The world of SEO is no stranger to change, and Google’s March 2023 Core Update has once again reshaped the landscape. Whether you’re managing a business website, a blog, or an e-commerce store, this update underscores the importance of adapting your content strategies to meet ever-evolving search algorithms. But does this mean only one strategy can succeed—prioritizing short-form or long-form content? Not exactly.
This update emphasizes that it’s not about choosing between short-form and long-form content but understanding how to strategically use both to align with search intent, audience expectations, and platform requirements.
Short-form vs. long-form content: Definitions in the SEO context
The distinction between short-form and long-form content is straightforward: short-form content focuses on brevity, typically under 1,000 words, while long-form content dives deeper, often exceeding 1,500–2,000 words.
Short-form content, like FAQs, news updates, and social media posts, thrives in an environment where quick, digestible information is key. For instance, a concise listicle on Instagram marketing tips might capture immediate attention in search results.
Long-form content, however, excels at providing in-depth insights and value. Think whitepapers, case studies, or detailed blog posts. Google’s algorithms increasingly favor long-form content for queries requiring expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (E-A-T). For example, a comprehensive guide to SEO strategies for small businesses will typically rank higher for search terms tied to detailed research.
The winners and losers of the March 2023 update
The March 2023 Core Update highlighted significant shifts in rankings, rewarding websites that prioritize user experience and penalizing those falling short.
Winners: Websites that consistently deliver high-quality, authoritative, and relevant content saw notable gains. Publishers offering detailed how-to guides, case studies, and evergreen content fared particularly well. In many cases, long-form content aligned with Google’s focus on E-A-T. Niche sites, such as those specializing in technical SEO, finance, or medical advice, benefited from their depth of expertise.
Losers: Thin, low-value content took a hit. Websites relying on clickbait headlines or keyword stuffing without delivering substantial value were penalized. Pages with poor UX—think intrusive ads, slow load times, or mobile unfriendliness—also saw declines. Short-form content that lacked actionable information often lost ground to competitors offering more detailed alternatives.

Google’s updates increasingly focus on intent. While long-form content performs well for users seeking detailed solutions, short-form content has its place for answering specific, straightforward queries or capturing attention on platforms like social media.
For instance:
- Short-form content: Excellent for addressing “quick win” keywords. Examples include tips, definitions, or trending news tied to your niche. A tweet summarizing the impact of the March update can drive traffic to a longer blog post.
- Long-form content: Best for building authority. Comprehensive guides or analyses not only rank well but also position your brand as a thought leader.
A brief history of Google’s updates and evolving content strategies
Google’s core updates have long aimed to improve the quality of search results, prioritizing user experience. Over the years, these updates have shifted focus—from mobile-friendliness in 2015 to page speed in 2018, and now to nuanced content quality in 2023.
What’s consistent is that businesses succeeding post-update are those that adapt. When short-form content like listicles or news updates became a trend, platforms like BuzzFeed thrived. Similarly, when long-form content gained traction for its depth and value, thought leaders and niche blogs surged in popularity.
Now, businesses must balance both strategies, recognizing that Google rewards content aligned with user intent—whether that’s a 300-word FAQ or a 3,000-word guide.
“Just remember that you can test different video lengths until you find what works best –– the sweet spot. Pay attention to your video performance and adjust until you see success.”
Hire a team of expert marketers to handle the research and video creation process for you
Just because something worked for one type of video doesn’t mean it will always work. Your video marketing strategy needs to be flexible and adjust to people’s viewing behaviors for maximum impact.
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