The ideal length for pages and posts in websites: A comprehensive guide
In the competitive world of website Search Engine Optimisation, the ideal length for pages and posts has become a crucial consideration in. The length of text content directly impacts a website’s visibility on search engines like Google. Research has consistently shown that longer content tends to perform better, and it’s imperative to understand why Google favours extensive content over shorter counterparts.
What is SEO?
First of all, let’s define ‘SEO”.
SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, is a set of techniques and strategies used to improve the visibility and ranking of a website or web page in search engine results pages (SERPs). The primary goal of SEO is to increase organic (non-paid) traffic to a website by making it more appealing to search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo.
Google’s preference for longer content
Google is used for about 92% of web searches so for the purpose of this article we’ll simply agree that other search engines are available. All websites are therefore subject to its constantly changing algorithms, aimed at providing the most relevant and valuable search results. In recent years, one of Google’s criteria for ranking pages has been the length and depth of content – the number of words. This is because its primary aim is to provide users with comprehensive and informative answers to their queries.
Shorter content often fails to achieve this goal, so Google tends to favour longer pages and posts that are rich in information, as they are more likely to satisfy a user’s search intent. Google’s mission is to deliver a high-quality user experience and it considers low content pages to be outside this brief.
Top-performing websites embrace longer content
SEO researchers report that the top-performing 10% of websites, compared to all other domains, tend to feature longer content. This phenomenon is not a coincidence. It underscores the importance of providing users with in-depth, valuable information that goes beyond surface-level insights.
Longer content not only satisfies users’ need for information but also tends to generate more backlinks and social shares. These factors are vital for SEO, as they signal to search engines that the content is authoritative and valuable, further boosting a page’s ranking.
What is the difference between posts and pages in WordPress?
In the world of WordPress websites, content is divided into two categories: posts and pages. (It’s a big world… about 40% of all websites.) Understanding the difference between these two is important for determining the ideal word count for each:
Posts: Posts are time-sensitive, regularly updated pieces of content. They are typically used for blog articles and news updates. The ideal word count for a post can vary widely depending on the topic and the audience, but a common recommendation is a minimum of 500-800 words for basic blog posts, with more in-depth topics often requiring 1500-2500 words or more.
Pages: Pages, on the other hand, are static and serve as foundational elements of a website, such as the homepage, about page, or pages outlining your products or services. For these, the ideal word count often falls in the range of 1000-2000 words, as they should provide comprehensive information about the website or business.
The importance of keywords
Keywords play a pivotal role in both page and post content. They are specific words or phrases that users are likely to search for when searching for information on a particular topic. Using relevant keywords in your content helps search engines understand the subject matter of your page or post, which is essential for SEO. Note that more often than not, it is a phrase, not just one word, eg “web designer in Matlock”.
However, it’s important to use keywords strategically and to avoid keyword stuffing, which is the practice of excessively and unnaturally using keyword. Google is wise to that. Instead, use keywords naturally within your content, including in the title, headings, and body text, ensuring that they flow seamlessly and enhance the user experience.
Adding regular, new content is important for SEO
One of the key strategies for improving SEO is to add regular, new content to your website. This keeps your website fresh and up-to-date, which search engines like Google favour. Frequent updates signal that your website is active and valuable to users, which can positively impact your search engine rankings.
How to write an article: structuring and using keywords
Begin by deciding on the structure and headings. Start with an attention-grabbing title that incorporates your primary keyword. This title should give users a clear idea of what to expect from your content.
Next, create a structure that includes headings and subheadings. These not only make your content more scannable but also help search engines understand the hierarchy of information. Use keywords strategically in these headings and subheadings to guide both users and search engines through your content.
As you write your article, incorporate keywords naturally into the body text. Use synonyms and related terms to provide context and depth to your content. This approach ensures that your content is informative and valuable to readers while also satisfying search engine algorithms.
Understanding keywords, and simple keyword research
Keywords are words or phrases that encapsulate the main topics or themes of your content. They are the terms users are likely to type into search engines when looking for information on a particular subject. Keyword research is the process of identifying relevant keywords for your content.
A simple guide to keyword research
Brainstorm: Start by brainstorming keywords related to your topic. Think about what words or phrases users might use to search for information in your niche.
Use Keyword Tools: There are numerous free keyword research tools such as Google Ads Keyword Planner. These tools can help you discover relevant keywords, their search volume, and competitiveness.
Analyse Competitors: Look at what keywords your competitors are targeting. This can provide insights into which keywords are effective in your niche.
Long-Tail Keywords: Long-tail keywords, are longer and more specific phrases. While they may have lower search volume, they often have less competition and can bring in highly targeted traffic, so try a few of those.
In conclusion, the ideal length for pages and posts on websites varies and is based on their purpose and content type. However, research consistently shows that longer, informative content tends to perform better. Keywords play a critical role in optimising content for search engines, but they must be used naturally and without overuse. Additionally, regularly updating your website with new content is essential for SEO success. Understanding keywords and conducting simple keyword research can help you identify the most relevant terms to target in your content, further enhancing your website’s visibility in search engine results.
So how many words is this article? I make it 1051, excluding the headings. Count them if you want to!