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Is a 3,000 word blog post long, or is it lengthy?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Marte Cliff Copywriting

It turns out that the answer may depend upon your attitude toward the specific blog post.

According to the Miriam Webster site where I’ve been enjoying the vocabulary quizzes, “long” is an impersonal measurement, while “lengthy” often has negative connotations.

But let’s begin at the beginning…

“Long” is often used in reference to the length, width, depth, or height of a physical item. For instance, long hair.

We might also refer to time and say that a person has a long history of community service, or someone who has been in business for 40 years has had a long career.

The word “lengthy” seems to suggest an unwelcome excess, as in a lengthy wait in line or a lengthy bored womanillness. You might have to fill out a lengthy application form – and our tax returns can certainly become lengthy. “Lengthy” seems to be connected to a feeling of tediousness.

Of course, “long” can also be used in place of “lengthy,” and often is. Some would say a long wait or a long illness.

We just don’t turn it around and say that “Mary Jane has lengthy hair.” We also never describe anything as "widthy" or "heighty."

So, if a long blog post gets tedious; if it seems to go on and on and on; or if you can’t force yourself to read to the end, you might say it was lengthy. Some would even say “too lengthy for my taste.”

If it’s a nice, fast, moving-right-along read, you’ll say “This was long, but worth it.”

Are YOUR 3,000 word blog posts long, or are they lengthy?

 Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Comments (39)

Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Sheila Anderson - Thanks. I laughed too, when I thought about lengthy hair.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson - I guess there are two differences. One is how it's written and the other is the reader's level of interest in the topic.

 

Jul 22, 2018 08:36 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Matthew Klinowski, PA - and there's yet another difference: the industry.

Dorie Dillard - I think that when someone is writing just to increase word count for SEO, it can become lengthy and tedious. When they have something interesting to say and put it together well, then it's only long.

Jul 22, 2018 08:38 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - I'm partial to 300-600 word posts myself.

John Henry - I'll check that out. Thanks.

Jul 22, 2018 08:39 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Marte,
Interesting distinction.  I had never thought about the fact we can replace lengthy with long but not the opposite.  So true.  As for the length of blog posts, I prefer short and to the point.  I would rather read (and write) several short posts over one long (or lengthy) post.   Thanks for the insight.

Jul 22, 2018 09:53 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

I would too Carol Williams - when the copy gets too long, I get bored with my own writing.  Then it's time to back up and cut it shorter.

Jul 22, 2018 10:12 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Hi  Marte - I think it also has to do with the nature of the topic.  You can certainly over write so thing.

Jul 22, 2018 11:00 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

I agree Grant Schneider - There is only so much you can say about some things. After that you're repeating and rambling - and boring the reader.

Jul 22, 2018 11:24 AM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Good perspective. I almost missed this.  I guess my posts are long..but designed so you can skim and read in depth in the portions that are relevant. This reminds me that I need to work on creating a table of contents and linking it.

Jul 22, 2018 03:35 PM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Debbie Gartner - Yes, your posts are long, but always readable and interesting. A table of contents is a novel - and nice - idea. I've never seen that on a blog post.

Jul 22, 2018 03:39 PM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

I think it's been on my "to do" list for over 2 years.  I have to bite the bullet and do it.  I'm supposed to finally get it done this month...but I'm behind on everything.  Soon.

Jul 22, 2018 03:43 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Marte

This was an enjoyable post to read, with some good education. I certainly don't have to worry about lengthy hair!!

Jeff

Jul 23, 2018 06:56 AM
Bruce Kunz
C21 Solid Gold Realty, Brick, NJ, 732-920-2100 - Howell, NJ
REALTOR®, Brick & Howell NJ Homes for Sale

Never thought about this before so thanks for sharing your thoughts Marte Cliff . Short is generally better, but as others have said, if the post is interesting, it's not too long or lengthy...
Bruce

Jul 24, 2018 07:27 PM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Jeff Dowler, CRS - Have you ever, ever, ever, heard someone say their hair was lengthy? Me neither. But it's funny to consider.

Bruce Kunz Short may be better for the reader - unless they need more information - but "they" say long (or even lengthy) pleases Google. How to strike the balance is the question.

Jul 24, 2018 08:15 PM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Well my 2cents says the 3000 word posts are too long AND too lengthy. Many people are just doing for google & the love of seeing themselves go on & on.

I just say that readers do not have the attention span.

Jul 29, 2018 05:10 PM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

I agree with you most of the time Lyn Sims - but there are a few posts of that length that I will read clear through. They have to be well written and informative - or tell a good story. I do read a lot of books, just for the fun of it. (Confession, however: I skip the uninteresting parts, like long descriptions of the scenery.)

I also agree that many are only writing those long posts to attract the Google crawlers.

Jul 29, 2018 07:23 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

As I began reading your post, I was glad it was not long or lengthy Marte. My attention span is on the short side unless I am reading a good book. People enjoy what interests them and if it happens to 3000+ words, then it is easy reading.

Jul 30, 2018 06:12 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

I have read 3000 word posts that were long AND enjoyable, but for the most part, short and sweet does the trick. I can be quite wordy so it's something to work on. I've seen some very well-written posts that are quite lengthy but as you said, well worth it. Interesting distinction between the two words.

Jul 30, 2018 11:07 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty - I really enjoy looking into how two words that essentially mean the same thing can leave different impressions. Eager and anxious, for instance. One is positive (or happy) and the other negative (or fearful).

Jul 30, 2018 12:04 PM
Kevin Mackessy
Blue Olive Properties, LLC - Highlands Ranch, CO
Dedicated. Qualified. Local.

I agree that it all depends on the context and subject matter.  Sometimes 3000 words isn't enough, and sometimes it is possible to get your point across in 300 words or less.  Being succinct where appropriate is key.  

Aug 03, 2018 11:40 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

You hit the nail on the head, Kevin Mackessy - be appropriate!

Aug 03, 2018 12:25 PM