Importance of Keyword Density

Search engine optimizers have to upgrade themselves continuously to keep in tune with the latest SEO developments. The problem with search engine optimization is that there is no way for search engine optimizers to know for sure if the latest change in algorithm requires retraining, or if it is just an enhancement to an existing algorithm. Keyword density is just one of the many changing aspects of search engine optimization.

To understand the concept of keyword density, it is important to understand the term keyword density. Lets take an example: “There is no dearth of used cars in the market, what makes our used cars sought after is their quality and cars used by individuals..”. In 25 words ‘used cars’ has appeared twice, this means the keyword density of used cars is 2/25 * 100 or 8%. What is interesting to note is that the term ‘cars used’ has also appeared in the sentence, however this will not contribute to the keyword density of ‘used cars’. It is essential to understand that the keyword density of a webpage is not just affected by the content present on the page. Footers, headers, and other text elements with the keywords too contribute to the keyword density.

There is considerable speculation in SEO circles as to what the ideal keyword density of a web page should be for high ranking. Before Google began making changes to its algorithm, it was believed the higher the keyword density the better. However, Google has constantly improved its search engine algorithms and pages that have been over optimized for content usually yield nothing. The ideal keyword density seems to be close to 2.5%, ideally less than 3.5%. Although 3.5% may not seem much of a keyword density to maintain, even 3.5% is considered the upper limit; this means a webpage with more than 3.5% keyword density stands to loose more than gain anything.

There is no ready reference when it comes to search engine optimization. Search engine optimizers have to observe trends and make their own conclusions. Search engines are not willing to disclose the internal criteria that determine a web page’s ranking (there has been considerable abuse of internal know how in the past). It is important to remember that not all keywords require a 3.5% keyword density, sometimes if a keyword is not extremely competitive a keyword density of close to 2.5% will suffice. The most important thing to remember about keyword density is that keyword density alone cannot ensure high ranking.

Search engine optimization is more than just packing keywords into content, or carrying out link building. An ideal search engine optimization process involves both on page and off page optimization. It is equally important to understand that keyword density is an extremely volatile concept; it does not take much for search engines to change their algorithms for keyword density. To make the most of keyword density, it is important to analyze the content of competing websites and get a better idea of what keyword density your site requires.

admin