Over Using Keywords?

#1 22-11-2009, 08:06 PM

Somewhere a long the way, I was advised to avoid using a keyword repetitively in a meta description / Page Title. The logic went something along the lines of not repeating the word in 20 words.

However, on testing on many words / phrases it would seem on those occasions when I don't rank so well, there are many better placed in the Serps that are very repetitive. Have things changed or have I been listening to the wrong advice?

JohnHutson · #2 22-11-2009, 08:20 PM

One of the many SEO "cant give you a straight answer" questions

To be honest, keyword density doesnt really exist nowadays, writing for the user is much more worth your time.

I have one page thats ranks first out of 19.6 million results. The use of the main keyword is too much for my liking especially in the amount of content we have but I'm not touching it whilst it's remained first for all this time!

Usually what you'll find is the pages that have it too many times are compensating in some other fashion such as links.

As a rough rule the alleged ideal density is 3% or 3 times in every 100 words. But don't bust your gut trying to achieve this. Write pretty "normally" first, then go back an chuck in the keywords a couple more times where it makes sense.

Also use variations of the keywords (but not too different) as this helps and also makes the copy sound better.

Hope it makes sense!

#3 22-11-2009, 08:29 PM

Yes certainly does John. I was finding incidences where I was removing a word that fitted perfectly well in natural use (even after being repeated) just to avoid duplicating it. There are only so many 'obscure' names for a "blue widget"!

Maslins · #4 23-11-2009, 07:53 AM

Definitely agree with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality.

I appreciate lots of testing probably enables people to guage Google's algorithm to some extent, but the huge number of variables, and the time delay between making a change and the impact showing in the SERPs is enough to make it a little bit guesswork IMO.

Can't the "blue widget" occasionally be a "navy gizmo" or even a "turquoise thingamyjig". I thought things like that were always a good idea.

Firstly, Google's clever enough to know that blue, navy & turquoise are all closely related hence giving the page improved relevance.

Secondly, Googlers may search for "navy widgets" or "turquoise gizmos" and (although you don't have a perfect match) your site still has both those words so you should still rank reasonably well...certainly better than a site that simply says "blue widgets" ten times.

JohnHutson · #5 23-11-2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maslins

Can't the "blue widget" occasionally be a "navy gizmo" or even a "turquoise thingamyjig". I thought things like that were always a good idea.

Firstly, Google's clever enough to know that blue, navy & turquoise are all closely related hence giving the page improved relevance.

Secondly, Googlers may search for "navy widgets" or "turquoise gizmos" and (although you don't have a perfect match) your site still has both those words so you should still rank reasonably well...certainly better than a site that simply says "blue widgets" ten times.

Good suggestions on the variations

And yes, if you use that mentality along with building links with those phrases then you're onto a winner.

Designer-J · #6 23-11-2009, 09:15 AM

You can use this as a guide for your keyword density:

Keyword Analysis Tool :: Webmaster Toolkit

lentrepot · #7 01-12-2009, 06:53 AM

To be safe, I guess you shouldn't use keywords too much and maintain a certain keyword density. Search engines don't like keyword stuffing and this might result into getting your website banned or lower your rankings.

AnthonyTaylor · #8 07-01-2010, 02:02 PM

I find that writing naturally is the best approach. Once you start trying to include x keyword x amount of times, I find that you lose some of your writing fluency.

AngelSEO · #9 01-02-2010, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnHutson

One of the many SEO "cant give you a straight answer" questions

To be honest, keyword density doesnt really exist nowadays, writing for the user is much more worth your time.

I wouldn't agree on this, a good writien piece of text aimed at the user but also includes your keywords with a density of 4-5% works best with Google and Yahoo

JohnHutson · #10 04-02-2010, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngelSEO

I wouldn't agree on this, a good writien piece of text aimed at the user but also includes your keywords with a density of 4-5% works best with Google and Yahoo

That's the thing though - there are plenty of keywords where 4-5% would be considered perfectly fine and others where more or less is also fine.

I personally think it's a case by case basis and if you have joy then leave it be

Over Using Keywords?

Search Engine Optimisation