In internet marketing, keyword density is something that can be a subject of debate. Some have a magic number in their head for their keyword density, some have several sets of numbers, and others worry more about keyword placement.
What’s the real story? Does keyword density really matter? To what extent do you need to focus on keyword density?
What Is Keyword Density?
Keywords that you choose to optimise your content with could help you gain favour in the search engines. There was a time where people believed that the more keywords that existed on the page, the better chances of top organic search engine placement for that word or phrase.
The result was that copy often didn’t read well (turning off potential buyers) and that search engines eventually changed their rules so that the search engine crawlers looked at more than just density. Keyword stuffing became frowned upon.
Many marketers tried to find the perfect balance of keyword density (some said 1x per 100 words, some said 3x per 100 words) and some decided on other approaches – keyword placement or latent semantic indexing. Some tried several approaches and tested and analysed results.
Keyword Placement And LSI
In terms of keyword placement, some felt that the search engines looked at specific areas for keywords, such as: h1, h2, and h3 tags as well as alt image tags and the first paragraph of the content.
Some believed that search engines looked at LSI (latent semantic indexing), which meant that it looked not just at a primary keyword but also looked for words and phrases that it deemed to be relevant for that primary word.
So.. What IS Important?
If you ask five successful internet marketers what their keyword strategy is, you’ll find that the answers will be all over the map. Some have a strategy, some have multiple strategies. But two common answers you will get, are that the following two things are most important:
1. Keyword research & analysis
2. Quality content
Keyword research tells you what people will be looking for. By knowing what words and phrases people are looking for, you can create your strategy. Beyond keyword research, you’ll want to regularly analyse the results so you can: a) capitalise on what is working; and b) tweak what’s ineffective.
Above and beyond how many times per 100 words your primary phrase and related phrases appear, if the content isn’t compelling, it probably won’t sell. One thing is for certain: Content is, and always be king online! The best approach for you will be to write great content and test out various strategies to see what works best for you.
Beyond the fact that there may be current rules that will change in the near future there are other factors as well, including: how competitive your niche is, how well-written your copy is, and how well-poised your website is to receive traffic through both on page SEO and off page SEO strategies. Perhaps the best strategy is to continually test and analyse various keyword density strategies.
See you at the top of Google!
Sean Rasmussen
SEO Australia Pacific
AussieSEO.com © 2007 - 2010
Hi Sean,
The more we learn the more there is to learn, interesting that too many keywords can be detrimental to your ranking. Quality content is one of the more important points to success.
What a great can of worms! This subject is one that is great for discussion as everyone has their own views on what works.
I found a great free tool that will scan a selected page on your site, analyse the keywords, check the keyword density and offer keyword suggestions. After implementing these I got on page 1 of goolge organic, but with the advent of google caffeine, static sites are out the door and we all have a chance of getting on the elusive page 1, but probably not for long. Content is king thats for sure!
Go to the SEO tools on the left hand side. http://www.seocentro.com/
Hope someone finds this helpful.
Thanks Tara, I am sure your comment will be helpful to others. Thanks for contributing
Another good way to find keyword density is on the Google toolbar “keyword” drop down and click on page analysis. Think this is foxyseo.
This is great! I am just about to write my first landing page and was about to do a whole heap of research into keyword density and placement but now i am pretty confident with just getting on with it! Awesome blog Sean \m/
All the best with it Jody, glad the article was beneficial to you
I am sure that keyword density does matter, but having been through a PCC program and all the rules and regulations that were given me with numbers often at variance with each other I have decided just to write as comprehensibly as I can and hope that if I don’t do the keyword density thing right enough it will come up either in my realizing that I’m not getting anywhere or someone will tell me I should do it differently.
I really don’t understand all of it and find that thinking about it as I write is note the way to let the content flow.
Hopefully I am sufficiently saturated with my topic that the keyword density will take care of itself.
If I need hitting over the head and retraining, just let me know and I will do my best.
Dobbs
Hi Dobbs
It is best to write for the reader first. When you write without thinking about the density you will end up with a better article. Once finished, have a look at whether you can include the keywords in there.
Quite often I will find after writing the article that the keywords are already in there. Mind you I use a lot smaller density than some of the gurus tell you but use related kws if I can.
It’s worked pretty well for me. My last post is #8 on Goggles page 1 after 8 hours.
Hope this helps.
.-= Gee Hollings´s last blog ..Are Keyword Research Services Really Worth It? =-.
