As marketers, we often get asked two questions: “How long should my blog posts be?” and “How long does it take for those posts to be indexed and ranked on search engines?” If you’re pondering these topics, you’re in good company! Let’s dive into the answers and explore why these factors matter for your content strategy.
When it comes to blog post length, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but research and expert opinions can guide us. Many industry leaders, like Neil Patel, suggest that blog posts should generally aim for a length of 1,000 to 1,500 words. Why this range? Longer posts tend to provide more in-depth information, which search engines love. They want to serve users the best answers to their queries, and longer content often does just that.
A study by Backlinko found that the average Google first-page result contains about 1,447 words. This suggests that search engines favour comprehensive content that covers topics thoroughly. Longer posts not only allow you to explore a topic in greater detail but also give you more opportunities to include relevant keywords naturally, which can enhance your SEO.
However, it’s not just about hitting a word count. Quality is paramount. A shorter post that’s well-researched and offers valuable insights can outperform a longer piece that’s filled with fluff. Your focus should always be on delivering value to your readers. If a topic can be effectively covered in 800 to 1,000 words, then that’s perfectly acceptable!
Consider your audience’s preferences as well. Some topics may demand more depth, while others might be better suited for a concise format. For example, if you’re writing a how-to guide or a comprehensive tutorial, aim for the higher end of the spectrum. On the other hand, quick tips or news updates can often be communicated effectively in fewer words.
Now that we’ve covered post length let’s talk about how long it takes for your posts to be indexed and ranked by search engines.
Indexing refers to how quickly search engines, like Google, recognise and catalogue your new content. After publishing a blog post, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks for that post to be indexed. This timeframe can vary based on several factors, including the authority of your website, how often you publish new content, and the overall structure of your site.
To help speed up this process, submitting your new URL to Google Search Console can be a game-changer. This tool allows you to notify Google of your new content, potentially shortening the time it takes for your blog to be indexed. As Neil Patel notes, getting your content indexed quickly is essential to capitalising on trending topics and driving timely traffic.
Once your post is indexed, the next step is ranking. Achieving a high ranking in search results can take days, weeks, or even months—it’s a marathon, not a sprint. The time it takes to rank well often depends on the competitiveness of the keywords you’re targeting and the overall quality and relevance of your content.
For instance, if you’re writing about a niche topic with low competition, you might see results relatively quickly. However, if you’re competing for a popular keyword in a saturated market, it may take longer to climb the ranks. Neil Patel emphasises that ongoing SEO efforts—like optimising your existing content, building backlinks, and promoting your posts on social media—are crucial for improving your rankings over time.
In addition to post length and timing, consistency plays a significant role in your blogging strategy. Regularly publishing high-quality content helps establish your site as a reliable source of information. This consistency not only builds trust with your audience but also signals to search engines that your site is active and relevant. Consider creating a content calendar to plan your posts in advance. This will help you maintain a steady flow of content, ensuring you cover a variety of topics and keep your audience engaged.
To sum it up, aim for blog posts that are 1,000 to 1,500 words, focusing on delivering high-quality content that resonates with your audience. Expect indexing to happen within a few days to weeks, and remember that ranking can take longer, depending on competition and ongoing SEO efforts. If you have more questions about blogging or need assistance with your marketing strategy, don’t hesitate to reach out!
