Most Effective Content Length?

**Sneakyheathen** · 05-09-2008, 04:24 PM

When writing articles, do you find that short, more specific articles attract more readers and comments, or long, full feature articles?

Personally, I like smaller articles, but I sometimes lengthen my articles if I have enough ideas that relate and strengthen each other.

**Skinny1** · 05-09-2008, 04:45 PM

Hmm . . .I find that smaller ones work best. I used to write a gadget blog and used to write long posts and frankly people didn't hang around the page that long (i.e. they didn't read it).

So look at engadget.com (very quick summary type posts) those are often the best.

But . . .it depends what you are talking about. I will sometimes read long articles . . . it just matters if it's something I'm interested in and willing to read.

Skinny

**VirtuosiMedia** · 05-09-2008, 10:11 PM

It depends on your audience, your subject matter, and your writing style.

**vapourlock** · 02:18 AM

Research says that yes, smaller length articles work best, but then the minimum acceptable word limit is definitely more than 350 words and a 500 word article or write-up is reported to be the optimum size even for SEO requirements.

If you break your lengthy article into small readable 4 line and 5 line chunks, it will be a pleasure to read on the web. There are some excellent web readability reports on this at http://www.useit.com by Jakob Nielsen.

Another trick was to have your article points in lists, with a short intro and conclusion , although you don't have to mention what they are. If you are writing with SEO in mind, you will have to include keywords in the main title and a few sub headings -- but don't be too keyword dense

**sizzler_chetan** · 05-10-2008, 06:07 AM

I have never taken any number of words into consideration when am writing a blog post. It is the way of your writing and not quantity.

05-09-2008, 04:24 PM	#1 (permalink) Most Effective Content Length?
Sneakyheathen Skilled Talker Posts: 70 Talkupation:	When writing articles, do you find that short, more specific articles attract more readers and comments, or long, full feature articles? Personally, I like smaller articles, but I sometimes lengthen my articles if I have enough ideas that relate and strengthen each other. __________________ http://www.deadlyclever.com - Personal Blog http://www.supersophomore.com - Teen Site

05-09-2008, 04:45 PM	#2 (permalink) Re: Most Effective Content Length?
Skinny1 Average Talker Posts: 18 Talkupation:	Hmm . . .I find that smaller ones work best. I used to write a gadget blog and used to write long posts and frankly people didn't hang around the page that long (i.e. they didn't read it). So look at engadget.com (very quick summary type posts) those are often the best. But . . .it depends what you are talking about. I will sometimes read long articles . . . it just matters if it's something I'm interested in and willing to read. Skinny __________________ Blandless CSS and Flash Gallery - Inspiring Web Designers!

05-10-2008, 02:17 AM	#4 (permalink) Re: Most Effective Content Length?
vapourlock Novice Talker Posts: 14 Talkupation:	Research says that yes, smaller length articles work best, but then the minimum acceptable word limit is definitely more than 350 words and a 500 word article or write-up is reported to be the optimum size even for SEO requirements. If you break your lengthy article into small readable 4 line and 5 line chunks, it will be a pleasure to read on the web. There are some excellent web readability reports on this at http://www.useit.com by Jakob Nielsen. Another trick was to have your article points in lists, with a short intro and conclusion , although you don't have to mention what they are. If you are writing with SEO in mind, you will have to include keywords in the main title and a few sub headings -- but don't be too keyword dense __________________ http://www.valuewriting.com http://www.dailyarticle.com Last edited by vapourlock : 05-10-2008 at 02:18 AM. Reason: proof reading

05-10-2008, 06:07 AM	#5 (permalink) Re: Most Effective Content Length?
sizzler_chetan Ultra Talker Latest Blog Post: Web Directory - Free or paid for link building? Posts: 410 Name: Chetan Location: India Talkupation:	I have never taken any number of words into consideration when am writing a blog post. It is the way of your writing and not quantity. __________________ The WWW Blog - A complete web information blog

05-09-2008, 10:11 PM	#3 (permalink) Re: Most Effective Content Length?
VirtuosiMedia Ultra Talker Latest Blog Post: Web Development Business Tips Posts: 411 Talkupation:	It depends on your audience, your subject matter, and your writing style.