Since the inception of search engines and the advent of search engine optimization, the debate regarding the ideal length for a blog post and its impact on SEO results has been ceaseless. This discussion has broadly split opinions into two camps. The first asserts that longer content in a blog post enhances the likelihood of securing a higher rank on Google. The second, on the contrary, contends that the crucial factor lies in the quality of the blog post, irrespective of its word count. Amidst this division, a third perspective quietly navigates the discourse, carefully balancing quality and length. This viewpoint asserts that the optimal blog post length hinges on the content’s nature and intended purpose for the target audience.
In the following section, we shed light on every conceivable aspect of blog writing, presenting various viewpoints for your consideration. The decision, ultimately, rests with you.

Subject Matter vs. Searcher Intent

In 2023, consider this analogy: the process of preparing whipped cream is naturally shorter than the journey of milk’s path from the farm to your table. While you could write a lengthy piece about the former, the reality is that most searchers might only skim through it—pun intended. On the other hand, if someone is conducting a comprehensive research paper on the latter topic, an in-depth and thoroughly researched piece would likely rank higher due to its alignment with the searcher’s intent.
However, this doesn’t imply that a concise and focused blog post detailing the process of whipping up cream wouldn’t achieve a high ranking. The key lies in delivering content that meets the audience’s needs through depth or brevity.

Quality vs. Quantity

When crafting an extensive blog review for the latest groundbreaking digital camera release, ensure that your content encompasses every aspect sought by camera users and photography enthusiasts. Similarly, if you’re creating a brief yet targeted blog post about the camera’s ISO capabilities, maintain the quality of the information. This doesn’t involve a strict choice between approaches; instead, it aligns with the previously discussed notion. Writing effectively involves harnessing the subject’s strengths while always considering the searcher’s intent. It’s about striking the right balance to serve content comprehensiveness and user expectations.

What Google Says?

Let’s explore Google’s perspective on the connection between blog post length and its influence on ranking. In a previous episode of “SEO Myth Busting,” Google’s Martin Splitt definitively clarified that the word count of a page isn’t a determining factor for ranking. Moreover, he underscored that the number of words does not equate to content quality.
This stance is further affirmed by Google’s John Mueller, who concurred with the sentiment in a tweet response. When asked whether short content pages on a website should be de-indexed, Mueller confirmed that word count isn’t the sole criterion for ranking.
Essentially, Splitt and Mueller’s insights reinforce that Google’s algorithms focus on something other than word count as a direct ranking factor. Quality and relevance remain paramount in the search engine’s assessment of content.

 Here is what John had to say:

“Word count is not indicative of quality. Some pages have a lot of words that say nothing. Some pages have very few words that are very important & relevant to queries. You know your content best (hopefully) and can decide whether it needs the details.”

I agree with you & Mihai :). Word count is not indicative of quality. Some pages have a lot of words that say nothing. Some pages have very few words that are very important & relevant to queries. You know your content best (hopefully) and can decide whether it needs the details.

— John has updated his unnamed profile name #stapler (@JohnMu) July 24, 2018

Go Beyond Written Content

As of 2023, for content to attain the status of high quality, it necessitates extending beyond mere textual content. Incorporating top-notch images and videos that seamlessly complement the written material is imperative. Integrate these visual elements strategically within the written content where they enhance understanding and engagement.
Nevertheless, well-crafted captions for images and videos must be considered. A superb image or video warrants a compelling caption that harmonizes with the content. Achieving a seamless synergy between visuals and text is pivotal in presenting the finest information in the most engaging manner possible. This approach effectively captures the attention of searchers, tantalizing their intent and fostering a deeper connection with the content.

Conclusion

As of 2023, the distinction between short-form and long-form content is eclipsed by the emphasis on quality. Length alone is not the determining factor. Regardless of its length, content must meet the standards of superior quality to have a chance at ranking favorably. The emphasis shifts from focusing on content length to prioritizing the art of optimally presenting pertinent information.
Dwelling on content length rather than the artful delivery of relevant information veers off course. The ultimate focus should be crafting quality content that offers a seamless and compelling user experience. This nuanced approach is the cornerstone of effective content creation and ranking success.