The Ideal Blog Post Length: Does Size Matter?
Unless one is trying to reproduce, shrinkage is not always bad. And now that I’ve planted images of shriveled anatomy in your mind, let’s begin.
If you pedal backwards through my blog, you will notice post-miniaturization. In other words, goodbye high word-count tomes; hello reader-friendly nubbins.
So, instead of:
“Hey, all you wonderful folks, how’s the skin rash?”
You’ll soon get:
“Hey, all you wonderful folks.”
And finally, just a simple:
“Hey.”
Well, okay, except for my Lazy Blog Days, the entries will not be that short. But my point is, brevity can be good.
Ironically, writing a short piece proves tricky, at least for me. But with my last few posts, I’ve tried to balance having a message with getting you out in time for lunch. Or for your S&M bondage session. Your choice. I don’t judge.
Pull my finger.
So what is the ideal blog post length?
Once again, I crawled into bed with Google, and this is what I found. For optimal Search Engine Optimization (SEO), the general consensus seems to be that a post should be at least 300 words. If you would like a description of SEO, you’ve come to the wrong place.
How about maximum word count? Opinions vary, though several sites I queried note 1,000 words as the upper limit. But even that might push the patience button. According to The Secrets of Blog Post Length, 400-600 words seems a reasonable goal.
I like the sound of that. And if it keeps you lovely people checking in, I hereby swear to abide by the following mantra:
Four hundred down low,
Six hundred up high,
If ever I should stray,
Pitch a fork in my eye.
Well, hold on. On second thought, let’s make it 300-700 words. My eyesight is lousy enough.
Nope. These are not my big red glasses from the eighties. But we’re getting closer. Will I ever be brave enough to post that horror?
And now, since I have a few allotted words left, allow me to share my son’s newest expression. It’s really adorable. In fact, I could make this a regular feature. For example, some bloggers like **–brain splats–** have the Lexicon word of the day. But on my blog, in lieu of helpful education, I’ll showcase my teenager’s crude vocabulary instead. Let’s call it:
The Awful Offspring Offal*
So for today, enjoy this little gem he recently tossed out. Trust me, no context is necessary. Just know that my other son now goes by the name “Vagina Nuts.”
What about you? What do you consider the perfect blog post length? Is there such a thing? Or if you prefer, tell me where I’ve erred in parenting, which, if you reread my two opening sentences, is pretty much a rhetorical request.
All images from Microsoft Clip Art
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130 Responses to “The Ideal Blog Post Length: Does Size Matter?”
“Sorry this letter is so long I didn’t have time to write a shorter one” – G.B. Shaw. Do you find you write from the heart and edit from the head? In my writing I try to chop about 50% of the words before finalising – I think it makes a difference – at least I hope it does. Cheerio, Tony
Absolutely. Less is more, so chop chop I go.
By the way, my husband is in your line of work.
[...] rules at the end of this entry. This jacks up my word count, which violates my promised ceiling of 700 words, but let’s not count those pesky rules as substance. They’re pretty much white noise for the [...]
[...] 3) I don’t exceed 700 words in this post. (Remember my promise?) [...]
[...] I close, enjoy the latest Awful Offspring Offal, brought to you in a limited-edition, olfactory and visual [...]
From what I have read, and I do pay attention because of some other blogs and web sites that I have, the new Google SEO algorithms like 300-700 words. Apparently 300 shows that you’re serious about your subject matter, and anything over 700 is deemed boring to your readers.
Well, then it appears I am in the right range. I think when people read a lot of blogs, size becomes important, especially with the time factor. Of course, now that I’ve committed myself to this word range, I better stick to it!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
[...] it was that beckoned, I am delighted to see you both. As a special reward, I offer my newest Awful Offspring Offal, today delivered in a unique visual format, which I believe my Estonian friends will particularly [...]
[...] to readers paying attention: I know in the past I promised to keep my posts less than 700 words, but I just couldn’t manage with this one. Please don’t stab my eye. It’s pretty darn [...]
[...] Haiku is following the lazy mode and the prompt is once again from Mrs Rubin of The Write Transition, and her “Awful offspring offal”. Carrie also offered me some [...]
