How Much Wood?

How Much Wood Would A Woodchuck Chuck If A Woodchuck Could Chuck Wood? Since launching this blog at the start of 2013, there has been one reoccurring bit of feedback I've received from a handful of people and that is my web design blog posts are a bit long :o)

OK. So how long should a blog post be?

The answer to this seemingly simple question is about as precise as the answer to the Woodchuck riddle: "A woodchuck would chuck all the wood he could if a woodchuck could chuck wood." The bottom line is that there's no such thing as a perfect length to a blog post.

How long your blog post runs to should be governed by the complexity of your message. If you've a lousy excuse for a blog that's no more than a thinly-veiled attempt to make a sales pitch then the blog post is probably best kept short. If, on the other hand, you have a more complex issue to convey or if you wish to perhaps engage with your readers and start a debate, champion a cause, react to something in the news or make a stand, then the blog post will, understandably, be longer.

Tell me a short story

Much as I like to write blog posts and think out loud, you don't have to write War & Peace to get your point across; you can tell a complete story in just six words. Ernest Hemingway was said to have been challenged to write a short story in only six words, his six-word story read: For sale: baby shoes, never worn.

Why do you blog in the first place?

So often we hear of people being told that you've got to blog to get a Google rank. This is complete and utter rubbish. What you need to get a Google rank is write great content; that great content can be published through a blog or any other webpage - it just happens that blogs are easier for the vast majority of people to use. People search using words, Google uses words to index your website - words are important. The more words you use the more opportunity you have to squeeze-in some valuable SEO keywords.

Some people's blog posts are mere snippets whilst others' are noble attempts at literary greatness. Some people blog because they like the sound of their own voice. Some people blog because they're a sheep and are simply following the flock. Some people blog because they have something valuable to say. Some people blog because they want to make a connection and engage with people that genuinely matter.

I like to think of myself in the latter category.

So how much wood SHOULD a woodchuck chuck?

Now then, that's a better question. When writing a blog you should write just enough to get your entire message across with conviction, just enough to give Google something to work with, just enough to stop people losing the point you're trying to make and just enough to give readers something to respond to.

So could I make my blog posts shorter?

Yes.

Do I want to make my blog posts shorter?

No.

Great idea for a blog post and title Steve! And I'm sure this post is your shortest yet. And to the point.

Completely agree with you on how much wood a woodchuck should chuck.... just enough to do all those things sounds spot on. And well done putting your money where your mouth is... so to speak.

PS Thanks for the link to holtslogs.com - logs duly ordered, hopefully in time for Christmas!

Anthea12th November 2013Bringing you The Utility Warehouse, where it pays to be a member!

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Who reads words on a website? For sale: baby shoes, never worn.