Hey Sean,
Went it comes to blogging for money (and blogging for the hell of it, for that matter) and SEO and keywords and placement and density, I’m truly starting from scratch and learning what it all means as I go.
In fact, I’m learning in such a state of ‘scratch’ that I haven’t even marked the skin yet. I’ve got a big wide world opening up in front of me!
Just a thought!
Cheers,
Pete
I am sure you will tear a big hole in it soon enough Pete
Action equals results 
Hmmm Now I need to worry about whether or not I’ve included too many keywords. Or, not enough. Well, I think I will just write it and then look at the keyword issue.
Hi Sean,
Keyword density is important so the Search machines can “understand” what my page is about.
And good quality content will only be found if it has the right keywords so people searching for that content can actually find it (via search engines).
So, keyword density does matter – but it has to be the right keywords packed into the right content.
.-= Renee´s last blog ..Self Improvement Books – What Are Your Favourites =-.
The keywords are important Renee, I think what we are trying to say here, is that you don’t have to include them loads of times to be noticed by the search engines. On most occassions, if you are writing on-topic, your keywords (and related keywords) will automatically flow out onto the page.
Hi Sean,
I agree with Renee. Getting your keyword density right is important because it’s your keywords that tell the search engines what your post is about. You have to be really clear so the search engines will return your site at the top of the search results for that keyword.
There is a lot of varying opinion about what is the right keyword density. It’s easy to be confused. I think you just need to find a mentor and follow his suggestions.
.-= Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Learn and Earn – It’s a Marathon Not a Sprint =-.
I had no idea what latent semantic indexing was when i cane across it – talk about a esoteric phrase! So I looked it up – got more confused, then the penny dropped and so I write an Ezine article on it reducing it to a simpler explanation – and the article “Latent Semantic Indexing Technique” has ended up no 3 on Google page 1. Shows the benefit of using unique keywords!
Well done Peter
Gee, look at my typos! cane- came; write = wrote – we won’t mention the punctuation! LOL
Peter
I’ll leave you to work on it
.-= Gee Hollings´s last blog ..Are Keyword Research Services Really Worth It? =-.
Different search engines also have different tolerance levels for what they deem as keyword stuffing. For example, Google’s believed to be stricter (lower allowed % for keyword density) than Baidu. Given Google has the market share, it’s probably a good measuring stick!
There are search engines other than Google? LOL
If you go by Google’s density levels, you can’t go wrong with other engines, whereas the reverse may not be so
Really learning something everyday through your blogs, I had not heard of keyword density and keyword placement. However doesnt mean i wont adopt them on board now! Definitely agree that the blog has to be interesting. Otherwise if you are just blogging crap or pushing a product people can tell and, as I am when someone does that will most likely be turned away and uninterested in reading your blog in the future.
We are always learning and it’s great to highlight the important aspects of blogging like keyword research often. There are vital elements like keywords and using them to the optimum that I love reading about and keeping up with the latest ideas. Thanks Sean.
.-= Melanie Braggs´s last blog ..Building Chicken Coops =-.
Wow , there is a lot to consider, I like your comment, “how competitive your niche is, how well-written your copy is, and how well-poised your website is to receive traffic”, I think if these three are not ticked off, then making an income could be difficult.
You’ve got me thinking.
.-= David Pearse´s last blog ..Online Opportunity Still Available!! =-.
Hi Sean
I have to agree with some of the wonderful comments that I too am learning heaps of new information, every bit of it important to being a successful internet marketer.
I now know how important keyword research is, being a fundamental requisite before even setting up a blog page, or considering a domain name etc.
Keyword density is an area I have been unsure of but this really makes it clear for me.
Thankyou Sean, your articles are fantastic,
Blessings
Elly
.-= Elly´s last blog .. =-.
Thanks for this article Sean
For a long time I couldn’t get a handle on the whole kw density thing. How much to use, how to measure it etc. Early YOTA members will probably remember the long discussions.
Now I just write the article, check to see how it sounds and adjust where necessary. When I read it back to myself I change the target kws for related terms if it sounds too spammy. I don’t lose any sleep if the density is low.
.-= Gee Hollings´s last blog ..Are Keyword Research Services Really Worth It? =-.
It’s a good way to go Gee, write first, SEO second
Hi Gee,
I guess that’s the way to go. Because if it looks/reads too spammy whoever found your page will disappear and not return.