I’ve pondered this at length. My limited experience tells me that the shorter the entry, the more likely you’ll get comments and not just a bunch of “likes”.
My conclusion – it doesn’t matter enough for me to focus much on it. I just accept in advance that a long blog post will result in a lot more blogosphere silence.
I think you’re probably right. I should go back and review my posts–see if the longer ones have less comments.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it.
[...] Before I end this ridiculously Lazy Blog Day, enjoy the latest Awful Offspring Offal: [...]
I’m sure there should be some kind of law, because the more I stuff in, the less I enjoy. Some room to move is essential.
I think you have the perfect balance of quality and quantity in your posts–a style to emulate for sure. I know you always keep me coming back!
My blogs always seem to land right around 300. Maybe I should work on getting out just a few more words, if I ever manage to sit down and write a complete blog again… (I have plenty of ideas thanks to the funny/interesting/strange things I see when I’m out and about; it’s the sitting down part that I’m having troubles with. Glad though that you always provide an entertaining read!)
Your brief posts are content-rich and a pleasure to read, so I think you’ve landed on the right formula. And even if you don’t get to the “sitting down part” that often, at least you are out living your life.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on a number of my posts. I appreciate it!
I have been thinking about lengths of posts, too. I am going to try and hit 400-600 words mark. The operative word is “try” here!
Well, I definitely have to be careful now that I shared my word-limit mantra with everyone. If I stray too far, I’ll risk that fork in the eye. Talk about motivation.
Clearly you don’t have to worry about the number of words in your blogs, since you’ve perfected the art of the sexual-title bait and switch. By the time dimwits like me figure out that the post has nothing to do with the naughty title, it’s too late and we feel obligated to finish it, just in case you get to the implied dirty part. And no, mentioning “vag nuts” does not count as naughty – nice try though.
Yes, I guess that does make me a bit of a tease, as my friend over at Promethian Times (http://prometheantimes.com/) has suggested. But at my age, I’ve gotta take what I can get…
You listen to me, young lady! That’s just about enough of that self-deprecating humor!
I can’t help it. Just like the scorpion, it’s in my nature…
You’ve got a point there;scorpions are known for their self-deprecating humor….or was that Scorpio’s?
Haven’t you ever heard the tale of the Scorpion and the Frog? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scorpion_and_the_Frog
So the scorpion says “I won’t sting you, I’m having a really bad hair day and I’m just carrying a ton of water weight”
The frog says, “Huh?”
The scorpion says “Are you saying I look fat? You know how sensitive I am! “, then stings the frog and they both sink to the bottom, where they are eaten by a catfish, who is an admitted bottom feeder.
Yeah, pretty much. You nailed it. Except for the asking if I look fat part. Never done that, cause let’s face it, I hate it when someone asks me that. Instead, after a night out, my introverted nature asks my poor husband,–the frog in this scenario, “Did I say anything stupid? Did I talk enough?” He’d probably prefer the fat question.
is it permissible for me to say “no comment” at this juncture?
That is indeed the only suitable response when a conversation thread has deteriorated to the extent this one has…
[...] double bonus Haiku this week is brought to you by two things. The first like a fortnight ago, from Mrs Rubin of The Write Transition, and her “Awful offspring offal”. The second came from a [...]
[...] much as I’d love to go on, I recently promised brevity in blog posts, so I must bid you adieu. Besides, there is a string-bean of a man laying mulch [...]
Loved this post. I just adore your whicked sense of humour. How long, ah…I think it’s the quality that counts. If it’s good people will read it, if not, the mouse is only a click away….now how does one disable all the mice in the world!
Thank you for the kind words. And yes, I agree, quality is always key. But just in case my “quality” isn’t up to snuff, I better keep my posts on the shorter side.
Hello Crubin (sorry, is it carrie rubin?),
‘m a relatively new blogger, so i found your post very helpful. I write about books, and I generally stay in the 500-800 range, my average being 600.
Your blog is just the right combination of relevent and fun, I loved it! following you now!
please do visit my book blog, and if you like it, please follow. looking forward to your visit.
Crubin, Carrie Rubin, either is fine. Much better than my sons’ “loving” nicknames for me.
