This article argues that Google does not necessarily prefer long-form content; instead, dense, high-quality condensed content ranks better because it delivers more value per word and provides a better user experience, particularly on mobile devices. The piece explains that users now prefer short, concise information over lengthy articles, and Google's algorithm rewards efficient, valuable content over verbose filler.
Overview
This article argues that Google does not necessarily prefer long-form content; instead, dense, high-quality condensed content ranks better because it delivers more value per word and provides a better user experience, particularly on mobile devices. The piece explains that users now prefer short, concise information over lengthy articles, and Google's algorithm rewards efficient, valuable content over verbose filler.
Does Google Prefer Long Form Content?
Does Google Prefer Long Form Content? V DIGITAL SERVICES BLOG Straight From The Pros Will Condensed Content Replace the Long Form Article? Content Marketing Posted by Sarah Salthouse On April 11, 2017 For several years now, companies have sought to bolster their online presence by curating lengthy articles, usually to the tune of several thousand words at a time. At the beginning of the information age, all of this long-form content was viewed as a great resource by search engines and, sometimes, by users. However, new trends in social media and content marketing show that users have less time to devote to reading. These days, they want to get their information in short, concise blurbs of only a few hundred words. In Google search terms, this means denser, more valuable content can be ranked higher than low quality diatribes. Quality over Quantity As the saying goes, companies should be looking to create quality content rather than amassing a huge quantity of meaningless words. Users are focusing in on the content that provides more value per word when deciding what to read. If they only have a few minutes to find an answer to their most pressing questions, they want that answer to come in a few precise paragraphs without having to do too much analysis on their own. SEO in 2017 is adapting to our shorter attention spans and need for instant results. Content writers are focusing on using a handful of keywords exceptionally well, as opposed to stuffing numerous keywords into a sea of verbose fluff. Improving the User Experience In addition to the value you are creating through content density, there are several factors that make condensed content preferable to long-form articles. For instance, the time it takes to load long articles is a huge detractor in Google rankings, where more efficient sites naturally rise to the top. In addition, long-form content is often poorly adapted to mobile devices, which can make it difficult for users to scroll without getting stuck in a mire of random images and text that runs off the page. Website pages that cut their word count down below 750 words are significantly easier on the eyes for mobile users. Going forward, expect to see shorter content become the norm. Many users no longer have the patience to scroll through pages and pages of information to find the tidbit that they need. Your content marketing agency should be making a push towards content that delivers more valuable information, regardless of word count. V Digital Services If you need help with your SEO in 2017, contact the experts in content strategy at V Digital Services . We can help you devise a plan to publish great content on a consistent schedule to increase your traffic and conversion rate optimization efforts . Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Print Email Sarah Salthouse Content Specialist Sarah Salthouse is a Content Specialist at V Digital Services specializing in Social Media and Email Marketing. She has worked at V Digital Services for 2 years and in Marketing for 10 years in a variety of industries. Connect on LinkedIn Dense Content, Long Form Content, User Experience Get To Know Us Your full-service digital marketing agency and trusted Google Premier Partner Get Started 2026 V Digital Services | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | SITEMAP | Privacy | Terms Of Use | Cookies | Accessibility | Your Privacy Rights Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our policies linked above. V Digital Services may earn a portion of sales from products & services purchased through links on our site from our affiliate partners. ©2026 V Digital Services, LLC. All rights reserved. Do Not Sell or Share My Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are companies moving away from long-form articles?
New trends in social media and content marketing show that users have less time for reading and want information in short, concise blurbs of only a few hundred words rather than lengthy articles of several thousand words.
What does Google rank higher according to the article?
In Google search terms, denser, more valuable content can be ranked higher than low quality diatribes. Google's algorithm favors content that provides more value per word.
What are the disadvantages of long-form content for rankings?
Long-form articles take longer to load, which is a huge detractor in Google rankings where more efficient sites naturally rise to the top. Additionally, long-form content is often poorly adapted to mobile devices, making it difficult for users to navigate.
What is the ideal word count for mobile users?
Website pages that cut their word count down below 750 words are significantly easier on the eyes for mobile users.
How should content writers approach keywords in 2017?
Content writers should focus on using a handful of keywords exceptionally well, as opposed to stuffing numerous keywords into a sea of verbose fluff.
Source & Grounding
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