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How Long Should Articles Be on a Niche Website?

by cearley
16 replies
I am looking to build a niche website. Any suggestions on how long the articles should be?
#articles #long #niche #website
  • Profile picture of the author perfectpixel
    Banned
    At least 400 words for SEO'd articles, Google seems to favor substance and that usually is found in longer articles
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    • Profile picture of the author fin
      I aim for 1200-1500 words.
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  • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
    Originally Posted by cearley View Post

    I am looking to build a niche website. Any suggestions on how long the articles should be?
    Depends on your site's intentions.

    For an article which is a stopping point, where visitors are expected to read it and go on about their business: 600 to 1,000 words. This is a satisfying length for a blog post.

    For a gateway, where visitors are expected to click a link or ad after reading: 350 to 550 words. This is an unsatisfying length, long enough to deliver value but not long enough to feel like you're done.

    These are generic guidelines, and individual test results in specific niches may vary.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
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    Originally Posted by cearley View Post

    Any suggestions on how long the articles should be?
    It depends on how you're using them and on where else (if anywhere) you're subsequently going to re-publish them as part of the process of bringing traffic to your site - a consideration which can sometimes suggest length-preferences if you want to avoid re-writing them.

    I typically start writing articles imagining that they might come to about 900 words, but they often end up being longer.

    I can't remember the last time I published anything as short as 400 words on any of my sites, or submitted it anywhere else, and I certainly have no plans to do so (though I suppose one should "never say never").
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  • Profile picture of the author perfectpixel
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    Also it's better to have quality content first and foremost as it increases the likelihood of getting more backlinks. Aged articles are favored too
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  • Profile picture of the author Sandra Martinez
    How do you plant to monetize it? the monetization gives you the frame for the length and style of the articles, it also affects the art.
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  • Profile picture of the author Edie47
    You could easily have a mix of longer and shorter (not less than 400). The articles need to be quality, not just quantity, but if you mix the length you might get a greater readership with less bounce rate.

    Many visitors don't have the time or desire to read lengthy posts unless they are very interested in the topic. They are more likely to check out the info and head elsewhere if the article(s) is too long. But, you want longer articles that go deeper into the topic to help qualify you as an expert in your field.

    I'm using a mix with more length to some of the articles lately and it seems to be working well for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Solid State
    Originally Posted by cearley View Post

    I am looking to build a niche website. Any suggestions on how long the articles should be?
    The question is completely relative as is its answer...

    Articles should be long enough to accurately relay the valuable message contained therein.

    Many people believe and preach that there is a set length.

    In my experience a more relevant question is: What is the quality of the copy?
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    • Profile picture of the author sherys
      I usually aim for between 500 - 700 words.
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  • Profile picture of the author wolfmmiii
    Most of my product reviews are 300-500 words. My goal as an affiliate isn't to keep traffic on my site all day. My job is to give my readers what they are looking for and then get them on their way to Amazon so Amazon can close the deal and make the sale.

    For product overviews, 300-500 words works for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author DPWeb
    Problogger has argued that 250 words is enough for an article.

    If you have a new blog, and really want to explain something technical or hard for your target audience, you may find you need 1200-2000 words. Articles of that length often provide great value to their readers, and in turn are ranked high in Google.

    Don't be afraid to write a long article if the topic calls for it. Sometimes you may write short articles for time specific items.

    I hope that helps.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    You should be more concerned about QUALITY, not quantity.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    Actually, the timing on this question is interesting.

    Ive just spent the past few days doing a bit of research on sites ranking well in Google within my niches.

    Interestingly enough, almost every site that is ranked well for numerous phrases, have articles posted that are well in excess of 1,500 words. In addition to that, most of those articles, if not all have social widgets heavily integrated against that content.

    And also, many of these articles include a diverse range of media types, such as PDF's, spreadsheets, videos and most notably - images.

    Oh and another thing before I forget - lots of onpage embedded links, pointing to other pages onsite, and dedicated sections that point to related articles.

    I think all of these things combined with great content will see much better rankings.
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  • Profile picture of the author RyanMagin
    700 to 1,00 is working well for me
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