Thanks so much for stopping by my site and for the follow. Good luck with your blog. I’ll check it out later once I get back to my laptop (currently answering comments via my phone. Isn’t technology great?)
Shorter the better.
With as many blogs as I follow, I’m beginning to agree.
A). Don’t forget the importance of paragraphs. The quickest way to lose my attention is not giving my eyes a break. Lol.
B) I notice those that love to write tend to do the longest posts. Well them and anyone on a rant.
C). There is no C. I just wanted to make you read longer……lollllll.
I agree–lots of spacing is good. Your posts are always a treat to my eyes, because they are short and offer a good laugh. Which I know is your goal.
yahooo. It’s working..
Seriously thanks. I believe everyone needs to laugh and smile more and I know you are of he same thinking.
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I was surprised when my longest post—too long, I feared—became my most popular. Like books, I believe that posts should be as long as they need to be.
Great post!
Where there is quality, people will come. So that obviously leaves some other explanation for why they come here…
Interesting topic! I try to make my posts long enough to make a point, and short enough to keep interest!
A wise mantra. And you did just that with your asparagus and smelly pee post.
I tend to blog more often so I try to keep the posts shorter. In the 200-500 word area. I figure if someone blogs 2x a week at 1000 words and I blog 4 times at 500 words we are reading about the same amount of words. It just seems fair.
So if someone posts less, I am happy to read longer posts, but if they post often, I’m likely to skim a 1-2k word post.
You are at the top of my list for bloggers who post relevant and entertaining material in a concise and reader-friendly manner. You have a real gift for that, so you’re one of my inspirations for getting my posts down in length, even if I do only post twice a week.
You are definitely on a roll and right on track. Although I’ll read every single word of a fellow blogger’s post, trying to keep up with everyone has kept me from doing anything and I mean “anything” else. So to read long posts (which I’m guilty of writing) can be a burden. But most of all, I want to be supportive to all of the hard working creative writers out there.
My post today is simply a quote and a few photos and I have not a single ‘like’ or ‘comment,’ soooo…. looks like I bombed and when I’m low on time it’s best to not post at all.
You are so talented, witty and have just the right formula (but you already know that, right
) So You go girl ! 
Here’s to another excellent and informative post…
(Did I reply in 300 words or less? LOL)
I have not gotten around to my alotted “blog reading” time yet today, but rest assured, when I do, I will drop in and comment on yours.
I’ve always found your posts to be a lovely balance between quality and quantity, so I think you’re the one with the right formula. But you’re correct, it does take time investment to follow blogs, and that’s why I don’t want to keep anyone away by being too wordy.
Thanks for stopping by!
I feel 500 words is a good target or at least that is what I seem to come in around these days. I really have to like the blog to read more than a 1000 words simply due to pressure of time and the number of blogs I attempt to keep up with.
I agree. Five-hundred words seems to allow time to get the word across without being overly long-winded. I hope I can adhere to my new goal. And really, with the drivel I produce, it shouldn’t be too challenging.
If it’s engaging I am willing to commit to a long post. Even the smallest of posts can be a bit of a yawn, so good writing will pull me in every time. Having said that, I’m sometimes pressed for time and short and sweet is all I can fit into my day. I’m no help to you….
You manage such a perfect blend of capturing the reader’s interest yet keeping it short. In fact, you were one of the inspirations for my blog-post-shrinkage decision.
I think it all depends what you write about. You need to use the right amount of words to get your point across. It’s all about editing, right? I come from a marketing & business background, so I’ve been trained to get the point across very fast to catch the prospect’s interest. But blogging is more about storytelling than selling and I don’t think there’s a magic number, but sure, 300 words probably work better than 1000, depending on the content. So far, you haven’t lost me while reading your posts, so I think you’re doing OK!
I agree that blogging is more about storytelling than selling, but given the multitude of blogs out there and everyone’s busy schedules, I worry a lengthy post will just scare some people away, whether it’s of the highest quality or not. But I’m glad to know I haven’t lost you yet!
