The Truth About Content Length (From Someone Who's Written Millions of Words)
Let me tell you something about content length that might shock you: the "perfect" length doesn't exist.
But here's what does exist: content that converts. And that's what we're after.
Why You Need a Content Length Calculator
Here's what I've learned after writing content that's generated millions in revenue:
- Longer isn't always better (I've seen 500-word pages outperform 5,000-word guides)
- Different industries need different lengths
- Your competition determines your minimum viable length
How Our Content Length Calculator Works
We look at four key factors:
- Content Type: Blog posts need different lengths than product pages
- Industry: Tech needs more explanation than fashion
- Purpose: Sales pages ≠ how-to guides
- Competition: Sometimes you need to go bigger to stand out
Real Examples of Content Length Impact
Let me share three real cases:
- Case 1: E-commerce Product Page
Original: 200 words
New Length: 800 words
Result: 89% conversion increase - Case 2: SaaS Homepage
Original: 1,500 words
New Length: 750 words
Result: 35% bounce rate improvement - Case 3: Health Blog Post
Original: 1,000 words
New Length: 2,500 words
Result: 4x organic traffic
Content Length Strategy by Type
Blog Posts
- How-to Guides: 1,500-2,500 words
- List Posts: 2,000-3,000 words
- Opinion Pieces: 1,000-1,500 words
Commercial Content
- Product Pages: 500-1,000 words
- Category Pages: 500-800 words
- Landing Pages: 300-500 words above the fold
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google prefer longer content?
Google prefers content that satisfies user intent. Sometimes that's 500 words, sometimes it's 5,000.
Will writing more words help me rank better?
Only if those extra words add value. Fluff hurts more than it helps.
How do I know if my content is too long?
Check your analytics. High bounce rates and low time on page are red flags.
Should I make all my blog posts the same length?
Absolutely not. Let the topic and user intent guide your length.
Advanced Content Length Tips
Want to maximize your content's impact? Remember these:
- Scannable Structure: Break up any length with subheadings every 300 words
- Visual Balance: Add images every 500 words
- Mobile Optimization: Shorter paragraphs for smaller screens
- Content Depth: Cover every relevant subtopic
Making Your Content Length Work Harder
Here's my content length checklist:
- Check competitor content length (but don't blindly copy)
- Look at top-ranking pages for your keyword
- Consider user intent first, word count second
- Test different lengths and measure results
The Bottom Line on Content Length
Use this content length calculator as your starting point. Then test, measure, and adjust based on your audience's response. Remember: the best length is the one that converts.