By Terez Howard
I was recently interviewed about blogging, and one question I was asked was how many words a post should be. I will admit that when I first started blogging, word count was an issue for me. I would deliberate over posts not being long enough and think that if a post were too long, my audience would quickly stop reading it.
It’s funny. When I first started working at the newspaper, I was worried about word count. I had come from college. In English class, the instructor tells you to write x amount of pages. If you don’t, expect a lower score. Well, it’s not like that at the newspaper.
You are not going to get a lower paycheck if your articles are not at least 500 words. I learned very quickly that everyone wrote differently. Each writer highlighted different aspects of a meeting or event. Every person created an article that would interest readers. Whether it filled just one column or several, it still was news. It was written well, and that was enough.
Blogging for who?
If your blog is a personal project that isn’t meant to benefit anyone but yourself, write however much or little as you want. It’s for you!
If your blog is directed toward a particular crowd, then you need to ask yourself this question:
Does your audience favor longer posts or shorter ones?
ViperChill wrote This Is How Long Your Posts Should Be. Different blogs were different lengths. Variances were from less than 200 words to nearly 1500 words. Your blog’s niche can help you to see what kind of word count your audience is looking for.
But that is not the only thing that determines how long your posts will be.
Blogging for who, again?
What about you? You are the one doing the writing. Are you naturally a long-winded person, or do you get your point across in a few short paragraphs? Do you feel the need to explain every little detail, or do you favor short, informative lists?
Your own writing style comes into play when you’re deciding if you should write short posts or long ones. You have to allow your personality to shine because if you force yourself to follow rigid rules, your blog will suffer. You will find writing more of a chore than a joy.
Personally, I am a succinct person. I like to write what I think I need and stop. I hate to feel like I’m babbling. On the other hand, I’ve read plenty of long posts that have had me captivated to the very last period. On my blog, Jael Strong and I purposely mix short posts and longer ones. We do what we need to get the job done.
Just write!
Don’t get too hung up on word count. It really should not be too high your priority list. The most important aspect of your blog should be original, quality content. Short vs. long? I deem it a tie.
Do you tend to write short posts or long ones, and why?
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Terez Howard operates TheWriteBloggers, a professional blogging service which builds clients’ authority status and net visibility. She has written informative pieces for newspapers, online magazines and blogs, both big and small. She regularly blogs at Freelance Writing Mamas. You’ll find her on Twitter @thewriteblogger.
Thanks, Terez!
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz on your business!!
I’m a fan of writing short, daily posts, rather than long ones. That said, I sort of stopped maintaining my blog towards the end of this year. But I have plans in 2011 to re-launch my personal blog and am launching a more business-focused blog in February. My plan on each will be short posts. With more and more people vying for your audience’s attention, I think that you can achieve more by writing shorter posts and getting straight to the point.
How about blogs of substance, regardless of length?
I never think about word count– I simply write until I know I’m done. Not a word more, not a word less. 🙂
I think if the story I’m telling is long or short — that’s how the blog post turns out. My readers like to hear stories, and really, who doesn’t?
Merry Christmas Liz!
Thanks, for all u do Liz: Your question, who will be the victor? I suppose it may depend on what you are trying to accomplish in your post. Is it information transfer, enlightenment, stimulant for conversation, or something else? I tend to think “less is more”. Love what u bring, enjoy your holidays and best to u in 2011.
Chris, Good for you! I’m glad to hear that you have a plan to relaunch your blog. Personally, I favor reading shorter posts that get to the point. I’m a busy woman, and I figure my audience is busy, as well.
Karen and Deb, I’m glad that you both found what works for you and for your audience. That’s all it’s about, right?
I tend to write too much, presenting more than one thought/ idea/ story at a time. Often, I get started on an entry and then realize it’s at least 2…and sometimes, a week-long series!
In fact, to keep myself SHORT, I’ve started doing “TEENY TIPS” for my readers…all consignment/ resale/ thrift shopkeepers who visit my blog, I’m guessing, in between customers. And the better advice I give, the more customers they have, so the more crucial succinctness is!
I agree totally that it depends on your niche and your writing ability. Although, overall I generally lean the short post way. First, because I’m usually not intending to write an authoritative piece covering every angle. Instead, I’m starting the discussion. Second, because we have an ADD society that prefers it short and sweet.
In fact, I often will take a longer post and break it up into bite size pieces spread across multiple days.
The SEO benefit of multiple posts is also a good thing too.