16 to 32 blog posts is the perfect number to write before launching your blog, which will guarantee 2 to 3 months of your editorial calendar being ready in advance.
In this guide, you will learn more about this first round of posts and how it affects your SEO, besides other relevant planning tips.
- Aim for at least 16 blog posts per month for increased blog traffic
- High-quality content is more important than a rigid post count
- The Google Sandbox is a probationary period for new blogs
- One high-quality article per day is enough for daily posting
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How Many Posts Should You Have Before Launching a Blog?
Having from 16 to 32 blog posts before launch is a good number if you want to have articles ready for the next 2 or 3 months in advance.
You can also consider the amount of categories you are covering, to add more posts.
For example, if your future blog posts are about sports (football, basketball, and golf) having at least one article posted per segment, will help to attract the right audience and keep them engaged from day 1.
So, make sure to prepare a complete content strategy to ensure that your blog takes off without overwhelming you or your content team.
The Google Sandbox Explained
In the process of establishing a new blog, a common obstacle is called Google Sandbox.
This probationary period, typically lasting between three and six months, serves as an evaluation period during which Google analyzes the credibility of newly created sites.
Despite frequent posting, a site may find itself temporarily buried in the labyrinth of search results during this time.
The Google Sandbox serves as a mechanism for separating serious bloggers from those who are just looking for a momentary buzz.
After launching your blog, don’t panic if it doesn’t immediately appear at the top of search results. You may be in the Google Sandbox, waiting for your content to gain recognition.
The 3 Blog Launch Myth
Asking how many blog posts to write before launch usually comes with the recommendation that you need at least three posts ready for a blog launch.
It is a common myth that persists in the blogging market and it is essential to understand that Google doesn’t operate on a rigid post-count checklist.
Google, in its algorithmic wisdom, prioritizes quality over quantity.
It’s not about hitting a specific number. It’s about delivering valuable, engaging content that resonates with your audience.
Google isn’t easily impressed by random quantity.
A study by Backlinko reinforces this, emphasizing that longer, in-depth content tends to rank higher on Google.
This underscores the timeless wisdom – quality over quantity.
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How Many Blog Posts Do You Need to Start Ranking?
So, you have got a blog, and now you want it to show up when people search. How many posts do you need to make that happen? Let’s break it down.
What Is the Ideal Number of Blog Posts per Month?
For a good start, aim for around 16 to 20 blog posts each month.
According to HubSpot, blogs that publish at least 16 posts per month receive 3.5 times more traffic than their competitors with a more modest output.
How Many Blog Posts per Week Are Needed for Ranking?
Aim for 3 to 5 blog posts per week.
This number ensures regular updates without compromising on content quality.
Search engines, like Google, value fresh and relevant content, and a consistent posting schedule signals an active site.
Three to five posts weekly keep a balance — enough to engage your audience and signal to search engines, yet manageable for sustained quality.
How Many Blog Posts per Day Are Needed for Ranking?
If you are willing to post daily, one high-quality blog post per day is enough for ranking.
Doing this keeps your website fresh in the eyes of search engines, which like regularly updated content.
Daily updates also help your site get indexed faster, making it show up better in search results, as posting every day, you cover a wide range of keywords and topics.
It also creates a consistent ritual for your audience, who can access your blog every day looking for novelty.
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How to Optimize Your Blog for SEO After Launch?
Having a successful blog goes beyond just the quantity of your posts. It’s equally important to ensure your blog posts are optimized for SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
In essence, SEO is about making your blog easily discoverable and understandable by search engines like Google.
Simply put, search engines work as matchmakers connecting people with the information they are searching for.
To be a match, your blog posts need to use the right words – keywords– that people are likely to type when searching for content similar to yours.
How Should Search Intent Influence Blog Topics?
Search intent is the reason behind a user’s online search – what they’re hoping to find or achieve. It directly influences the kind of content you should create for your blog.
When you create blog topics that match the search intent of your audience, you’re essentially giving them what they’re looking for.
