Quick vs. Detailed Blog Posts: What Gets Better Results?

If you're running a business blog and wondering how long your posts should be, you're not alone. This question comes up all the time. Should you stick to short, snappy content that’s easy to skim? Or go all-in with detailed, longer posts that cover a topic from every angle?

Here’s the honest answer: it depends.

This post will walk you through the pros and cons of each type of content, help you decide what fits your goals, and show you how to make both work together. You’ll also find examples, checklists, and tips you can start using today.

What Counts as Short or Long?

• Short blog posts usually fall under 1,000 words. They're good for quick tips, updates, announcements, and light content.
• Long-form blog posts typically run 1,500 to 2,500+ words. These are best for in-depth guides, educational posts, tutorials, and detailed case studies.

Both have their place but only if you know when to use each.

Pros and Cons of Short Posts

Pros:

• Easy to write and publish quickly
• Great for mobile readers and social media shares
• Keeps attention for fast-scrolling audiences

Cons:

• Limited SEO impact (fewer keyword opportunities)
• Doesn’t build as much trust or authority
• Less likely to get backlinks or long-term traffic

Best used when:

• Sharing company updates or quick announcements
• Offering bite-sized tips
• Publishing frequently

Example: A local pet grooming service could write a 500-word post titled "3 Easy Ways to Calm Your Dog Before a Grooming Appointment."

Pros and Cons of Long-Form Posts

Pros:

• Ranks better on Google (more keywords and context)
• Builds authority and trust
• Keeps people on your site longer
• Attracts more backlinks and shares

Cons:

• Takes longer to write and plan
• Requires more research or expertise
• Needs strong formatting to stay readable

Best used when:

• Targeting competitive keywords
• Educating your audience
• Creating evergreen content

Example: A real estate agency might publish a 2,000-word guide on "How to Prepare Your Home for Sale Without Spending a Fortune."

At-a-Glance Comparison Table

How to Choose the Right Length for Your Blog

Ask yourself:

1. What’s the purpose of the post?
   • Quick updates? Go short.
   • Solve a major problem? Go long.
2. What does your audience need?
   • Are they searching for fast answers or full solutions?
3. What’s your publishing schedule?
   • Not much time? Mix in short posts to stay consistent.
4. Do you want Google traffic?
   • Focus on long-form for better chances at ranking.

This guide to creating a blog strategy might help even more.

Smart Strategy: Combine Both

You don’t have to choose one or the other. The best content strategies blend both.

Here’s how:

• Write a long, detailed post (1,500+ words) on a key topic.
• Break that into 2–3 short blog posts focused on specific points.
• Link them together using internal linking.
• Use those shorter posts for newsletters, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

Want more ideas on reusing content? Check out this guide.

Some Examples (Non-Blogging Industries)

Bakery

Short: "Today's Specials: Fresh Apple Turnovers + Pumpkin Loaf"
Long: "How to Make Perfect Croissants at Home: Step-by-Step Guide"

Plumber

Short: "3 Signs You Have a Hidden Leak"
Long: "Everything Homeowners Need to Know About Replacing Old Pipes"

Event Planner

Short: "Top 5 Centerpiece Ideas for Summer Weddings"
Long: "How to Plan a Wedding in 90 Days Without Losing Your Mind"

Watch Out for These Common Mistakes

• Forcing long content out of a simple idea
• Posting only short content and wondering why SEO isn’t working
• Forgetting to add structure to longer posts (subheadings, bullet points)

This post about business blog mistakes is worth bookmarking.

Bonus: Post-Length Decision Flowchart

Start here:

• Is the topic broad or complex? → Long
• Is it time-sensitive or promotional? → Short
• Do you want to rank on search engines? → Long
• Need something for social or email? → Short

Still unsure? This post on how to build a better content plan can help.

Choose What Works for Your Goals

You don’t have to pick sides. Use the right length for the right job:

• Short posts keep you active and visible.
• Long-form content drives traffic and builds trust.
• A smart mix saves time, brings in new readers, and makes you easier to find online.

Need help figuring out your content plan or want someone to write it for you? That’s what I do.

I help business owners like you get real results from blog content. Whether you need quick posts, in-depth guides, or a mix of both, I’ll write posts your audience will enjoy and your business will benefit from.

Want to chat about your blog? Get in touch today.