Is There a Perfect Word Count for SEO?

When writing for SEO, one of the most common questions is: “How many words should my blog post be?”

You might’ve heard numbers tossed around—like 500, 1,000, or even 2,500 words—as the “ideal” count. But here’s the truth: Google doesn’t rank content based on how many words it has.

In fact, the Google SEO Starter Guide says that content length doesn't matter—what matters is how helpful your content is.

Let’s unpack what that means and how to think about word count the right way.

Does Google Have a Minimum or Maximum Word Count?

Nope. According to Google:

"The length of the content alone doesn't matter for ranking purposes (there's no magical word count target, minimum or maximum...)"

So if you’ve been aiming for a specific number of words because you think it helps rankings, you can stop stressing.

What matters more is how well your content answers the searcher’s question.

Where This Myth Comes From

There’s a reason the word count myth has stuck around. Longer content can rank well—but not because it's long. It often ranks better because it covers the topic in more depth, includes more keywords naturally, and earns more backlinks.

But long content isn't always better.

Sometimes, the best answer is short, clear, and to the point. If someone searches "how to boil an egg," they don't want a 2,000-word article with a backstory. They just want the steps.

Google is looking for content that matches user intent, not content that hits a certain length.

Here’s what to focus on instead:

• Clear, helpful writing
  
  

• Good structure with headings and short paragraphs
  
  

• Natural keyword use (not forced—keyword stuffing still hurts)
  
  

• Real value—not fluff
  
  

We explain more of this “quality-first” approach in our SEO 101 guide, and it applies to content of any length.

So… How Long Should My Content Be?

Here’s a better way to think about it:

🟢 Write enough to fully answer the question
🟢 Don’t leave out important details
🟢 Don’t add filler just to reach a word count

If your content solves the problem and gives users what they need, that’s the right length—even if it’s 300 words or 3,000.

For more technical or competitive topics, longer content might make sense. But don’t chase word count. Chase clarity.

There’s no perfect number. No magic formula. No minimum or maximum that will unlock the top spot on Google.

Instead, focus on creating content that actually helps your audience. If you do that, the length will take care of itself—and your rankings will benefit.

Still, writing with a fixed word count in mind? Let it go. Even Google says it doesn’t matter. Just build something useful.

Related Reading

• SEO 101 – A Beginner’s Guide to Search Engine Optimization
  
  

• Keyword Stuffing Is Killing Your SEO
  
  

• Do Headings Impact SEO Rankings?