I found that if I only concentrate on putting lots of keywords into a post it reads really weird. So I came to the same conclusion – find a keyword, write the post with the keyword in mind and check / tweak afterwards if necessary.
.-= Renee´s last blog ..Motivational Music =-.
Thanks Sean, great stuff the “Keywords” How can I be able to read more and know more of these? Please advise which website to visit?
Cheers
Rose
I have a few articles on keywords that may come in handy for you Rose: http://seanseo.com/category/keywords/
Other than that, doing a Google search will give you more information than you can poke a stick at
Thanks Sean,
Noted!
Cheers
Rose
Gee
Thanks for your comments. Yes, I agree that one must write to be read. I think I was born talking so I just try to let it flow and be as honest and uncomplicated as possible. I will later always go back and try to take out the real junk and stupid bits, but mostly I just like to talk to people and fortunately I can type well enough to let it flow.
It won’t be long before all of us Seanites flood the first pages of Google in every area.
Bring it on.
Dobbs
.-= Dobbs Franks´s last blog ..Musicians Can Entertain Professionally =-.
Ninety-nine percent of my blogging to date has been for the pleasure of writing something that someone might enjoy reading. That said, I must admit that I then try to ensure that I’ve placed relevant keywords within the text that will bring some readers to the blogs. And I find it usually works. Now to start thinking of doing this for the purpose of generating some cash. You gotta stop foolin’ around boy and do somethin’ serious for a change.
.-= Don White´s last blog ..The Hands of the Quilter Stilled =-.
Interesting article. Haven’t really thought about Keyword Density because I don’t want to be Google Slapped for Keyword Stuffing. Much better strategy to concentrate on providing quality content.
.-= Lincoln´s last blog ..Grown Ups =-.
Hey Sean,
I like your keep it simple approach to Keywords and KW density, especially while you are learning.
I agree, content will always be king, but its worth keeping in mind KW placement and Latent Semantic Indexing with your KW as you progress to improve your results.
I found a new Keyword tool the other day that I haven’t used before, it is http://www.keywordspy.com.au/
Enjoy!
.-= Cade´s last blog ..Learn & Earn from Aussie Internet Marketer Sean Rasmussen for free. =-.
Cheers Cade, I’ll check it out when I get a chance
Hi Cade,
Thanks for sharing the keyword tool. It looks like it could be a great addition to the other keyword tools I use. I need all the help I can get choosing the right keyword.
I’ve still got a lot to learn about this area.
.-= Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Finding Your Passion =-.
Another good tool to try out – at least for the free trial period. It does more than ID keywords too which is handy.
Another thing about keywords is that longtails work better than narrow or short ones. I suspect “sean rasmussen for a few dollars more” would be better than say “sean rasmussen’s competition”.
Actually they both aren’t bad – the 1st came up on top of Google page 1 and the other #2!
One thing about longtails and adsense is that if you use Googles Keyword tool and get the high paying KWs and seed them in an article or content page it will attract better adsense and more value for you when folks click on them.
Of course, I don’t mean KW stuffing – just a few judiciously placed longtails.
If you find heaps of them, then write another page/s so you can use them.
If you have a website and even if you haven’t got very far with it, it is good to monetize with adsense as very little bit helps – regardless of whether it is PPC traffic or just natural – and long tails do attract that.
Hi Sean,
I’m learning that keyword density is important and it’s important to have a correct balance of keywords in an article. Keyword research is also necessary for knowing what words are used in searches. It’s wise to write an article around the popular keywords.
It’s also important to have enough keywords in an article to be found easier in an online search. Having a correct amount of keywords in an article with quality content receives higher rankings on Google than a lower keyword density article and one that have poorer content. Is my understanding in this correct, Sean?
Also do long tailed keywords rank higher than short keywords and if so why?
Hi Jen
A higher quality article will always rank higher than one with less quality.
As far as keyword density goes try to stay on the low side. To put a number on it, which I try not to do, try around 1-2%. I have had articles with less than 1% and still can get them on page 1.
In the end if when reading the article back it doesn’t so spammy to you, chances are that it’s ok.
.-= Gee Hollings´s last blog ..Are Keyword Research Services Really Worth It =-.
That’s a good approach to keyword density. There is nothing worse than reading an article that obviously repeats and repeats the same keyword that ahs been ‘stuffed’ in. With synonyms etc it is easy to write good copy that is readable and enjoyable without coming across as spammy.
Jill
Oops sorry don’t know where the Jen came from, apart from it being my daughters name
.-= Gee Hollings´s last blog ..Are Keyword Research Services Really Worth It =-.
