In a recent LinkedIn post, Google’s Senior Search Analyst, John Mueller, responded to a question concerning whether there is such a thing as “ideal length” for content.
There is an obvious underlying issue with questioning how to create better content for Google, as this goes against what the algorithms within the search engine are primed to identify.
However, this question will be beneficial to those unfamiliar with the topic. As well as this, it can be easy, even for those who are experienced in this area, to create content so lengthy that it begins to divert away from the main topic itself.
The question proposed to Mueller was:
“Is there an ideal content length that performs better on Google search results? Should we focus on creating longer, in-depth articles, or can short-form content rank just as well?”
Mueller responded:
“There is no universally ideal content length. Focus on bringing unique value to the web overall, which doesn’t mean just adding more words.”
This proves the point that quantity doesn’t always assure quality.
Having concise content that is accurate and valuable to the reader will be much more beneficial from an SEO (search engine optimisation) perspective than saying as much as you can, in the hope that some of it will be deemed valuable by Google.
Mueller emphasised this point by stating that:
“If you count the words in best seller books, average the count, and then write the same number of words in your own book, will it become a best seller?”
Therefore, it is essential that you find a good balance between quality and quantity without assuming that the more you say, the more you know.
For more information on what makes great content, reach out to our experts at Engage Web today.
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