When you search Google for "best restaurant Arnhem", you expect a page with more info than a single sentence. Google expects that too. Pages that only cover a topic halfway are what we call 'thin content': too thin. And Google usually buries those pages under better competitors.
How much text is enough?
- Under 300 words: really too little. Google thinks your page isn't serious about the topic.
- 300 to 800 words: fine for simple topics (contact page, about us), but not enough for competitive keywords.
- 1,000 to 2,500 words: the sweet spot for most service pages and blog articles.
- 2,500+ words: for "complete guide" articles where you want to reach the top for one main keyword.
Why does long text work so well?
Google's algorithm checks whether your page answers all the questions someone might have about a topic. If 10 competitors all write 1,500 words about 'hairdresser Arnhem' and you write 200, you'll probably see them at the top and not yourself.
Don't just stuff it
Important: don't pad your page with filler text just for the word count. Google is smart enough to spot repetition or nonsense. What does work:
- Answer the questions customers often ask (for example "what does a haircut cost?" or "do you have parking?")
- Describe your approach, how you work and what customers can expect
- Add customer stories or real-life examples
- Explain your different services or packages
In practice: how do you tackle this?
Pick one important page (for example your main service) and expand it from 300 to 1,500 words with real, useful info. Do that for one page every month, and within a year you'll have 12 strong pages instead of 12 thin ones. Quality over quantity.