In the world of SEO and content marketing, word count is more than a number—it's a ranking factor. Longer, more comprehensive content tends to rank higher on Google. But how long is long enough? And how do you track it efficiently? Enter Rune's Word Counter.
Why Word Count Matters for SEO
Content Depth Signals Authority
Google's algorithms favor in-depth content that thoroughly covers a topic. Articles with 1,500+ words typically outperform shorter pieces for competitive keywords.
More Words = More Keyword Opportunities
Longer content naturally accommodates more keyword variations, LSI keywords, and related phrases—all of which improve search visibility.
Reader Engagement
Well-structured, longer articles keep readers on the page longer, reducing bounce rates and signaling quality to search engines.
Ideal Word Counts for Different Content Types
| Content Type | Recommended Length |
|---|---|
| Blog Post (Informational) | 1,500-2,500 words |
| Pillar Page / Ultimate Guide | 3,000-5,000 words |
| Product Review | 1,000-2,000 words |
| Listicle | 1,500-3,000 words |
| News Article | 600-1,200 words |
| Social Media Caption | Platform-dependent |
How Bloggers Use Rune's Word Counter
Step 1: Set a Target
Before writing, determine your target word count based on competitor analysis and content goals.
Step 2: Write and Monitor
As you draft, keep the Word Counter open. Watch your progress in real-time without interrupting your flow.
Step 3: Optimize Section Balance
Use paragraph count to ensure balanced sections. Long paragraphs can be broken up; short ones can be combined.
Step 4: Check Reading Time
Estimate how long readers will spend on your article. This is useful for content calendars and user experience planning.
Pro Tips for SEO Writers
Aim for Quality Over Quantity
Don't pad content with fluff just to hit a word count. Every word should add value. Use the sentence and paragraph counts to assess structure.
Compare Against Competitors
Analyze top-ranking articles for your target keyword. Use their word counts as benchmarks.
Use Reading Time for UX
If your reading time is 10+ minutes, consider splitting into a series or adding a table of contents.
The Auto-Clean Advantage
When researching competitors, you might paste their content to analyze word count. Enable "Clean text on paste" to strip HTML and formatting for accurate comparisons.
Conclusion
For bloggers and SEO writers, word count is a strategic metric. Rune's Word Counter helps you hit targets, analyze content, and optimize for search—all in one free, fast tool.