It’s no secret that SEO is constantly changing. What works today may not work tomorrow, and what worked yesterday may now be considered obsolete. So it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in SEO, in order to ensure that your website remains competitive.
One of the most important aspects of SEO is the length of your blog posts. In general, longer posts tend to rank better than shorter posts. But how long should a blog post be? And what are the latest trends in SEO when it comes to blog post length?
In this article, we’ll explore the latest trends in SEO when it comes to blog post length, and we’ll provide you with some tips on how to write longer posts that will rank well in Google search results.
Trend 1: Longer blog posts are better for SEO
A recent study by Backlinko analyzed 1 million Google search results and found that the average word count of a first-page result was 1,890 words. This is a significant increase from previous years; in 2014, the average word count of a first-page result was only 935 words.
This trend is likely due to the fact that Google’s algorithm has become better at understanding the meaning of content, rather than just matching keywords. As a result, longer posts that contain more information are more likely to rank well in Google search results.
Trend 2: Blog posts with an “inverted pyramid” structure tend to rank better
An “inverted pyramid” is a term used to describe the structure of a blog post, where the most important information is at the beginning of the post, and the less important information is at the end.
This structure is effective for SEO because it allows Google to quickly understand what your post is about, and it also allows readers to quickly find the information they’re looking for.
Trend 3: Lists and “how-to” posts tend to perform well in Google search results
Lists and “how-to” posts are popular because they’re easy to read and they offer readers a lot of value. And as it turns out, these types of posts also tend to perform well in Google search results.
A recent study by BuzzSumo analyzed the most popular types of content on the web, and they found that lists and “how-to” posts were among the most popular types of content.
So if you want your blog post to perform well in Google search results, consider structure it as a list or a “how-to” post.
Trend 4: The ideal blog post length is 1,890 words
As we mentioned earlier, the average word count of a first-page result is 1,890 words. So if you want your blog post to have a chance of ranking on the first page of Google, aim for a word count of at least 1,890 words.
Of course, this is just an average, and there are always exceptions. For example, if you’re writing a list post, you may be able to get away with a shorter word count. But in general, longer posts tend to perform better in Google search results.
Trend 5: Blog posts with images tend to rank better
In addition to length, another important factor for SEO is the use of images. Google’s algorithm favors blog posts that contain images because they tend to be more visually appealing and easier to read.
So if you want your blog post to rank well in Google search results, be sure to include at least one image.
Tips for writing longer blog posts that will rank well in Google
Now that you know the latest trends in SEO when it comes to blog post length, here are some tips for writing longer blog posts that will rank well in Google search results:
1. Plan your post before you start writing
Trying to write a long post without first planning it out is a recipe for disaster. You’ll likely end up going off on tangents, and your post will lose focus.
Instead, take some time to plan your post before you start writing. Outline the main points you want to cover and make sure each point ties back into your overall theme.
2. Write in a clear, concise style
Just because your post is long doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. In fact, longer posts tend to perform better when they’re written in a clear, concise style. So don’t try to impress readers with big words and complicated sentence structures; just focus on communicating your ideas clearly.
3. Use subheadings to break up your text
Breaking up your text with subheadings makes it easier for readers to skim your content and find the information they’re looking for. Not to mention, it also makes your post look less daunting.
4. Use images and videos to break up your text
In addition to using subheadings, you can also use images and videos to break up your text and make your post more visually appealing. Just make sure you’re using high-quality images and videos that are relevant to your content.
5. Conduct research and cite your sources
When you’re writing a long post, it’s important to back up your claims with research. So conduct some research on your topic and be sure to cite your sources. This will not only add credibility to your post, but it will also give you more content to work with.
6. Edit your post before you publish it
Once you’ve written your post, take some time to edit it before you hit the “publish” button. This will help ensure that your post is free of errors and easy to read.
7. Promote your post once it’s published
Just because your post is live on your blog doesn’t mean people will automatically see it. You need to promote your post if you want it to get traffic.
So once you’ve published your post, be sure to share it on social media and other online platforms. You can also reach out to influencers in your niche and ask them to share your content with their followers.
With these tips, you can write longer blog posts that will perform well in Google search results. So if you want your blog to succeed in 2022, make sure you’re paying attention to the latest trends in SEO.
