How many words is the average search?
When doing search engine optimization (SEO) or creating content for your website, one thing to consider is what search terms will actually bring people to your site. How are these searches formatted? How many words do people tend to use? In order to get the most out of your own keywords, you have to understand what your audience is doing and what they’re looking for. You can then cater your approach to connect with them, which is beneficial both for you and for the person performing the search—who gets the results they really want.
But how long is the average search? Some reports indicate that most searches are only one or two words long. This applies to 51%, so it’s true in the majority of cases. Many people will type in a very basic or generic term and then begin browsing the results.
In addition, 43.3% of users will conduct a search that is 3 to 5 words long. Cumulatively, this means that over 94% of all searches that are performed are going to be between one and five words. When you’re coming up with keyword phrases, this is likely the length that you want to focus on.
Are there any reasons for longer searches?
Yes, some people will perform longer searches, often when they want very specific information. They may include multiple qualifiers. For instance, someone who is just quickly looking for a restaurant while out with friends may simply search for the name of the restaurant or the type of food that it serves, using just a word or two. But someone who is looking for the “best sushi restaurant near me” has added three different qualifiers. They’re looking for a highly rated restaurant that serves a specific type of food and that is geographically close to them at that moment, which can often be determined using the location data from the phone itself.
But even in this example, that’s still just five words. Longer searches are quite uncommon. Reports indicate that a mere 5.6% of searches come in between six and nine words, while only 0.2% of all searches are 10 words or more. While you can use keyword strings that reach these lengths, you do need to know that it’s unlikely that most people will ever search for them.
Focusing on your SEO goals
Determining what keywords to use is just one step in search engine optimization. Here at Content Customs, we can help you focus on your goals and find solutions that work. Just get in touch with us to learn more.
