From the time the first search engine results page (SERP) began ranking webpages, there has been a long-running debate regarding the most critical ranking factors.
Over the years, the indicators of what brought a website to page one have changed, along with Google’s algorithm. Still, some factors seem to be consistently up for debate. One particularly vexing component is the number of words needed for a page one ranking.
In this post, you’ll learn what the ideal homepage word count is, and tips to increase your word count for better SEO results.
What is the Ideal Word Count?
A hotly contested question, the answer is not as simple as everyone would hope. Because Google does not reveal a specific number or range of numbers, taking a look at the word count of the top-ranking websites is advisable.
When looking at the word count of the top-ranking webpages, it is easy to spot a trend. Approximately 90% of sites that are on page one of the SERPs have a word count that is over 1,200.
Examining the trend in the number of words in top-ranking pages, a recent study showed that the average word count Google’s top websites was 1,447 words.
Should You Aim for 1,500 Words to Rank Well?
On the surface, that idea makes a bit of sense. However, the quality of your content is far more significant than meeting a word count. John Mueller, Google’s Webmaster Trends Analyst recently explained that the number of words on your page would not guarantee you a page one ranking.
Remember, no matter how you add to your website, be certain you are posting useful information and not relying on fluff that pads a word count. This is especially important with Google’s Page Experience Update rolling out in 2021.
Fortunately, you can create a good word count that is full of pertinent information your customers will enjoy. By taking useful data and creating smaller content containers, you expand your site’s quality information. Additionally, smaller segments of content are frequently easier for visitors to digest.
Consider one or more of these seven tactics to improve the value of what your site offers.
1. Blog Feed
Not long ago, blogging was something mums, and millennials did to express themselves, showcase their talents, and maybe make a few bucks in the process.
Recently, adding a blog to your business page became essential for your SEO. Now, mechanics, veterinarians, and landscapers (along with every conceivable profession) are using blogs to help their customers and their SERP standing.
Google sees your blog as a way to add value for your site visitors. This is a way of adding a bump to your SEO. Additionally, those visiting your site find your blog posts helpful and appreciate the additional information your blog offers.
For example, popping on a dental site and checking out their blog provides information and education to a patient or potential patient. In this case, you find ways to maintain your dental health while you are sick, learn reasons for dental implants, and find out how to protect your smile.
Keeping a relevant blog on your site offers other benefits beyond extending word count.
2. A Meet the Team Section
Whether you call it ‘meet the team,’ ‘get to know us,’ or ‘about us,’ adding a content compartment that introduces you and your coworkers is an excellent way to add to your word count while giving customers a look at the faces behind the webpage.
A successfully built about us section will be informative and offer a general sense of those working in your company. You can work with images and short text blurbs about each team member, or you can step out side of the box.
Here is an example of a well-executed meet the team page. You see clear images along with names and positions within the company. As this is a digital marketing agency, the page does not create a stuffy and formal feeling, a dog as a coworker adds some whimsey. When you scroll over each person’s image, you see a GIF that expresses a bit about the team member.
Consumers are more likely to do business with individuals who come across as skilled, genuine, and trustworthy people. Add a segment to show your potential customers who you are and why you are right for the job.
3. Top Services or Products
It is safe to believe that not every visitor to your webpage knows all about your products or services. When you offer a content compartment that highlights services or products that are popular, you give your customers a direction. The online marketplace can overwhelm people, and providing a compass to navigate is typically appreciated.
You can be a bit creative with what you call the top products page. In this example, the retailer uses the phrase ‘most loved’ and shows a selection of their most popular pieces.
4.FAQs
Your webpage can benefit from a FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) page in several ways.
An efficient way to create your website FAQs page is to record the questions you receive and group them into specific categories. Categories make your FAQ page easy to navigate. For example, this dog boarding business offers a thorough and well-planned FAQs page.
5. Customer Testimonials
Some products are reasonably similar across the board. Regardless of where a yellow highlighting marker comes from, it is still relatively standard and easy to purchase. However, many products and especially services stand out from the competition based on customer testimonials and reviews.
When you add a section of customer testimonials, you allow all of your potential customers to have an unbiased account of how well the company executed their job.
Consider this example. You plan an anniversary dinner for your mum and dad. Every catering service you see will use superlatives to describe their offerings and post sumptuous images of delightful food.
How can you choose the best caterer? Take a few moments and read the testimonials. When someone takes the time to post about a service or product, you can be sure they had a memorable experience, either positive or negative. So, a caterer who receives glowing customer testimonials has the edge over those who have no customer feedback or poor feedback.
If you are wondering how to get testimonials to share on your webpage, ask satisfied customers if they would give you some feedback to share on your website.
6. Add a Why Shop With Us Section
While this may seem similar to the customer testimonial content compartment, the why shop with us is information coming from your point of view.
Posting a section that explains why you are a cut above your competitors is a smart way to educate consumers. You may opt to give the piece a different title such as ‘what sets us apart’ or ‘how are we different.’ Essentially, you are telling visitors what makes you unique and the best option to meet their needs.
Suppose you want to hire a construction company, but would like the company to be privately owned, experienced, and able to execute large scale projects. By reading the compartment explaining a specific company’s differences, you can find all of your boxes ticked and move forward.
7. Case Studies
When you want to share in-depth information with your site visitors, posting a case study is an ideal method. As the name suggests, the case study pulls back the curtain on your process and the outcomes of facets of you services.
If you are considering hiring a marketing expert who specialises in SEO and digital marketing, you will want to know their track record and some of their professional accomplishments. By reading one or more case studies, you will see the service other customers received as well as the results.
Some case studies do not need to be too in-depth. Offering how a product or service improved a customer’s situation or showing the impact of the lack of a particular product are useful case studies that will deliver the point you want to make.
Beefing up your website’s word count does not need to be complicated. However, a word of caution; some niches and products do not require home pages with a high word count. Remember that you should post content that is meaningful and adds value to your webpage. Google does not tolerate fluff and padding a word count for the sake of words will likely get you dinged by Google.
Even though improving your site’s word count is not tricky, there is a strong likelihood that you are already quite busy running your business. If this is the case, consider hiring an expert to take care of the task and help create a brilliant website.