Everyone asks: “How long should a blog post be?”
That’s like asking “How long should a video be?” — the answer is: As long as it needs to be. And not a second more.
Whether you’re cutting a video or writing a blog post, the real question isn’t length. It’s about clarity, momentum, and emotional pacing — the things that keep people watching, or reading, all the way through.
Great blog posts, like great edits, aren’t about how much you include. They’re about how little you leave in that doesn’t move the story forward.
And that’s more important than ever.
In a world where ChatGPT can spit out a 2,000-word guide in 8 seconds, and where Google’s top results are often Wikipedia summaries, readers aren’t starving for answers — they’re starving for perspective. For voice. For soul.
This is why Seth Godin’s blog still stands out — many of his posts are fewer than 300 words. Some are under 100. But they hit. Because they’re distilled, deliberate, and personal. And in the end, that’s what readers remember.
Table of Contents
1. Cut the Fluff Like B-Roll That Doesn’t Serve the Story
That cool drone shot? The one you wanted to keep in your video but didn’t help tell the story? That’s your bloated intro paragraph.
If it doesn’t serve the reader’s experience or move the idea forward — cut it.
Editing is an act of respect.
2. Every Section Is a Scene — and Every Scene Needs a Point
Just like in a video timeline, your blog post is made of scenes. Each heading, each section, each paragraph — it’s a beat.
It should build tension, deliver clarity, or set up the next idea.
If it doesn’t carry its weight? Trim it.
3. Tight ≠ Short. It Means Sharp.
Some videos are two minutes and feel long.
Some are twenty minutes and fly by.
Same with blog posts.
A 1,200-word post can feel effortless if it’s well-paced.
Focus on rhythm, tone, and logical flow. Keep trimming until it feels lean.
In fact, a study by Medium found that the ideal post length for engagement is around 7 minutes of reading time — roughly 1,600 words — but that assumes the content deserves to be that long.
Don’t aim for word count. Aim for resonance.
4. Don’t Obsess Over Algorithms — Obsess Over Experience
Yes, Google likes longer content. But humans don’t like filler. The goal isn’t to write for a robot — it’s to write for a real person with limited attention.
Treat your post like a film: guide the viewer, control the pacing, land the emotional beats. That’s what sticks. That’s what gets shared.
5. Know When to Fade Out
Every post doesn’t need a grand finale. Sometimes, the cleanest move is to stick the landing and cut to black.
Don’t drag your conclusion. Deliver the insight. Offer the takeaway. End.
Readers don’t want more content — they want clarity. They want to feel like their time was well spent. When your post flows, they feel it. When it drags, they bounce.
So get personal. Be precise. Say something only you could have said. That’s your edge now.
Stop asking how long your blog post should be.
Start asking:
- Did I keep the reader engaged?
- Did I move the idea forward?
- Did I cut the fat?
If yes, then whether it’s 500 words or 5,000 — you nailed it.
Now go cut it like you mean it.