By the way, I came home from a conference late yesterday afternoon; didn’t have time to cook so had my husband pick up Chipotles. Once again, I made the mistake of reading Life of Pi while eating. A chicken burrito bowl. It’s meat becoming more and more unpalatable as I read about Pi’s frenzied eating through a raw fish. The highlight was when he foraged the stomach of the fish he’d just killed, pulled a few smaller fish from it, rinsed off the stomach acid, and then gobbled the little critters right up. Better than any pharmaceutical appetite suppressant I assure you.
Mmmmmm, raw fish… Just recall Cast Away, when Tom Hanks has to eat a lot of raw fish to survive, before he figures out how to make fire. And remember the raw crab? That was so gross! And yet, I still love that movie…
True. And one must do what one must do to survive. Even if that means digging out and devouring a turtle’s brain…
Actually, I told my 15 year old son he should read it. He likes philosophical things and grossness, so this book should cover both bases. It really is a good read.
I like shorter posts – 500 words or less, with pictures. Mostly cause I’m lazy.
I’ve always said I’m the most ambitious lazy person I know, so it’s nice to see I have company.
But sometimes it’s almost harder to keep it short. We’ll see how well I stick to my new mantra.
Pull my finger! I have some Vagina Nuts in my life!!!
I know you do. And very creative ones at that!
You’re so funny that I don’t think it matters how long your posts are – people will still read them because they’re so entertaining. Sadly though, shorter is probably better for most just because people probably want to be able to read as many posts as they can, but no one has the time to read through a lot of long posts. It’s pretty backwards really, since the writing is what should be important in a blog, but it’s just hard to keep up with everyone if you want to actually read through them all.
Thanks for the compliment–so nice of you to say. But I agree, when one reads lots of great blogs, it’s hard to keep up if the posts are really long. And you’re right, it should be quality over quantity, but sometimes life gets too busy.
Thanks for stopping by!
I agree with word count. Some posts are harder than others to get down that low. I’ve read some awful long ones lately, but I’ll read clear to the end if it’s teaching me something like how to figure out Amazon self-publishing or graphic art tips. But for most normal bloggers, shorter is better. (And I think you’re a great parent…but boys are crazy and love potty words. That’s what I think.)
Yes, from what I hear, the preference for potty words never leaves the Y chromosome…
The more blogs I read, the more I’m thinking shorter is better as well. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the long posts–sometimes the longer word count is needed–but for a frequent blog reader, short and to the point can be a blessing. You always manage such a nice balance between quality and quantity. It’s always a treat to stop by your “place.”
Thanks for the compliment…and back at you! I enjoy your blog too. It always makes me laugh.
Oh good, because I’m all about lowering the blood pressure and strengthening the abs. Laughing does both. Just remember to do your kegels.
Size always matters. Don’t let anyone try to convince you otherwise.
Well, if you’re talking about blog posts, then you are the queen, because you write them in 50 words or less. If you’re talking about something else, well, then, I have to assume you’ve broken out the tequila…
You can always assume I’ve broken out the tequila.
I try to keep mine fairly short, or split them when I get too long-winded. I usually get distracted after about 500 words as a reader, but when it is important and engaging (and includes the words vagina nuts) any word count goes!
That’s funny, because I think I start to get distracted at that 500 word mark, too. Maybe there’s something scientific about that? Probably somebody somewhere has done a study on it. I’m always surprised what studies get funded. Things that seem so obvious–was it really necessary to do a study to prove it?
And now I’ve really digressed. Oh well, better in my comments than in my posts. Oh wait. I do it there, too…
Post good, me like. (How is that for shrinkage?)
Perfect. Nuff said. And thank you!
My upcoming Saturday post clocks in at 591 words. I think I’m usually in the 400-700 range. Sometimes content will drive the length. My beta reading posts were more in the 1000-1500 range, but I was presenting quite a bit of information.
In this day and age, shorter is easier to read. A longer gripping post can hold my attention. But if it’s clearly ramblings that could be done in half the words, I’ll probably just skim—or give up and go to the next.
If you don’t want to show your own photo with the red glasses, how about a stock photo of someone with something similar?!
It seems your posts are always a good length, and even if they run longer than your usual, they always hold great info. But yes, when one reads many blogs, shorter can be a blessing.
