Killer content is a major factor in a successful SEO campaign. But not all content is the same. You want to craft pages and blogs posts which engage, inform and connect with readers.
Increasingly, you want this content to be long, too.
Long form content is over 2,000 words and very information rich. Not every piece of content you publish needs to be long form, but you do need some. Whether you’re new to long form content or are a veteran looking for great tips, I’ve got you covered.
Check out my complete guide to long form content below:
1. Add Visual Flair
Long form content should be at least 2,000 words. Some people go up to 3,000 or even 4,000! With an article of this size, however, you need to be aware of boring your reader.
On the Internet, even a 2,000 word article can seem massive. The idea is to make your article look shorter than it is. People will be less intimidated by a shorter-seeming article. But they’re feel more rewarded and informed when they finish a longer article.
Add visuals. These can be images, screenshots, videos, pull-out quotes, cartoons and more. Keep them relevant to the specific subjects they’re near to on the page. This way people scanning the document can use the images to find the specific info they’re seeking.
Inserting a visual every two to three paragraphs is pretty standard. That’s enough to break up the monotony of large blocks of words.
2. Create a Comprehensive Guide
One successful type of long-form content is a comprehensive guide. An advanced guide includes everything a person would need to learn about a topic, even if they have absolutely no background in the topic to start with.
A comprehensive guide can be a bit overwhelming. The solution here is clear organization. Include a table of contents near the top so users can quickly find the sections they want to know about now.
You’ll also want to include clear headlines which match the language used in the table of contents. This allows readers to scan your article quickly. This makes the guide accessible for both newbies and those already familiar with the topic.
3. Group Smaller Articles Together
Long form content doesn’t have to be presented all at once. You can split the content into smaller sections under a larger umbrella.
Take a look at this kitchen guide from This Old House. Remodeling a kitchen is a huge task. This guide breaks the process down into five separate sections, each about 500 words, spread across five different pages.
If you’re looking for a start-to-finish guide on kitchen remodeling, you can find everything you need across these five connected articles. If you’re searching for something specific, you can quickly zero in on the article you need.
4. Create Step by Step Guides and Lists
People seek out content because they want information. Fortunately, this specifically geared towards long content. Create a step by step guide or a list to teach people how to do something.
This works for just about any industry. Teach people the 10 Steps to Creating a Custom WordPress Theme. List the 7 Things to Watch Out When Buying a New Car. How to Unclog Your Toilet in 3 Easy Steps.
Keep each step short. You’re better off having multiple steps with shorter descriptions than just a few steps with a lot of description. This especially important for mobile. After all, your user might just be reading your guide with their smartphone in one hand plunger in the other.
5. Update Regularly
Unlike print media, web media is fluid. Update your content as the times change or new information becomes available. Be sure and reflect the timeliness of your article, too:
- 10 Easy Ways to Winterize Your Home in 2017
- 5 Beach Items You Need for the Summer of ‘17
Not every piece of content you publish needs to be 2,000+ words. You still want to produce articles of about 500 words on a regular basis. But also take the time to create long guides, at least one a month. Done correctly, they’ll provide a steady stream of readers and potential leads for years.
Have you tried long-form content yet? How has it worked out for you? Let me know in the comments below.
