As of early 2026, AI-powered search engines like those integrated into Google and Bing prioritise content that comprehensively answers a user’s query, rather than adhering to strict word counts. Current systems include sophisticated natural language processing that assesses semantic relevance and user intent, meaning depth and quality are now more crucial than simply hitting a specific length.
- E-E-A-T Optimisation: Google’s systems now heavily favour content demonstrating Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness – requiring substantial, well-researched articles.
- Featured Snippet Targeting: AI often extracts answers directly for featured snippets; content typically needs 500-800 words to adequately address a topic for this.
- Contextual Understanding: AI now features the ability to understand nuanced queries, meaning longer-form content can better cover related subtopics and user questions.
In 2026, Australian businesses need to consider the increasing importance of ‘long-tail keywords’ and detailed answers to specific customer pain points. The ACCC’s ongoing scrutiny of digital platforms also means transparency and factual accuracy are paramount, further incentivising thorough, well-sourced content. Simply put, a 300-word blog post is unlikely to compete with a 1500-word guide that fully explores a topic.
Instead of navigating these technical complexities yourself, let ROI.com.au handle your content strategy and optimisation. We can take care of all this for you. Contact ROI Growth Agency today to discuss how we can boost your search rankings and drive more qualified leads.