Believe me, I have tried to find a photo that depicts my red frames, but I haven’t been able to do so. I have the perfect photo of myself, but with the big hair combined with the big frames, I don’t think I have it in me to post. As I told another commenter, maybe I’ll have to do it conditionally–if I sell 200 books, I’ll post the photo. Or something like that.
Now that could be a successful marketing technique.
I bet a lot of your followers would buy the book for the chance to see that photo!
Are you any good with photoshop? You could add the frames to a stock photo of someone else.
I have Photoshop on my list of things to do. I want to get the software and start playing around with it for blog images. But always so much to do…
I think a blog should be between 500-1000 words, preferably somewhere in the middle. And I don’t know about others, but I have a hard time keeping up with someone who writes once or twice a day. I aim to be profound once a week. Ha.
I agree–it’s hard to keep up with the blogs that post daily, but I figure they will forgive me if I don’t make it by each time.
As for me, I keep it at two posts a week. All I can really handle.
Thanks for stopping by!
Where did you go wrong? You musta spared the rod. That usually does it.
Just kidding
I don’t usually give much thought to blog post length…I just say what I need to, then head on. I tend to be wordy though, so I always try to remind myself not to get carried away. I don’t always succeed.
Yes, I have spared the rod Hmmm, should I rethink that?… Actually I lucked out in the discipline department. All I’ve ever had to do is threaten to take away video games. Works like a charm.
From what I’ve seen of your posts so far, they are very reader-friendly. And as someone who reads a lot of blogs, I like that.
Thanks for dropping by!
I think that length (as it applies to a blog post) is relative. Yes, a shorter post is easier to read, but if someone is interested in what’s being said, they’ll stick it out. I think the rule that matters (and as a writer you already know this) is not to write more or less than you need to.
I’m not surprised you wore Sally Jessy Raphael glasses in the 80′s, but I am surprised that you’re embarassed by it. Hold your head high, Flashdance!
If in doubt, cut it out–I think that applies to writing as well as to surgery…
I think it also depends on how many blogs a person reads. If someone reads lots of blogs and then comes to mine and finds a 1500 word whopper, they’ll probably click right on out.
As for the glasses, it’s really the whole combination–the big hair, the big frames. I have the perfect photo. Just haven’t been able to go there. Maybe I’ll do it on a condition. For example, if I sell 200 books I’ll post the pic…
Size definitely matters – I tend to keep mine short. I’ve come across some blog posts that seem truly interesting but they are sooooo long that I lose interest halfway through. I hate to admit that but I think I’ve become programmed to getting my info in bits… great post, great length, and I’ll never doubt your parenting skills because it seems we’re pretty similar in that regard
You do a great job of posting relevant material in a very reader-friendly format. In fact, you’re one of the bloggers that unwittingly encouraged me to go shorter. As for the parenting thing, maybe it’s really more of a boy thing. In fact, I’m pretty sure it is.
I found some of my longer blog posts don’t really get read at all. I think the way people read several / many blogs, that they don’t want to be sitting down for 15 minutes reading one blog, they want to go from one to the next relatively quickly. With the exceptions being that you write something that grabs people in a certain way.
Anyhoo, the prompt for next monday’s bonus haiku is now taken care of!
I agree. I think my longer rants risk going unread. As for your Monday Haiku, so glad you found some inspiration. Or am I?…
I shall answer yes to your question. I shall also say thank you for the link on the post which I forgot to say earlier.
You’re welcome.
First: Anytime you can use the word Offal, I believe you should. A+ on word usage.
Second: You are such a social media maven and I am green with envy.
Third: I used to write articles for our little podunk newspaper and was always told to keep it at 300 as readers got bored after that. I personally try to stay below 600 unless I’m on an amazing rant or just don’t give a flying fig.
Fourth: Write tight, is my new mantra in fiction writing. Leave out what isn’t actually the story. If it’s not moving the plot forward, take it out.
Read On Writing by Stephen King. Some good stuff in there.
I’ll read every word you write, even if you decide to prattle on beyond 1,000. But for me, 300 to 600 is optimal.
