Comments on: What’s Better : Long Copy Versus Several Related Short Copies?

By: seo

seo — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:08:31 +0000

It can be very site dependent but I think the way that people treat information on the internet that perhaps small bites with links to more are better. I do like a good chunk of information if it’s something I’m interested in though. So having a more link can be good for those interested in the topic but then that summary has to do the heavy lifting and make them want to read more. How it’s presented is as important as how long the text is. A good way to decide is to visit a lot of sites and see which you prefer to read and what is easier to read, and then try and emulate what it is you like about those sites.

By: Houston SEO Services

Houston SEO Services — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:04:32 +0000

Hi Ann,

You make some nice points here. For SEO I think smaller laser focused pages would allow you to rank easier. Having said that, many of the old-school copywriters still use a very long sales copy.

You have to keep in mind what the call-to-action is, is it an opt-in to a newsletter? Capturing an email would require less copy/persuasion than someone who is selling a $50,000 widget. To see which sales better, long vs. short copy, one would need to do some spilt testing.

Good luck!

By: Dejan SEO

Dejan SEO — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:04:23 +0000

Is this several copies on the same site or distributed on different sites?

By: Jack

Jack — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 10:56:04 +0000

I am loving reading your posts, they are excellent and always very helpful. Thank you.

By: Jason Lancaster

Jason Lancaster — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:41:39 +0000

First, let me say that I look forward to every one of your posts. I’d say that reading your articles is some of the best time spent learning search strategies. Thank you.

However, I think I have to disagree. Long copy is bad. As long as you provide your reader a nice and clear “roadmap” – such as links to the previous and next article in the series – short is much better than long. Since we know the internet is all about “skimming”, short articles are more likely to be read. If they read it, they’re more likely to comment, link, etc.

I think there are probably a couple of occasions where long copy is OK, but I can’t think of too many. Wikipedia might be the best example of useful long content, but it seems a little to exceptional to recommend for normal use.

Still, I hate to disagree with the master. Keep up the great work.

By: Seo Positive

Seo Positive — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:48:52 +0000

Anne, I agree with you when you say it depends on your individual style. I believe both methods work (well tht is proven throughout the whole internet). It would be interesting to consider above and below the fold too.

By: Gidseo

Gidseo — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:13:45 +0000

Hi Ann
I hope you’re well and having fun.
Do you think above the fold / below the fold should be a consideration as well?