If you’re wondering ‘how long should a blog be in 2025?’ - you’re in the right place!
It’s still one of the most Googled content questions, especially with Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT and the like now pulling blog content in featured answers.
The good news is, in 2025, it’s still about publishing helpful, fresh content that’s easy for both people and search engines (and AI tools like ChatGPT) to understand and reference.
But surely there’s a magic number? Do keywords really matter anymore? And how often should you update your blog, anyway?
Here’s my take.
The Ideal Blog Post Length in 2025
Is the ideal blog post length 500 words? 1,000? 2,500 words? The answer: It’s all of them.
Why? Because the best blog length is the shortest version of the most helpful answer.
In 2025, search engines want useful, clear content, not long-winded essays!
If you can answer the question or search query in 600 words, that’s enough. If the topic needs 2,000 words, that’s fine, too. Now it’s all about giving visitors exactly what they came for - quickly, clearly, and in a way that’s easy to understand.
However, if you really want a blog word count, a good average is:
| Blog type | Ideal length (average) |
|---|---|
| Answering a common question (like this blog is doing) | 500-800 words |
| Thought leadership or opinion | 800-1,200 words |
| Pillar or evergreen content (like guides) | 1,500-2,500 words |
| AI Overview-targeted content | 400-700 words with clear headings & FAQs |
Do Keywords Still Matter for Blogs in 2025?
Yes, keywords still matter in 2025! But the keyword to remember for keywords now is…natural.
According to NP Digital’s 2025 Organic Search Trends Report, 40% of marketers are now optimising for long‑tail keywords, showing just how important natural, conversational, and question‑based search terms have become.
Search behaviour studies back this up: modern SEO guidance focuses on using long‑tail phrases like ‘how long should a blog be in 2025’ instead of generic terms like ‘blog length’. AI also prefers FAQs and headings that reflect how people actually search.
Here’s how to use keywords well in 2025:
Use natural phrases people are actually searching (such as ‘how long should a blog be’, rather than ‘blog length’)
Include them in headings, intros, FAQs, and page titles
Avoid keyword stuffing (as always!) - clarity is more important than density
Think in questions - AI often pulls directly from well-written Q&A formats
Blog Structure That Works for SEO and AI Overviews
If you want your blog to appear in Google’s AI Overviews or tools like ChatGPT, here are a few tips:
Clear H1 that matches the search term
Short intro with the question repeated
Logical H2 subheadings
Bullet points, numbered steps, or tables
FAQ section with concise, direct, and helpful answers
Around the 500-1,000 word range for fast scanning
This format makes your blog easy for AI to analyse, cite, and feature. For more on this, including practical takeaways and examples, read my blog: How to Get Your Blog in AI Overviews.
Why Fresh Content Still Matters in 2025
Google’s algorithm still values fresh content. Even a minor update, like tweaking a title, adding internal links, or updating a stat, can help reindex a page.
Regular content updates signal to search engines that your site:
Is active and maintained
Reflects current knowledge and trends
Offers up-to-date value for readers
So if you’re choosing between writing something new or refreshing something old, pick whatever gets you something fresh, helpful, and structured out faster.
If you’re not ready to write something new, an easy win is to look at your existing blog content:
- Could you add a new section or FAQ?
- Are your headings clear, logical, and keyword-aligned?
- Can you add fresh stats, links, or internal cross-references?
A quick refresh - like updating the title, improving subheadings, adding new data or expanding on a point, can often do more for your SEO than starting from scratch.
So - About That Blog Length…?
It’s 2025. Don’t obsess over word count!
Instead, focus on:
Answering the question clearly
Using helpful subheads and formatting
Publishing regularly to keep your site fresh
Writing naturally for people, not just bots
Including keywords that actually match search intent
A short, well-structured blog once a month will be way more effective than a 2,000-word ramble twice a year!
FAQs: How Long Should a Blog Be in 2025 (& More Blogging Tips)
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For SEO and AI search visibility, aim for 500-800 words for standard blogs that answer a specific question, and 1,500-2,500 words for pillar or evergreen content (blogs that stay useful and relevant over time). But remember - the key isn’t just word count. It’s how clearly and helpfully you answer the query. Blogs that combine clarity, structure, and value are far more likely to appear in Google’s AI Overviews or be referenced by ChatGPT.
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Generally, yes - but only when they’re well-structured and written with purpose. A 2,000-word blog packed with fluff won’t outperform a sharp, 700-word post that directly answers a high-intent query. Long-form content can improve SEO by covering topics in depth, but clarity, formatting, and user experience still come first.
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Yes, blog freshness is still a strong ranking signal. Google favours websites that are regularly updated with relevant, accurate content. Even small updates - like refreshing stats, tweaking headings, or updating your FAQs - can trigger a reindex and help you stay visible in both organic search and AI-generated summaries.
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Aim to review or refresh existing blog content every few months, and try to publish something new at least once a month. You don’t always need to start from scratch. Updating an older post with clearer headings, better formatting, or new internal links can be just as effective for SEO as writing a brand-new one.
Make Your Blogs Work in 2025
Let’s turn what you want to say into blog content that works. Get in touch with me for a no-obligation chat!