Long texts still work: why and how to write them

A few years ago, long texts were considered a risky format. Authors feared that no one would read them. For a long time, marketers worried that users wouldn’t have the attention span for more than a few short paragraphs. The logic seemed simple: shorter content always wins. But the data — and algorithms — tell a different story. Today, 37% of bloggers publishing articles of 2,000+ words see strong results, while only 20% of those writing shorter pieces (1,000–1,500 words) achieve the same. Well-structured long-form content has countless advantages. It ranks higher in search, gets bookmarked, attracts backlinks, and even shows up in AI-generated digests. In fact, it’s the dream asset for any content marketer: a piece that works at every stage of the funnel and adapts across multiple formats. In this article, we’ll cover: what long-form content really means today (and why it’s not just about word count); why it outperforms short posts for SEO; examples of B2C brands already winning with long-form; six key elements every high-ranking page needs; how to structure your text for AI Overviews and passage indexing; common mistakes that kill content performance — and how to avoid them. What is long-form content? Traditionally, long-form has been defined as 1,500+ words. But since Google’s Helpful Content updates, length alone is no longer the decisive factor. Word count ≠ quality. Modern long-form content isn’t just “a lot of text.” It’s a page that goes beyond surface-level answers, provides genuine value, and is enjoyable to read. It’s the kind of material that makes a reader stop scrolling and think: “This is exactly what I was looking for.” Common long-form formats Pillar pages: In-depth resources that cover a broad topic comprehensively, while linking to narrower subtopics. How-to guides and tutorials: Step-by-step instructions that walk the reader through a full process. Product explainers: Detailed content that shows how a product works and why it’s valuable. Whitepapers and gated assets: Research-heavy or analytical content that builds trust. If gated, they also drive lead generation. Resource hubs and topic clusters: Dedicated sections that answer all related questions within a topic. This structure helps search engines understand connections within your content. Pro tip: When reviewing your draft, ask: “Would a user still need to Google more after reading this?” If yes, keep writing. How long-form differs from short content Short pieces (300-word blog posts, social media updates, newsletter blurbs) are quick to produce and useful for trends or fast updates. But they rarely solve complex problems. Long-form, by contrast, is built for education, explanation, and influencing decisions. It provides context, supports more keywords, and creates stronger opportunities for ranking and conversion. This is where brands can demonstrate authority, compare approaches, and provide real-life examples. Why long-form still works for SEO Long content doesn’t just survive in the age of AI — it thrives. That’s because it aligns with what both search engines and users now expect: depth, clarity, and practical value. The numbers back this up: The most effective blog posts typically range from 1,500–2,500 words. Top-ranking search results often run 1,300–3,000 words. Long-form articles earn 77% more backlinks than short posts. Don’t worry about “endless scrolling.” If your piece is genuinely useful, readers will stay with you until the end. Google rewards completeness and intent matching Google’s mission is simple: show the most complete, most helpful result. If your article answers all related questions and explores the topic from every angle, it becomes the #1 resource — for both the search engine and the reader. So, what earns you Google’s “stamp of approval”? Cover the topic from every angle Let’s say you’re writing a guide on How to Grow on TikTok. A long-form piece can include: how TikTok’s algorithm works (watch time, saves, shares); how to pick a niche and stand out (with Gen Z examples: thrift flips, niche memes); which content formats perform best (duets, stitches, trends vs. original content); smart hashtag strategies (stacking, trending vs. niche tags); editing tools to use (CapCut, InShot, ready-made templates); when and how often to post (backed by recent data); case studies of accounts that grew quickly — and why; common mistakes to avoid (e.g., deleting posts too soon, overposting). The result? Your reader doesn’t need 10 other tabs. Everything they need is in one place. That’s the kind of content people bookmark, revisit, and that Google recognizes as valuable. Answer Core Questions, Subtopics, and Related Queries The real strength of long-form content lies in its ability to take a user on a full journey — from “What is this?” to “How do I actually do it?”. This benefits both SEO and user experience. For example, in an article about TikTok growth, you could cover: Core questions: What drives the TikTok algorithm? How long does it take to grow? Do you really need to post daily? Subtopics: how to find your niche; what trending sounds are and how to leverage them; which tools help you edit faster. Additional queries: How can you monetize TikTok? What’s the difference between the Creator Fund and brand deals? Where can you learn from already successful creators? How to Structure Long-Form Content Even the most valuable article can get lost without clear structure. Logical formatting with headings and smaller content blocks helps both readers and Google — especially with passage indexing, where individual sections of a long article can rank for different queries. Use headings strategically: H2 — for main sections (e.g. “What the TikTok Algorithm Considers”). H3 — for details inside those sections (e.g. “Watch Time vs. Engagement”). This improves navigation, boosts readability, and increases the chance of ranking for featured snippets or AI Overviews. Add an FAQ Section At the end of a long-form article, include a short FAQ block. This helps readers quickly find specific answers and also increases visibility in search results. For instance, in a piece on “How to Build a Welcome Email Series”, you could include: What’s the best day to send the first email? How many emails should a welcome sequence have? Do welcome emails impact deliverability? These short, direct answers not only improve usability but also create extra opportunities to capture snippets. Pro tip: Use tools like Semrush Keyword Magic Tool or AnswerThePublic to uncover real user questions worth addressing. Long-Form = More Chances for Long-Tail Rankings One of the biggest SEO advantages of long-form is its ability to rank for dozens of related queries — not just a single primary keyword. For example, an article on “How to Grow on TikTok” could also rank for: “How often to post for TikTok growth” “TikTok algorithm for creators” “Best time to post on TikTok” “How to go viral on TikTok without followers” “TikTok growth strategy for beginners” That’s because comprehensive content signals topical relevance across a wide spectrum of search intents. Internal Linking and Topical Authority Long-form pieces also serve as the foundation for a strong internal linking structure. For instance, a large guide on “How to Grow on TikTok” could link out to narrower supporting posts like: “How to Use Trending Sounds for Reach” “Best Editing Tools for TikTok Creators” “Optimal Posting Times Across Niches” “Common Mistakes That Kill TikTok Growth” This helps readers dive deeper while signaling to Google that your site is a true topical authority. Engagement and Behavioral Signals Long-form content reduces bounce rate, which is a key user behavior signal. If your article is well-structured and includes extras like examples, visuals, or embedded videos, users are more likely to: stay until the end; interact with embedded content; click through to internal links. These behaviors send strong signals to Google: “This page is truly valuable and deserves higher rankings.” Where Long-Form Really Matters Long-form performs especially well in B2B and industries with long, high-stakes decision-making cycles. Here, users need more context, comparisons, and evidence before taking action. Take SaaS, for example. An article on “How to Choose the Best Time-Tracking Software for Remote Teams” could include: feature comparisons (screen monitoring vs. manual entry); integrations with other tools (CRM, accounting, task managers); client case studies and testimonials; breakdowns of pricing models and hidden costs; common implementation challenges and ways to avoid them. Such in-depth resources don’t just inform — they build trust and help decision-makers move forward confidently, often across multiple stakeholders. This article available in Ukrainian.