Keyword Density Tips and Tricks
By Lee McCoy | March 30, 2009
I’ve had a lot of emails recently asking about keyword density. Some of the most common questions seem to be:
- What is Keyword Density.
- How do I measure Keyword Density.
- What should my Keyword Density be set at for optimum effect.
- Should my keywords be placed in particular sections of my content.
I will run through the most common questions as best I can, but please keep in mind that Keyword Density is not an exact science, or at least the formula has not been cracked yet. The information I will provide is based on my own experiences, success and failures.
What Is Keyword Density?
Firstly let me define a keyword. I like to think of it this way, a keyword is the word a search engine surfer has typed into the search box. It could be one word, a sentence etc.
When you produce content for the internet you are generally prompted to supply keywords. These are the words that you feel somebody searching for the information you have to offer would type in the search box.
The search engines will consider the keywords you have submitted but will still confirm the relivance of the content. They do this by looking for keywords in the text and by counting the number of times that keyword appears (or the keyword density of the document). You may be thinking it all sounds so easy, but its not and I’ll explain why in just a moment.
How Do I Measure Keyword Density?
One way to do this is to copy the content into Microsoft word, the do the following.
Open your document then hold down the Ctrl key and press F.
This will bring up the find menu, check the Highlight all items found box
Type your keyword into the Find What box and click find.
This will highlight every instance of your keyword within the document.
You will need to count them and make a note.
Now cancel the find and close the popup.
Next Click tool from the main menu bar
Now select word count
This should show you the number of words in your content.
Now you have the have both the figures you need to perform the calculation
Divide the number of instances by the word count and multiply by 100.
This is your keyword density.
What Should My Keyword Density Be Set At For Optimum Effect?
As I said earlier this is not an exact science. I have read articles from several different people who’s advice I trust explicitly. The general consensus is somewhere between 3% and 5% seems to be the most effective. I have had some success with this level of density. I have generally leaned more towards the 3% mark as I feel it is better not to spoil the flow of the document.
Any higher than 5% density would run the risk of the search engines mistaking you content for spam.
Should My Keywords Be Placed In Particular Sections Of My Content?
Again different marketers seem to have slightly different opinions on this subject. I keep it simple; my tile always contains the keyword, my sub headers when ever possible and reinvent. My closing statement always contains my Keyword and a scattering across the main body of the content.
I have found this works quite well. I am told the header and first paragraph are searched first for keywords, then the closing paragraph if the same keywords are contained the rest of the document is scanned. This may or may not be accurate, but for whatever the reason I have achieved success with my formula.
I hope this has helped to clear up some of the questions our members have on the subject of Keywords and Keyword Density. If you find the process of calculating your Keyword Density a problem you can use software to do it for you. I now use this http://www.webtrafficjuggernaut.com/vlt/links/84360 for all my keyword work.
Topics: Help, Traffic Tips |
6 Responses to “Keyword Density Tips and Tricks”
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