How to Fix Low Word Count Issues in SEMrush Audit [Step-by-Step Guide]

A low word count on your web pages can negatively impact your SEO performance. Pages with insufficient content often lack the depth needed to rank well in search engines and provide value to users. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix low word count issues identified in your SEMrush audit and improve your website’s content quality for better rankings.

Why Does Word Count Matter for SEO?

While word count alone isn’t the only factor search engines consider, it plays a critical role in content depth and user engagement. Pages with more comprehensive content tend to rank higher because they provide more value and thoroughly address user intent. A low word count can lead to:

• Reduced relevance: Short content may not cover topics in sufficient detail, making it harder to rank for target keywords.
• Increased bounce rates: Thin content doesn’t engage users, leading to higher bounce rates and lower time spent on the page.
• Fewer keyword opportunities: Less content means fewer chances to naturally integrate important keywords and related terms.
• Content viewed as “thin”: Google may penalize your site for thin or low-quality content, impacting your overall SEO performance.

How to Identify Pages with Low Word Count

SEMrush’s Site Audit tool will flag pages with low word counts, helping you prioritize which pages need improvement. To identify these issues:

1. Run a Site Audit: Use SEMrush or a similar SEO tool to scan your site. Look for warnings or errors related to low word count.
2. Review Underperforming Pages: Check the list of flagged pages. These are likely underperforming in search results due to insufficient content.

Once you’ve identified the pages, it’s time to fix the issue.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Low Word Count Issues

1. Assess the Page’s Purpose and User Intent
   • Start by understanding the purpose of the page. What are users expecting to find when they land on it? Look at the keywords it’s ranking for and consider how well the content aligns with user intent.
   • Ask yourself: Does the content answer the user’s query thoroughly, or does it need more details, examples, or supporting information?
2. Expand the Content with Valuable Information
   • Add in-depth information: Go beyond the basics and dive deeper into the topic. Answer common questions, provide examples, or offer insights that add real value to readers.
   • Incorporate subheadings (H2, H3): Break up your content into easily digestible sections. Each section should address a specific aspect of the topic, helping users navigate the page and stay engaged longer.
   • Include supporting data and examples: Statistics, case studies, and real-world examples can bolster your content and provide readers with credible information.
3. Focus on Semantic SEO and LSI Keywords
   • Make sure to include related keywords and phrases that naturally fit within your content. Use tools like Google’s “People Also Ask” feature or LSI keyword tools to identify secondary keywords that can help improve the relevancy of your content.
   • Integrating these keywords will also help Google understand the broader context of your page.
4. Incorporate Visual Content
   • Add relevant images, infographics, or videos to complement your written content. Visual elements can make your page more engaging and increase time on page, which can improve SEO.
   • Ensure that each visual is accompanied by descriptive text or alt tags for better search engine visibility.
5. Use Internal Linking to Support Content Expansion
   • Link to other relevant pages on your site to provide additional context and information. This not only enhances user experience but also helps search engines understand the structure of your content.
   • Internal linking encourages visitors to explore more of your site, reducing bounce rates and improving SEO metrics.
6. Avoid Keyword Stuffing
   • While it’s important to optimize for keywords, overloading your content with keywords can result in penalties from search engines. Make sure your writing remains natural, focusing on providing valuable information rather than forcing in too many keywords.
7. Regularly Update and Refresh Content
   • Content should evolve as new information becomes available. Regularly review and update your pages to keep them relevant and current. This will help maintain their ranking potential over time.
   • Outdated or stale content can deter both users and search engines, so make updating a regular part of your SEO strategy.

Final Thoughts

Fixing low word count issues isn’t just about adding more words—it’s about enriching your content to better serve your audience and meet search engine requirements. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll create high-quality, comprehensive content that improves user experience and search engine rankings.

Addressing low word count issues can significantly improve your website’s overall performance, leading to increased visibility, better rankings, and higher engagement with your audience.