It depends. An analysis of 11.8 million Google search results by Backlinko found that the average first-page result contains 1,447 words. However, the study found no direct link between word count and Google ranking.  So why does longer content keep showing up on Google’s first page? 

The answer is straightforward- Google rewards pages that answer the user’s queries effectively, and it’s fair to say most pages end up around 1500 words on average to do that.

However, word count isn’t your ticket to rank on Google. Sometimes, you may need to write around 500 words on average for short-form content, while you may go well beyond 3,000 words for comprehensive guides. The main thing is to address the searcher’s intent and ensure that the more critical SEO factors, such as content quality and structure, are in place.

This blog will show you how to decide the right word count for your page and what you need to do to rank on Google.

Why People Care About Word Count for SEO

Well, the answer here’s simple. Top-ranking pages have fairly long word counts, so it makes sense that people wrongly assume that more words equals a better ranking. However, the assumed relationship between a blog’s length and its Google ranking doesn’t exist. How does that make any sense?

That’s because it’s not about the length of the blog. It’s more about making the content valuable, so you need to cover a topic in detail, address related questions, and include supporting data and facts. When you do this well, you’re likely to end up with a lengthy page.

Furthermore, longer text naturally allows you to cover more relevant keywords and their variations, increasing your chances of ranking. It also keeps readers on the page longer, attracts more backlinks and shares, and all of these are key signals for Google’s ranking algorithm.

In essence, you should care very little for word count and more about the quality of the content and how well it matches a user’s search intent.

Does Google Use Word Count as a Ranking Factor?

No. John Mueller, former Google Search Advocate and now a Developer Advocate, has explicitly said that “the number of words on a page is not a quality factor, not a ranking factor.” He goes on to say, “So just blindly adding more and more text to a page doesn’t make it better.”

Instead, Google cares about content depth, quality, and relevance. If you can explore a topic fully with enough data and examples within 800 words, writing 1500 words will not help your blog rank higher on Google. Focus on how well the content answers the search query, and do not chase word-count targets.

How Long Are Top-Ranking Pages?

Remember Backlinko? According to them, the average first-page word count is around 1447 words. SEMrush’s ranking factors study of 16,298 English keywords, all of which have more than 100 monthly searches, found that the average word count for the top 10 pages is 1451. 

Embryo’s large-scale study of 20,000 keywords found an average of 2,855 words for the number one page. These studies show a pattern of lengthy content ranking higher; however, this correlation doesn’t imply causation. 

Content length helps, but only when quality research, a strong structure, solid internal linking, and relevant keywords back it. Therefore, a long page should only be a by-product of a comprehensive response to the search query. Quality over quantity always.

Recommended Word Counts by Page Type

Different page types- blogs, product pages, landing pages, etc, require different word counts because they serve different purposes. There is no universal word count to hit for every page, but specific word count ranges that make it easier to match the depth required to answer the user’s intent.  The table below gives a practical approach to word counts for different page types.

Page Type	Recommended Word Count	Rationale
Blog/Article	1000-2000 words	Blog posts inform and educate, and this range allows you to answer search queries with sufficient data and examples.  Allows you to include answers to multiple related questions, which is key to ranking for competitive keywords.
Pillar/Cornerstone content	2500+ words	Most authoritative resource on a topic, so this length covers immense depth, and links to the cluster pages
Landing/Service pages	500-1000 words	Enough space for persuasive copy, benefit-driven bullet points, social proof (testimonials), and a detailed FAQ section
Product pages	<500 words	Give key info, features, benefits, and FAQs without overwhelming buyers.
Homepage and About page	500-1000 words	Homepage- Concise but informative content about your key offering. About page- Enough for your brand story, mission, and credibility.

Remember, the ideal word count for any page depends on how much information a visitor should take away. Hence, these word counts aren’t rules, but they provide some guidance if you’re unsure.

How to Decide the Right Word Count for Your Page

To decide the right word count for your page, match the content length to the search intent, analyse your competitors, and consider readability and user experience.

When you determine search intent, then your goal is to answer the user’s query comprehensively, and content length and structure are just tools to achieve that goal. However, it definitely helps to have a guide to word count, and that’s where competitor analysis comes in. 

Check out the top-ranking pages for the search query and see what the average word count is. The average word count tells you what Google considers adequate for the topic. Your job is to go above, or at least stay within, that average, but not below it. 

Finally, write for the users by ensuring that your content is scannable and easy to read. Use descriptive headings, subheadings, short sentences, and paragraphs as much as you can.

Other SEO Factors That Matter More Than Word Count

Word count means nothing without the rest of your SEO building blocks being in place. Quality is what Google rewards based on its EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) standards. Google wants to deliver search results that have strong E-E-A-T. To protect its users from harm and give them the best possible experience.

Furthermore, readability and structure are essential. If there are subheadings, brief paragraphs, and proper formatting, the user can find what they’re looking for faster.

There’s also engagement: dwell time (how long someone stays on the page), user signals (how far they scroll, how many actions they take on the page), and bounce rate (whether they exit back to the results immediately). High dwell times and low bounce rates make Google happy because this indicates that the content met search intent.

Finally, backlinks and internal links mean more for ranking purposes than word count ever will. Backlinks suggest authority, while internal linking helps Google understand your site structure and helps channel ranking signals to specific pages.

When Less Content Is Enough

Short content is effective when a user is looking for a quick and concise response. Writing for intent does not require long explanations for FAQ-type questions, definitions, or basic how-to steps. 

The same can be said about laser-focused landing or product pages where specificity trumps expansiveness.

Furthermore, if your site already has good domain authority, Google may push your shorter pages up in the rankings simply because it knows you have credibility already..

Mistakes to Avoid When Aiming for a Target Word Count

Avoid padding for numbers. Word count without meaning hinders understanding, creates reading speed bumps, and gives your page a padded appearance. Google can sense padding, and users click out when they see it.

Don’t sacrifice readability for length. Long paragraphs, long-winded explanations, and poor formatting make even the best content difficult to read. Focus on short sentences, well-organised ideas, and clear headlines that allow the reader to scan easily.

Avoid meeting word count and forgetting to cover the topic. An extensive article that keeps hitting the same points over and over again will not perform well. Google wants depth, not repetition. Make sure each section addresses a specific part of the user’s intent and adds new value.

Write for Your Audience, Not a Word Count

Your content should be as long as the user’s intent demands, and no longer. Keep refining and updating your pages instead of padding them upfront. In the end, quality, clarity, and relevance will consistently outperform any arbitrary word-count target.