As always, thank you for you kind words. After I finish typing this comment, I am headed to a four-hour conference, so this introvert welcomes your encouragement, as I’ll take any I can get before donning my social mask. And yes, offal is a pretty handy word, isn’t it?
Your posts always seem the right length, so I’m happy to know you are shooting for around the same length as my new goal is. I never want to scare anyone away by being too wordy. And I agree–if the word isn’t needed, toss that baby on out. I recently finished “On Writing” by Stephen King. It is my favorite “writing” book thus far. Loved it.
Thanks, Gina! And wish me luck in my afternoon socialization.
Good luck. NOTHING worse than a meeting. Avoid eye contact at all costs or you’ll get volunteered to do some God-awful job. Run screaming from the building as soon as possible when it’s done. I sat and worked at the elections on Tuesday with 2 old women and a gossip….from 7 am to 8 pm. I thought my head might explode. To add insult to injury, I then waited on every human offal in the county who wandered in to vote. There. I got to use the word, offal, too today. I’m shot for the week, but alas. I have two graduations and a wedding this weekend. Someone just shoot me.
As usual, you have me laughing. I feel your pain. I would have collapsed in a solitary heap after a day like that. And such socializing still ahead of you this weekend. Good luck!
My event today was an educational conference, and only brief small talk was required. Which is certainly good for me to get out and do from time to time.
I am, by nature, a rambler. When I write a post, I make it as long as I want. Then I go back and edit (after leaving the computer for awhile; those words are like babies and I can’t just abandon them right after the making).
I know that shorter is better (if by better you mean your reader sticking around until the end), but sometimes 300 words isn’t quite enough to get your meaning across.
I’ve recently taken a look at my Google Analytics and found that most readers (US readers that is; Canadian readers stay longer!) don’t stick around for longer than about a minute and a half. So the question is, how many words can the average person read in 90 s?
Off to collect some data…
Your posts always seem to be the right length, so you must have done your research. You have the perfect blend of quality and quantity.
One might have a perfect, high-quality post, but if, as you mentioned, readers don’t stay for longer than 90 seconds, then no one might make it until the end.
People are busy. They have lots to read. I just don’t want to frighten them off by making them scroll endlessly through my posts.
Aww, thanks Carrie!
I am just seeing this now as I don’t log into WP often enough…
You’re hilarious! HAHA.. For me, brevity is always nice to allow the reader to piece the puzzle bits together themself, however, length is determined by content, hence, it really depends on how much it takes to ‘vent’ it out, that really matters. Some of the best blogs I read are definitely over the word limit, while others may be under 300 words but fit just right. To each their own, depending on the style that expresses them best I think.
I tend to have a range from 20 words to 2000 at times. So um, I’m not one to judge. 
Pink.
Yes, that is an impressive range, but variety is always nice, too.
And I think you’re right. Quality should always come first. I just don’t want to scare anyone away by being too long-winded.
It’s not the size of the boat, but the motion of the ocean. :+) Let see blog posts I think the last blog post I wrote was maybe 300 words or so. I’l have to check now you have me wondering. I think for me when I write a post I like to be able to see the words and the photo in the screen without scrolling down. As far as reading I’m happy to read and scroll as I follow my favorites. It’s a good guestion. :+)
I liked your “motion of the ocean” comment. And I think there is truth to that. Some posts may require more words; to cut them short would do them injustice. Although I think it might be good to strive for a certain number, I don’t think one should be confined by it.
Thanks for stopping by, Starla.
I agee on not limitting post size. I think for myself my insucurities about my grammar and my spelling and sentence structure has me confined into a little box. At times I can’t believe that I write in a public format it makes me cringe a little. By the way I was just thinking about this post and the words vagina nuts came to my mind. What? Vagina nuts….
Maybe my son has started the newest catch phrase.
I’ll remember to quote him :+) I think your right it just might catch on.
Now that’s a scary thought, indeed.
Thanks for the laugh this morning. I’m so greatful for blogging. :+)
I am all for short, sweet, and to the point. If there are too many words on the page my eyes glaze over – no matter how good the content. Is is short attention span or just too many blogs to read?
You poor thing–you ended up in my spam again. Not sure how long you’ve been there. But alas, I have found you and reinstated you to your rightful place.