For example, if someone is searching for “how to start a blog”, they likely want a step-by-step guide, not the history of blogging. So, your blog topic should precisely address that need.
By focusing on search intent, you guarantee that your blog provides value and relevance to your readers.
If a user is looking for information, your blog should deliver informative content.
Imagine SEO for lifestyle blogs - how many keywords and information could relate to lifestyle?
If they’re seeking to make a purchase, your blog might guide them through product reviews and comparisons.
This alignment with search intent not only improves the user experience but also boosts your blog’s visibility in search engine results.
Search engines aim to deliver the most relevant content to users, so if your blog consistently meets the search intent, it’s more likely to rank higher.
How Long Should Blog Posts Be for SEO?
For more in-depth topics or guides, longer posts (around 1,500 to 2,500 words) tend to perform well.
They allow you to completely cover the subject and show expertise, which positively impacts SEO. Search engines often favor detailed, informative content.
On the other hand, shorter posts (around 600 to 1,000 words) work for topics that don’t require detailed explanations. These might include quick tips, news updates, or answers to specific questions.
Shorter posts are relevant to users seeking quick information, contributing to a positive user experience.
Ultimately, the key is to prioritize quality over length.
Make sure your content is relevant, valuable, and directly addresses the user’s question or intent.
If you can convey your message effectively in 800 words, there’s no need to artificially extend it.
How to Write the First Blog Post?
When you’re writing your first blog posts, keep it simple and effective, and implement SEO writing techniques to make it more effective.
- Start with a short and catchy introduction, explaining what your new blog is about, and use headings to organize your main points – this helps readers follow along.
- For the length, aim for around 500 to 1,000 words. This gives you enough space to share valuable information without overwhelming your readers.
- Include some visuals like pictures or graphics to make your post visually appealing. It improves the understanding of your topic and breaks up the text.
- Try to share a bit of yourself in the post – maybe a personal story or why you’re passionate about your blog’s topic. This makes your writing more relatable.
- Finally, end your post with a clear call-to-action
You could ask readers to share their thoughts in the comments, subscribe to your blog, or explore other posts.
Before hitting publish, give your post a quick proofread.
Correct any spelling or grammar mistakes to make your writing look polished and professional.
Should You Create or Repurpose Content?
Deciding between creating new content or repurposing existing material depends on your goals and audience.
If you’re aiming to provide fresh information or address current trends, creating a new blog post is the best option.
On the other hand, repurposing content involves taking what you’ve already created and presenting it in a different format.
This can be beneficial for reaching new audiences or reinforcing key messages.
For example, instead of thinking blog vs podcast, turn a blog post into a podcast or a series of social media posts.
Consider your audience’s preferences. Some may prefer the depth of a new article, while others might engage better with visual content or shorter formats.
Should You Consider Guest Posting?
Yes, you should consider guest posting.
It not only expands audience reach but also boosts SEO by getting valuable backlinks, which improves the blog’s visibility.
Establishing expertise within a niche is another key benefit, as it positions the blog as a trusted source of information.
Incorporating guest bloggers introduces fresh perspectives, maintaining a dynamic content strategy.
This diversity can attract a broader audience and keep existing readers interested.
Networking opportunities often arise through collaboration with guest bloggers, contributing to the blog’s growth and industry influence.
However, it’s important to guarantee that guest posts align with the blog’s theme and maintain high-quality standards, focusing on the content experience for your audience and contributing to the overall blogging success because of the guest posting strategy.
Final Word
As a blog owner, launching your blog is the main event since you started planning it. No doubt, it requires a detailed plan and a robust structure to support it.
So, if launching the best blog is one of your priorities this year, consider exploring our curation of Best Website Builders.
This way, you will be able to launch your blog without worries about its performance.
Next Steps: What Now?
- How Much Do Websites Cost: Learn how much you will spend to create your new blog.
- What Is Managed WordPress Hosting: Understand how to use WordPress to improve your blog structure.
- How to Create a Portfolio Website That Attracts Clients: If you are using your blog to showcase your work, learn new tools to improve your portfolio.
