The Importance of Word Count on Content Performance

Have you ever stopped to consider the impact of word count on your content’s performance?

While it may seem like a small detail, the number of words in an article can have a significant impact on its visibility and success. From search engine optimization to reader engagement, word count plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of your content.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the importance of word count and explore the ways it affects content performance, from ranking in search results to user experience. Hence, whether you’re a content creator or a marketer, buckle up and get ready to learn the ins and outs of word count and its impact on content success.

Is Word Count a Ranking Factor?

To be clear, word count is not a direct ranking factor for SEO. In fact, Google confirmed several months ago that its algorithm does not rank content using the word count metric.

So why are SEO marketers so obsessed with racking up words on their blog posts? The fact is that when it comes to SEO, things are never as straightforward as they seem. A yes/no answer is not enough proof of anything.

Use the Eye10 On-Page SEO tool to check the word count for a web page, as well as a host of other elements of content analysis that affect SEO ranking.

Why Does Long-Form Content Tend to Rank Higher?

If the word count is not a ranking factor, why does it seem like longer-form content tends to rank higher on search engines? The answer boils down to three main reasons:

1. Relevance: Longer articles are often more comprehensive and provide in-depth information on a topic, which can help establish a page’s relevance and authority on a subject.
2. User engagement: Long-form content typically keeps users engaged for longer, which can reduce bounce rate, increase time on site, and create a better overall user experience. Search engines often use these metrics as signals of the quality and usefulness of a page.
3. Keyword targeting: Longer content provides more opportunities to include target keywords and phrases, which can help search engines better understand the context and topic of a page.

However, it is important to note that length alone does not guarantee higher rankings. The content still needs to be high-quality, well-researched, and relevant to the user’s search query to perform well in search results.

How to Determine the Right Word Count for Your Content

As quality and relevance are important factors when writing web content, you still have to be sure you have an optimal word count.

For instance, longer-form content might be performing better across the board, but that does not mean you should write 2,000 words to explain how to sign up for Twitter. There are some factors to pay attention to if you want to write content with just the right number of words for your users.

1. Search Intent

The search intent of a user is the reason why they are making a search query, and it is an important factor to consider when determining the right word count for a web post.

If the user is looking for a quick answer or a simple definition, a shorter article is more appropriate. On the other hand, if the user is looking for a comprehensive guide or in-depth information, a longer article may be more appropriate.

Aiming to satisfy the search intent of the user will help ensure that the content provides the information they are looking for and improve the chances of ranking well in search results.

2. Content Type

The amount of detail and explanation needed for the content to convey its message and be valuable to the reader effectively will impact the ideal word count for that post.

For example, a how-to article or a list-style post may require a longer word count to provide comprehensive information and step-by-step instructions, while a news article or a review may require a shorter word count as the focus is more on timeliness and conciseness.

3. Industry Norms

The norms for a particular industry can also impact the recommended word count for a web post. In some industries, longer articles are common and expected, while in others, shorter articles are preferred.

For example, the technology and finance industries feature more detailed content than the health and lifestyle industries. It is important to research and understand the typical word count for the specific industry and niche to ensure that the content aligns with the norms and expectations of the audience.

As you consider the norms in your industry, use the Eye10 Industry Checker to measure your site’s performance against competitors in the field.

4. Keyword Strategy

Longer-form posts provide more opportunities to include related keywords, which can help the content rank for a wider range of search queries. They are also the best for targeting long-tail keywords, which can help the content rank for these less competitive phrases.

Shorter posts, on the other hand, help you to target more specific keywords and provide straightforward information that is more likely to appear in featured snippets or as answers in Google’s ‘People Also Ask’ section.

Regarding keyword strategy, note that overusing keywords or keyword stuffing can result in a penalty from search engines, so it is important to strike a balance between keyword targeting and creating high-quality, informative content.

Balancing keywords and word count is important, hence, using a tool like the Eye10 Keyword Planner gives you ideas and suggestions of keywords to place in your web post. This helps you diversify your keywords and avoid overstuffing.

Other factors

Your content may be at just the right word count but still not rank well if you don’t consider the following factors:

• Structure your content in a way that makes it easy to follow, with headings and subheadings to break up the information.
• Your posts should be well-written, grammatically correct, and compelling. It should be engaging and provide readers with the information they are looking for.
• Media, such as images, videos, and infographics, add visual interest and help break up long blocks of text, thereby improving the user experience and making the content more engaging.
• High-quality backlinks from reputable websites improve the visibility and credibility of your website in search results, which can help increase its rankings.

Conclusion

Finally, more than trying to target a specific word count, it’s important to balance keyword optimization and creating a user-friendly, readable piece of content. High-quality, well-structured content that provides value to the reader and is optimized for search engines is key to success.

Writing content to rank for SEO gets easier when you use Eye10 SEO tools to enhance your work. In terms of writing content, the Backlink Checker, Keyword Planner, On-Page SEO, and other tools help you to see the performance of various areas of your posts in real-time. Join the train by signing up now.