The longer your content’s SEO word count is, the better its ranking potential. Right?
The average first page Google result contains 1,447 words. Some writers use this number as a strict goal, while others strive to produce more. However, achieving an ‘optimal’ word count for SEO rankings is much more complex than you might think.
What is Word Count?
Your word count is simply how many words your content has.
Contrary to popular belief, word count isn’t a ranking factor. The average word count of Google’s top 10 results shows no direct relationship between word count and ranking. But the facts are still this: long-form content typically tends to rank higher on Google. Why?
From higher backlink potential to multiple keyword targeting, long-form content presents more opportunity for SEO strategy implementation.
So, what is the optimal word count? Should you be creating long-form or short-form content? And how can you prioritize creating high-quality content while keeping word count in mind?
Word Count as a Factor for WordPress SEO Ranking
40% of websites use WordPress.
Word count, along with the volume and distribution of headings, blocks, and paragraphs, plays an indirect but essential role in the SEO ranking of WordPress websites.
If you’re using the classic WordPress editor, the word count is displayed at the bottom of the content section. In the Gutenberg editor, you can view your word count by clicking on the ‘i’ icon at the top of the builder.
For deeper insights, you can use the Yoast SEO plugin to check whether your SEO word count is sufficient for the type of content you’re writing.
Long-Form Content vs Short-Form Content
Now let’s take a look at long vs short form content, and while one might be more valuable for your site than the other.
Long-Form Content
Long-form content delves deep into a topic. Common examples include guides, tutorials, case studies, white papers, pillar pages, and in-depth blog posts.
Word Count
The general consensus is that long-form content is above 2,000 words. However, this number can vary by about 1,000 words either way depending on who you ask.
Advantages
- Can put out more links for partnership
Long-form articles provide more external linking opportunities for partnerships. You can nurture partnerships by putting relevant external links within your content. - Can include more necessary information for the content
Increasing your word count gives you more opportunity to explore your topic from various angles and establish yourself as an authority in your niche. - It provides more backlink opportunities
Backlinks are
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This article was written by Kyla and originally published on WPExplorer.