How Long Should Copy Be?

The Ideal Content Lengths for Every Platform

When it comes to writing for the web, one golden rule often holds true: shorter is better. Whether you’re crafting copy for a website, social media, or a blog, knowing the ideal length can mean the difference between grabbing attention—and losing it.

This post is your go-to guide for writing content that connects. Let’s break it down.

The Power of Brevity in Copywriting

Copywriting isn’t like writing essays. It’s faster. Tighter. More direct.

Want a quick tip? Write your copy—then cut it in half. Chances are, it’ll read better.

Stick to short paragraphs—one or two sentences max. Don’t be afraid of sentence fragments. One-word sentences. Noun-only lines. Even just a phrase. They all work.

✨ Pro tip: Vary your rhythm. Mix short, punchy lines with the occasional long sentence to create a natural, engaging flow.

The Online Exception - Google Loves Long

Short is great, but Google loves depth. Longer content tends to rank better in search.

That said, you’re still writing for people. If your content is helpful and engaging, Google will reward you with better rankings, even if it’s not super long.

Balance is key: Write enough to be useful, but keep it interesting and easy to read.

The Ideal Lengths for Every Content Type

Paragraphs

Ideal: 100–200 words

Vary the length. Short intros. Long bodies. Just don’t make every paragraph the same.

Tweets

Ideal: 100 characters

Short tweets = more engagement (+17%). They’re easier to read, retweet, and comment on.

Facebook Posts

Ideal: Under 40 characters

Super short posts can see 86% more engagement. If that feels too short, stick to under 80.

Google+ Headlines

Ideal: Under 60 characters

Headlines that stay on one line perform better. Keep key info up front.

Headlines (General)

Ideal: 6 words

Most people skim. They read the first 3 and last 3 words. Make them count.

Blog Posts

Ideal: 1,600 words (7-minute read)

That’s the sweet spot for attention.

Minimum: 300 words (for SEO)

Great target: 700–1,000 for everyday posts

Email Subject Lines

Ideal: 28–39 characters

This range gets the most opens and clicks. Be clear, helpful, and specific.

Paragraph Width

Ideal: 40–55 characters per line (8–11 words)

Makes content easier to scan. Feels “lighter” and more readable.

Presentations

Ideal: 18 minutes

That’s TED Talk territory. Long enough to say something meaningful, short enough to keep attention.

Title Tags (SEO)

Ideal: 55–60 characters

Go longer, and Google cuts it off. Start with your keywords.

Domain Names

Ideal: 8 characters or fewer

The top sites keep it short. Easier to remember, spell, and share.

Make Every Word Count

Use these numbers as guideposts—not rules. What really matters is clarity, value, and flow.

Quality always wins. Mix up your lengths, keep things engaging, and focus on what matters to your readers.

Need help crafting content that fits every platform perfectly?

Get in touch—I’d love to help shape your content strategy or build out high-performing web copy.