Best length for a blog post?

Sunday, September 14th, 2008 at 9:52 am

Today’s question:

What is the best LENGTH for a blog post, and how often is it most advantageous to post?

The first part of this question is impossible to answer definitively. For a simple guideline most blog posts should be at least 150 words. They can be a 1000 words too though.

It really depends on what it takes to cover the topic of the blog post and create an interesting post worth reading. If you can do that in a short post and cover the topic I think that is better as succinct information will tend to get you more followers. Just my opinion.

The second part of the questions is easy – the more the better.

I know a real smart ass answer sorry but that is me .

It really depends on two factors. How competitive is your niche and how old is your blog.

The more competitive your niche the more often you should post. This can be once, twice, three times a day or more. If you look at some of the big blogs like Problogger you will see multiple posts every day. Trying to compete against them and posting once a day and you are spitting in the wind.

As a rule for a new blog I like to post at least daily and preferably twice a day to get them started. This will continue for the first few weeks and then may tail back to 3-5 times a week.

More important is to set a pattern of consistency. Readers like to know when to expect more information. If you post every week on Friday then your followers will begin to expect that.

The worst thing is to not be consistent in your posting. Post 4 times this week then 2 weeks later add another post. Just a good way to lose your readership in my opinion.

So pick a schedule and tend to stay with it. Your readers will appreciate it.

As always your questions and comments are welcomed.

Mike Paetzold