As for longer posts, I think it’s just because there are so many great blogs to read, it’s hard to get to them all if the posts are long.
Thanks for stopping by. Hopefully you’ll get this spam thing sorted out.
Did you un-spam me? I am now able to get through to the blogs where I comment on a regular basis. As I have said before, what a pain in the arse.
Long blog posts make me take a deep breath and then decide if I am going to commit 10+ minutes to read it. If I am not hooked in about 10 seconds, I move on. That is the case even when I love the blogger.
I unspammed you, so hopefully that will keep you out of detention for awhile.
Now that I am out of detention, I’m going to go smoke cigarettes with the “bad girls” in the high school parking lot. They will all be asking each other, “who is the old lady trying to look cool? Eew.”
Oh boy, this comment landed back in my spam folder. You really have been naughty, haven’t you?
I went to confession to unload my sins but that was a waste of time I see.
Oddly enough, the best response I’ve had was to a post that was 1400 words. It was an extremely emotional post. Perhaps they stuck around to read of my crappy dilemma so they could feel better about their own lives. LOL
I’ve had shorter ones that fared well. Someyimes I feel like it’s subject matter, regardless of how long the post is. As a reader, a good hook will get me into a post and great writing makes me finish no matter how long it is.
I am trying for 700-1000 now, depending on the subject. I hope to get it down to 600-800 myself eventually. Keep your fingers crossed! Sandy
I do think that if one has something important to say, than word count should not be a limiting factor. There are times more words are needed. I just hope to balance the length of my posts with everything else I know busy people have to read throughout their day. I don’t want to scare anyone away with overly long posts.
Good luck with your goal!
Now that I’m not such a newbie to the blog stuff, and now that I’ve picked up quite a few blogs that I follow personally, I realize that time is of the essence. In having to pick and chose to read the blogs I follow based on “Is this a novel today?” (And reading some blogposts based on statistics — like the one you did today) I’ve developed a new mindset. I want to keep the followers I have and gain new ones.
What you’ve written is so true. That 1400 word post was the newbie in me. But I’m getting better. Sandy
Always good to hear from you, Sandy.
Wooot! I feel validated now. 400-600 is my ideal. I came to that range by having a good look at the blogs I really love, and seeing that they all managed to pack powerful thoughts into concise posts–something I think all writers endeavor to accomplish.
Of course, in practice I tend to rant quite often. But I’m working on that.
Really.
I am.
I agree–I am impressed by those bloggers that manage to say something worthwhile in a few words. Although my drivel may not be worthwhile, hopefully it can offer some amusement. In 700 words or less.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I’ve noticed that the shorter the post and the more I embarrass myself, the better…at least for my audience haha. It gets challenging!
You do a great job of having enjoyable content in a small word count, which is a wonderful treat for someone who reads lots of blogs! And your embarrassment is our enjoyment.
hahaha, happy to entertain. I think your posts are always the perfect length!
Your sons crack me up. Seriously. More blog posts about your sons.
Yes, they definitely have rich vocabularies, especially my oldest. See? Always good to put a positive spin on everything…
This is a great question, Carrie.
I try to come in at 800 words or less, but I’m long-winded. So it’s hard. 300 would be tough. 600 – 700ish seems like my ideal.
=)
Yeah, 300 barely covers a joke or two, but I’m going to see if I can pull one of those off. Just for grins and giggles.
Thanks, Stacie. I’m looking forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts.
Carrie,
You bring up a very important issue. Funnily enough, for longer projects, I usually come up short (my novel is just over 70,000 words), but for short articles and blog posts, I find myself writing too long. I think 300 words would be a stretch (er, shrink?) for me, but under 700 sounds do-able. What are yours, usually?
I didn’t really pay attention early on–just said what I wanted to say–so I’d have to go back and look. But I’m sure some were close to the 1,000 word mark. My last several have been under 700 words, but I’m liking around 500 more (which is what today’s was). I know people are busy, and I’m trying to find a balance of writing something worthwhile (though do I ever?) and not scaring people away. I’m looking forward to reading others’ thoughts on the issue. Thanks for being the first.
