One of the most common questions in SEO is: “What is the ideal length for an article to rank well on Google?” The answer is not as simple as a magic word count. While content length does influence rankings, other crucial factors include content quality, search intent, and domain authority.
In this article, we’ll explore how many words an article should have to rank well on Google and how to optimize content beyond just its length.
Does Word Count Affect SEO?
Yes, but not absolutely. Google does not reward articles based solely on their length but rather on their ability to effectively address the user’s search intent. However, various studies have found a correlation between longer articles and higher rankings. This is because longer content tends to:
- Provide more in-depth coverage of a topic, answering multiple user questions.
- Attract more inbound links (backlinks) as a reference source.
- Improve user dwell time on the page.
- Cover multiple related keywords.
Recommended Length by Content Type
The ideal length of an article depends on its type and the user’s search intent:
- Informative or educational articles: 1,500 to 2,500 words. These articles offer in-depth insights and can attract links and social media shares.
- Definitive guides: 2,500 to 4,000 words. These extensive and detailed articles aim to become authoritative resources within a niche.
- Trending topics or news posts: 500 to 1,000 words. Their goal is to provide quick updates without needing in-depth coverage.
- Transactional articles (comparisons, reviews, lists): 1,000 to 2,000 words. Focused on converting users into customers, they typically include technical details and opinions.
- Local SEO content: 800 to 1,500 words. Designed to answer specific questions for a geographical area.
Content Length in Link Building
In the context of link building, the length of the content where a link is placed is a relevant factor. According to our 2025 Annual Study on Link Building, PR, and Media, the data for 2023 and 2024 are as follows:
| Language | 2023 (words) | 2024 (words) |
|---|---|---|
| English | 873.11 | 876.20 |
| Spanish | 756.49 | 794.13 |
| German | 776.00 | 776.00 |
| Italian | 730.47 | 754.00 |
| Portuguese | 701.85 | 700.34 |
| French | 665.74 | 641.00 |
| Catalan | 682.63 | 545.00 |
This data can help adjust the word count of articles where links are placed, maximizing their naturalness and effectiveness within a link-building strategy.
Check out the full study here
Factors That Matter More Than Length
While word count is important, other factors play a bigger role in SEO rankings:
- Search Intent: Ensure you answer what the user truly wants to know.
- Content Quality: A long but low-value article won’t have an impact.
- Structure & Readability: Use subheadings, lists, and short paragraphs to enhance the user experience.
- On-Page SEO: Optimize titles, meta descriptions, URLs, and internal linking.
- Multimedia: Use images, videos, and infographics to make the content more engaging.
As we can see, there is no exact word count required to rank an article on Google. Instead of obsessing over length, focus on quality, search intent, and SEO optimization. A well-structured, useful, and relevant piece of content will always have a better chance of ranking—regardless of its exact length.
While long-form articles tend to rank better, the key is to write as much as needed to comprehensively and effectively answer the user’s query.
