Why Word Count Doesn't Matter For SEO

Does Word Count Matter for SEO?

Word count can matter for SEO, but not in isolation. It impacts factors like content authority, user engagement, and overall quality, which influence rankings. Here's how:

1. Authority: Longer content often allows for deeper exploration of a topic, signaling expertise. However, artificially inflating word count with filler content can harm credibility and user satisfaction.
2. Engagement: The focus should always be on delivering value. Well-written, comprehensive content that answers user queries thoroughly is more likely to perform well than content aimed at meeting arbitrary word counts.
3. User Experience: Word count affects how content fits on the page. Balanced, visually pleasing layouts enhance readability, while excessive or sparse content can detract from user experience.
4. Comprehensiveness: While short-form content can suffice for simple queries, longer content is often better suited for answering complex questions or providing in-depth insights.

As you can see, word count count is a factor, but its importance lies in how it supports the quality, value, and user experience of your content. Quality always outweighs quantity in SEO.

How to Determine the Best Word Count for Your Content

Determining the ideal word count for your content starts with understanding your audience's needs and the complexity of the topic. Here’s how to approach it:

Consider User Intent‍

Ask what your audience is searching for. Simple queries may only require short, direct answers, while complex topics often benefit from in-depth exploration.

Analyze Competitor Content‍

Look at high-ranking pages for your target keywords. Assess their word count, structure, and how well they address the topic. Use this as a benchmark, but focus on creating something more valuable.

Match Depth to Purpose‍

The purpose of your content should guide its length. For instance, a detailed guide or tutorial may need 1,500+ words, whereas a product page or FAQ might only require a few hundred.

Engage with Analytics

‍Monitor your content’s performance using tools like Google Analytics. If shorter content has high bounce rates, consider expanding it to provide more value.

Balance Quality and Aesthetics‍

Ensure your content is thorough yet concise. Avoid unnecessary filler and organize information into readable sections for an optimal user experience.

Ultimately, the best word count is the one that allows you to cover your topic comprehensively while keeping your audience engaged.

How to Check Word Count

Checking word count is quick and straightforward using modern tools. Here are a few easy methods:

Microsoft Word

The word count is displayed in the Status Bar at the bottom of the document. Click on it for more details like characters, paragraphs, and lines.

To count specific sections, highlight the text, and Word will show "xx of xxx words."

Google Docs

Click "Tools" in the top menu, then "Word Count." A pop-up will display the count, or enable “Display word count while typing” for real-time updates.

Shortcut:

1. Windows: Ctrl+Shift+C
2. Mac: Command+Shift+C

iPhone Pages App

Open the document, tap the three-dot menu, and toggle "Word Count."

Most platforms have built-in tools, so whether you’re on a computer or smartphone, finding your word count is just a few clicks away.

Wrapping Up

While word count does not directly correlate with SERP rankings, the length of your piece naturally lends itself to other SEO practices like fully answering a query or keeping keyword usage organic.

Creating high-value content can be complicated, so leave us a comment below if you have any lingering questions about word count.

Finally, some parting words of wisdom: Prioritize quality over quantity if you want to see your content succeed with your audience and with Google’s algorithm.