When I first started Internet Marketing, I was always asking the question “Does Keyword density really matter?”
And the answers I received “were” all over the place.
In the end, I listened to internet marketers who had integrity and didn’t promote the “get rich quick schemes”……internet marketers just like Sean!
So, this is a great blog to further remind me to work within the rules, always be aware of changes and “go with the flow”.
Cath
Hi Cath,
I agree. It’s kind of like as many people as you ask about keyword density; is as many answers you’ll get. Everybody has a differing opinion. I think it’s just easier to pick one person you trust and go with their advice.
Sean is an excellent choice.
.-= Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Finding Your Passion =-.
I agree with Jazz Cathy. While there are many opinions on how many KWs to add in, there are some consistent ones from guys like Sean. And, they all recommend that we should avoid keyword stuffing – well that’s a given as we all know – and they say that 1%-3% per page (3-400 words) is sufficient.
When you also consider LSI it ought to be more than enough.
Its not all about keywords – but also good SEO (tags etc) and high quality content.
I couldn’t agree more Peter
Great article Sean! Six months ago I had no idea about keywords or latent semantic indexing. “LSI” sounds more like a drug, rather than anything to do with SEO – which could also pass for a chemical name, I guess!
As I started to learn, I asked that very question: “Does keyword density REALLY matter?..” Obviously it has some bearing, or it wouldn’t be such an issue for all the internet marketers out there. The consensus from most of marketers seems to be that 1-3% balance of keywords is fine (1-3 kw in every 100) .
Like most others here, I just like to try & write an article that reads well & if possible I will go back then to substitute some words or phrases for alternate or long-tail keywords, without going crazy with stuffing them in!
As a matter of interest, I just stumbled across this site, not sure if anyone else uses it: http://www.aboutus.org
“We are a wiki website that you can edit constructively. If you have a website, please feel free to use its page as a resource for your business or organization.”
It’s interesting to search sites, including your own, (& Sean’s!) to see their opinion of how well a site is using keywords, meta descriptions, H1 heading info, etc. You can add & edit details of any site & do a “visibility audit” which may suggest where improvements could be made for the search engines. (It’s like Alexa though – only searches the primary domain)
And the AboutUs opinion of keyword density (for seanrasmussen.com) :
“The keywords we detected appear 70 times in the home page’s top 250 words.
(ie: 1-5 times each per kw – right on target!) Why do the first 250 words matter?
The first 250 words of web page copy are the most important. They tell both people and search engines what the page is about.
The top two to three keywords should appear about five times each in the first 250 words of web page copy, and two to three times each for every additional 250 words on the page.
Web copy should be written for human visitors first, and search engines second. Synonyms, plurals and correct tenses for keywords should be used as appropriate. Contrary to popular myth, search engines will notice these slight variations as instances of keywords.”
Sorry if this is a bit long, I just thought it was really interesting!
It sure is interesting – have noted that URL and will be checking it out. Anything that helps refine use of keywords and LSI is useful
I think sometimes we focus on the keyword so much that the quality of our information suffers. Since working with you, I have definately improved on my writing skills and try to incorporate my keyword into my article as well as provide some valuable information. It is definately a skill which still needs improving though.
.-= Jackie Stenhouse´s last blog ..Anxiety Separation in Children =-.
The quality won’t suffer if you write naturally and use LSI, but if you don’t focus on the keywords, the information won’t be found.
Hi Jackie,
I have the same problem. Sometimes it’s difficult to fit your keywords into your post naturally. When this happens, I just try to do the best I can and even if it doesn’t meet the required density, I publish the post anyway.
I figure it’s more important to make sure the post reads well.
.-= Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Sean Rasmussen – Aussie Internet Marketer Making a Difference =-.
Hi Sean,
Keyword research & density was tricky for me at first but I am slowly getting used to how they play there part in the internet marketing game. It’s pretty cool to learn the various ways of placing keywords & what words to use to maximize organic traffic strategies : )
.-= jeremy´s last blog ..jlagatule- RT @tonyrobbins For you night owls still upCome be the first to have a sneak peak of R Breakthrough insiders site http-bitly-caSRxw =-.
Make sure you read or note Sean’s articles on latent semantic indexing (LSI) – it makes it a lot easier to incorporate the keywords naturally and it soon becomes second nature because you are thinking of the concept surrounding the kws, not the kw itself alone.