Are you a surf business owner wondering how long your blog posts should be?

This is a common question among surf brand owners who are unsure whether to go with micro-blog posts or more comprehensive ones.

In this discussion, I’ll delve into the ideal length of a blog post for a surf business. I’ll also give you a breakdown of the benefits of different-length blog posts.

The ideal blog post length

You might’ve heard that “attention spans are shorter than ever” and that “surfers prefer small nuggets of information”. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean your blog posts should be brief.

In fact, lengthier posts often fare better in the blogging world, with experts suggesting that 1,500-2,000 words are the ideal length.

Ultimately, it’s all about what’s best for your reader.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What are the factors that influence the length of a blog post
• The benefits of long and short-form blog posts
• How to determine blog post length

The length of your blog will depend on these factors

Time constraints

While I say that blog posts should be user-focused, nobody wins if you’re not publishing anything because you’re too busy. Blog posts take time and you’re better off posting a brief 500-word article than nothing at all.

Topic or niche

Some topics require you to dig deep and answer complex questions.

For example, a list of the different beaches in your area with directions on how to reach them and spot guides. In this case, you’ll have to write a longer article in order to properly cover all aspects of the topic.

On the other hand, if you’re writing something straightforward, like a simple update about a recent surf house renovation, there’s no need for more than 500 words.

Buyer persona/stage of awareness

What type of audience are you reaching out to?

Are they beginners looking for the basics of surfing, or more advanced surfers who need technical details about improving technique?

The length of your blog post should match the knowledge level of your target audience. For example, if you’re targeting beginner surfers, a short 500-word blog post might be enough.

Blog article length should also match the awareness stage of your target customer.

In the problem-aware stage, concise blog posts make more sense. Conversely, longer blog posts can be highly effective during the decision-making phase where people require a lot of information in order to justify a purchase or booking.

Search intent

Search intent is pivotal in determining the ideal length of your blog post.

It entails understanding what a reader hopes to find when using specific keywords in a search engine. For instance, if users are searching for ‘best surf spots in California’, a comprehensive, detailed article would likely satisfy their intent.

However, if the search is ‘surf shop hours for Ronnie’s Surf Shack’, a more precise post will suffice. Balancing your content to align with search intent helps enhance user experience and your SEO ranking.

SEO

Speaking of, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a critical factor when considering the length of your blog post.

Google generally favours in-depth and well-researched long-form content, which often ranks higher in search results. A blog post of about 1,500 to 2,000 words can provide ample opportunities for keyword optimisation, internal linking and more comprehensive coverage of the topic – all of which can significantly improve your SEO.

Benefits of writing shorter 500-1,000-word blog posts

• They have distinct advantages when catering to a busy audience or covering a simple topic
• They’re easy and quick to read, allowing your followers to gain useful information in a short period
• Beneficial for topics that don’t require an in-depth explanation
• Great as excellent teasers for products, events or updates about your surf business
• They require less time to write, making them an efficient content solution for businesses with limited resources or tight schedules

Benefits of writing longer 1,000-2,000-word blog posts

• Ideal for topics that require a more detailed explanation, allowing you to provide enough information to ensure your audience understands the subject thoroughly
• It provides a good balance between depth and readability, keeping your audience engaged without overwhelming them with too much information
• Offers better SEO opportunities, as a more comprehensive post allows for more keyword inclusion and internal linking
• More likely to be shared on social media, as readers often share posts that they find informative and valuable
• Can help establish your surf brand as an authority in the field, as longer posts show that you have extensive knowledge of the topic

How to determine blog post length (5 simple steps)

1. Identify the topic or subject

First, identify the main subject of your blog post. Understand what you wish to discuss and the insights you plan to provide to your readers. This initial step essentially sets up the tone and the direction for your blog post. You might find that this article on blogging tips will help.

2. Define the objective of your blog

Understanding the objective of your blog post is crucial. The type of content you wish to create can dramatically influence the ideal word count. So, having a clear idea of your blog’s intended purpose helps you to deliver the right content.

3. Create your blog article outline

Crafting an outline for your blog can provide you with a solid picture of the blog’s structure. Initially, you might not have a clear idea about the sections or subheadings to include in your blog. An outline can help you to visualise and organise your thoughts effectively.

4. Anticipate the number of words to be used

Once you’ve prepared an outline, the next step is to anticipate the word count for each segment of your outline. Determine how many words you might necessitate for each paragraph or section to convey your ideas effectively. This step gives you a rough estimate of your target word count.

5. Adjust to suit the desired word count

After estimating the total word count, adjust your blog’s structure to align with either short-form or long-form content guidelines. If your outline is too extensive, consider eliminating some sections or saving them for a different blog post.

Conclusion

In reality, the ideal length of a blog post depends on a multitude of factors – the complexity of your topic, the level of expertise of your target audience, the search intent of your readers and SEO considerations.

Again, short-form and long-form content both have their place. Just remember to keep your readers in mind and you’ll be sweet.