The myth#
Studies showing that top results average 1,500+ words led many to believe “longer ranks better”. That’s correlation, not cause. Comprehensive pages tend to answer more queries and earn more links. Padding a page to hit a word target adds nothing.
How long should content be?#
| Query | Right length |
|---|---|
| Quick definition (“what is TTFB”) | A clear answer up top, then a few hundred words of context |
| How-to with steps | As long as the steps require, with screenshots or code |
| Comprehensive guide (“WordPress SEO”) | Often several thousand words, well structured |
| Product or service page | Enough to answer buying questions and objections |
A better question#
- Does the page fully answer the query and the likely follow-ups?
- Is every section useful, or is some of it filler?
- Can a reader skim it via headings, lists and tables?
- Does it add something the current top results don’t?
Related: thin content, helpful content.