Optimal word count varies by topic and intent – there’s no magic number. Focus on comprehensively answering the query. Longer content often ranks better because it’s more thorough, not because length itself matters.
Why Optimal Word Count Matters
Optimal word count matters because it is a key signal of a page’s relevance, authority, and quality. A search engine’s algorithms now use a variety of factors to determine a page’s ranking, and the length of a page’s content is one of them. A high-quality, in-depth article with a high word count is more likely to be seen as a high-quality resource and is more likely to rank higher in search results. A page with thin content, on the other hand, can be seen as a low-quality resource, which can harm your site’s E-E-A-T signals. The best SEO strategy is to write for your users first, and to use keywords naturally and contextually.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of optimal word count is a content strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can easily manage their word count by using a variety of plugins. A good SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math can help you analyze your content and ensure you are using a variety of keywords that are relevant to your content.
Shopify
On Shopify, optimal word count is essential for your product descriptions and blog posts. You can use a keyword research tool to find the terms your customers are using and then use them in your product titles, descriptions, and collections to improve your visibility in search results.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still optimize for optimal word count. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and on-page content.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated content strategy. You can use it to create a perfectly structured page that is optimized for a specific keyword or set of keywords.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your SEO performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use optimal word count will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites can use optimal word count to build a stronger brand reputation. A site that sells running shoes could get a backlink from a blog that reviews running shoes.
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use optimal word count to build a stronger community. A local restaurant could get a backlink from a local newspaper or a local blog.
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can use optimal word count to build a stronger brand reputation. A company that sells project management software could get a backlink from a blog that reviews project management tools.
Blogs
Blogs are a great way to capitalize on optimal word count. A blog that writes about cooking can get a backlink from a blog that writes about baking.
Dos and Don’ts of Optimal Word Count
- Research your competition: The best way to find a good word count is to analyze the top-ranking pages for your target keyword.
- Write for a user’s intent: The length of a page should be determined by the topic’s complexity, not by a specific number.
- Write high-quality, in-depth content: This is the best way to signal to machine learning algorithms that your website is a high-quality resource.
- Avoid keyword stuffing: This is a dated tactic that can harm your SEO.
- Avoid a word count that is too short: A page with thin content can be seen as a low-quality resource.
- Avoid focusing on a single keyword: This is a risky and outdated approach.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to do keyword research: This is a basic but critical step. You cannot improve what you do not measure.
- Ignoring a user’s intent: A keyword should be used with a user’s intent in mind.
- Focusing on short-tail keywords alone: Long-tail keywords are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.
FAQs
Is there an ideal word count for a blog post?
No, there is no ideal word count for a blog post. The length should be determined by the topic’s complexity. A good rule of thumb is to create content that is long enough to cover a topic comprehensively but not so long that it becomes difficult to read.
Does a high word count guarantee a high ranking?
No, a high word count does not guarantee a high ranking. A page that is long and high-quality is more likely to rank higher. A page that is long and low-quality can be seen as a negative signal by machine learning algorithms.
What is the difference between optimal word count and thin content?
Thin content is content that provides little to no value to a user. Optimal word count is a strategic approach to creating content that is long enough to cover a topic comprehensively. A low word count can be a sign of thin content.
What is the best way to determine the optimal word count for a keyword?
The best way to determine the optimal word count for a keyword is to analyze the top-ranking pages for that keyword. You should also consider a user’s intent.
Can a website with a low domain authority still rank?
Yes, a website with a low domain authority can still rank. The key is to create high-quality, in-depth content that is relevant to a user’s search intent.
