When it comes to SEO, word count is one of the most hotly debated topics. Should every blog be 2,000 words? Is 300 words enough for a service page? Or does Google not care at all?
The truth is that there’s no “magic number”, but there are some clear patterns you should follow.
Does Word Count Matter for SEO?
Google has repeatedly stated that word count itself is not a ranking factor. In other words, a 2,000-word blog post won’t automatically outrank a 500-word article.
“The length of the content alone doesn’t matter for ranking purposes (there’s no magical word count target, minimum or maximum, though you probably want to have at least one word). If you are varying the words (writing naturally to not be repetitive), you have more chances to show up in Search simply because you are using more keywords.”
That said, longer content often correlates with better rankings because:
- It gives you space to cover a topic thoroughly.
- You can naturally include related keywords and FAQs.
- It tends to earn more backlinks and shares because it’s more comprehensive.
So while it’s not about hitting a specific number, it is about depth, quality, and relevance.
Recommended Word Counts by Content Type
Here’s a practical breakdown for 2025:
- Blog posts / Insights: 1,500–2,500 words
- Especially important for competitive topics and thought leadership.
- Pillar or cornerstone content: 2,000+ words
- These should serve as in-depth resources or “ultimate guides.”
- Service or product pages: 500–1,000 words
- Enough to answer the customer’s main questions and support keyword targeting without overwhelming them.
- Minimum floor (for any page): ~300 words
- Anything less risks being “thin content” unless it’s a landing page with another purpose, like a paid search landing page.
Why Context Matters More Than a Number
If you’re targeting a high-competition keyword, like “best AI visibility tools for small business”, you’ll need more content depth (and likely more words) than if you’re targeting a niche keyword like “commercial civil engineering services in Nashville.”
Before deciding on word count, look at the top 10 pages already ranking for your keyword. If they average 2,000 words, that’s a signal you’ll need to match that depth. If they’re closer to 600 words, a concise, well-optimized page with inlinks to the page may be enough. Pay special attention to the lowest-domain-authority site that still ranks on page one, since it signals the minimum depth needed to compete.
The Bottom Line
Don’t think of SEO word count as a box to check. Instead:
- Use at least 300 words as your baseline.
- Write 500–1,000 words for most service or product pages.
- Aim for 1,500–2,500+ words for blog and insight content, especially if it’s a competitive topic.
- Always check what’s already ranking — and make sure your content is more helpful, clearer, and more valuable than the competition.
When it comes to SEO, quality always beats quantity. Simply adding more text won’t improve your rankings — or your reader’s experience. If you expand your content, make sure every word adds value, answers a question, or deepens understanding. That’s what both search engines and humans reward.
Ready to Grow Your Search Visibility?
Need help increasing your website’s presence in search engines or AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity? Huckleberry Branding offers comprehensive SEO and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) services to expand your reach, drive qualified traffic, and grow your business.
