy — not like a 47-page furniture manual.
Shorter list posts work when:
- Items are simple to explain
- Readers want inspiration
Longer list posts work when:
- Each item needs context
- It’s in a highly competitive niche
Example:
“15 Easy Gluten-Free Breakfast Ideas” → ~900 words
“75 Blogging Tips for Beginners” → ~1,500 words
Product Reviews (1,000–2,500 words)
Reviews need:
- Photos
- Pros and cons
- Comparison to alternatives
- Real-life use cases
- Who it’s good for (and not good for)
Long, in-depth reviews often outperform thin ones — because readers are genuinely in “research mode.”
Example:
“Dyson V15 Review” → ~2,000 words
“Mini Frother Review” → ~1,000 words
Definition Posts / “What Is” Articles (600–1,000 words)
These should be:
- Direct
- Clear
- Not “Wikipedia 2.0”
- Skimmable AF
Example:
“What Is High-Intensity Interval Training?” → ~800–1,000 words
“What Is a No-Spend Challenge?” → ~600–800 words
Case Studies + Personal Stories (700–1,500 words)
Stories don’t need length — they need emotion and takeaway value.
Shorter stories work when:
- You’re sharing an anecdote
- The transformation is simple
Longer stories work when:
- You’re teaching through your experience
- You’re weaving in multiple examples
Example:
“How I Paid Off $30k in Debt” → ~1,200–1,500 words
“My Morning Routine for Anxiety” → ~700–900 words
Comparison Posts (1,200–2,000 words)
Readers need:
- Feature breakdowns
- Head-to-head comparisons
- Pros/cons
- Which one is best for them
Example:
“iPad vs Kindle for Reading” → ~1,200–1,400
“WordPress.org vs Squarespace” → ~1,800–2,000
How to Choose the Right Word Count for Your Specific Post
Here’s the simple process I use every time I write:
1. Analyze the SERP
Look at the top 5 ranking articles and estimate their length.
Ask:
- Are they long because the topic requires it?
- Are they long because the writer didn’t know how to edit?
- Are they short because the answer is simple?
This instantly tells you the competitive landscape.
2. Decide the reader’s true intent
Ask:
“What does someone want solved in the first 10 seconds?”
Example:
Search: “How to make vegan pancakes for breakfast”
Intent: Quick steps
Word count: Please don’t write 2,500 words.
Search: “How to build a capsule wardrobe for work”
Intent: A full beginner roadmap
Word count: ~1,500+
3. Stop writing when the intent is fully satisfied
Not when:
- You hit an arbitrary number
- You feel like the post “needs to be longer”
- You think Google only rewards essays
Google rewards usefulness.
Not padding.
Signs Your Post Is the Wrong Length
If you’re wondering whether the post is too long or too short, here’s the checklist:
If it’s too short:
- Readers still search for follow-up questions
- Your post feels shallow
- You skipped steps
- You barely scratched the surface
If it’s too long:
- Readers scroll aggressively
- Your intro is 17 sentences too long
- You see “excessive skimming behavior” in analytics (AKA readers bounce in 5-10 seconds)
- You’re repeating yourself to reach a number
- Your intro reads more like a full autobiography
Bonus sign:
If you had to force yourself to stretch the post…
…it’s probably the wrong angle or target keyword.
Quick Word Count Cheat Sheet
Here’s your TL;DR:
- How-tos: 1,200–2,000
- List posts: 800–1,500
- Reviews: 1,000–2,500
- Definitions: 600–1,000
- Stories: 700–1,500
- Comparisons: 1,200–2,000
Your real target?
Enough to fully answer the question.
Stop when you’re done. ✨
Conclusion: Make Word Count Work For You, Not Against You
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this post, it’s this:
Your word count should be intentional, not accidental.
Don’t chase numbers. Don’t copy competitors blindly.
Write the amount that solves the problem — clearly, confidently, and with structure.
And if you want the next natural step in creating a smarter, more strategic blog? Check my How to Write Blog Posts Faster: 15 Time-Saving Tips That Actually Work post!
Don’t miss my Blogging Income and Monetization Strategy Guide!
FAQ
Sometimes — but only if they match intent and offer useful depth. Longer doesn’t automatically mean better.
Yes, for topics that don’t need extensive detail. Many list posts, definitions, and personal stories rank under 1,000 words.
Absolutely. If the intent is quick answers or simple definitions, short content often performs best.
