The best blog post length for SEO is whatever it takes to fully answer the query and match or exceed what's already ranking. For most commercial topics, that's 1,200–2,500 words. Informational deep-dives often need 2,000–3,500 words. Quick how-to queries might only need 600–900 words if that genuinely satisfies the searcher. Google doesn't rank by word count. It ranks by how well you satisfy intent. If the top 10 results for your keyword are all 2,000+ words with detailed subsections, your 800-word post won't compete unless you're targeting a different angle. If the top results are concise lists around 700 words, padding to 3,000 words just to hit a number will hurt you. At Ottawa SEO Inc., we reverse-engineer the SERP. We look at the average length of positions 1–5, note how they structure content, then aim to cover the topic more thoroughly without fluff. For local service pages in Ottawa or Toronto, 800–1,200 words often works because intent is transactional. For pillar content targeting national keywords, 2,500–4,000 words is common because we're competing with established domains. Key factors that matter more than length: - Covering all relevant subtopics the searcher expects - Using clear structure with descriptive subheadings - Including examples, data, or screenshots where helpful - Keeping paragraphs tight and scannable - Matching the depth of competing pages A 1,500-word post that directly answers five related questions will outrank a 3,000-word post that circles the topic without committing. Thin content under 500 words rarely ranks unless it's a brand or product page with strong domain authority. Start by searching your target keyword. Open the top five organic results, note their length and structure, then build something that covers the same ground more clearly or includes an angle they missed. If you're writing 40% more than competitors, ask if those extra words add value or just word count. If you're writing 40% less, you're probably missing subtopics users want.