SEO Skills: How Many Keywords Should Be Used Per Page?

Whenever we create optimised content for clients, one of the first things we discuss is keywords.

Keywords are a vital part of any SEO strategy.

While we always write for humans, keywords are crucial for helping search engines understand what the content is about.

But how many keywords should be used per page for optimal SEO benefits?

In this short article, we will review the importance of keywords, their role in SEO campaigns and explain why there is such thing as ‘too many keywords’.

What Are Keywords?

Keywords are the words or phrases that users type into search engines when looking for information.

For example, suppose you were looking for a new recipe for chocolate chip cookies.

Your search query might include keywords such as "chocolate chip cookie recipe" or "best homemade cookies."

Search engines like Google will then present you millions of suggested websites, ranked by relevance.

In essence, keywords act as the bridge between user intent and the vast expanse of online information.

Understanding the intricacies of keywords is fundamental to effective SEO.

It's not just about the words themselves but about strategically selecting and placing them to enhance the visibility and relevance of your online content.

Primary Keywords

Primary keywords are the main terms that define your content's central theme.

These are the words users are most likely to type into a search engine when looking for information related to your page.

The key is identifying what your audience will type into search engines.

At Orca, we can help you find keywords with high monthly search volumes and low-ranking difficulty scores.

Secondary keywords

Secondary keywords, also known as long-tail keywords, are more specific phrases related to your primary keywords.

They’re usually more niche; they will usually have lower monthly search volumes, but because of their specificity, they help target specific intent.

Integrating these phrases into your content adds depth and specificity, catering to a broader range of search queries.

How Many Keywords Per Page?

Now, let's address the golden question: how many keywords should you use per page?

Determining the optimal frequency of keyword usage per page is a crucial aspect of SEO.

While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, striking the right balance is vital.

At Orca, we try to ensure that any given keywords don’t make up more than 5% of a piece of content.

But keyword placement is not just about quantity; it’s also about their strategic placement throughout your content.

So, rather than fixating on a specific number, it's more important to ensure that your keywords are naturally integrated into your text, providing value to your audience and aligning with the overall context of your content.

That said, including keywords too many times (known as Keyword Stuffing) could be costly.

What Happens If I Stuff The Page With Keywords?

Keyword stuffing, the practice of excessively and unnaturally using keywords in an attempt to manipulate search engine rankings, can have detrimental consequences for your website's SEO and overall online presence.

Many years ago, this was seen as a hack: a way to fool search engines into ranking your content higher.

Search engines, however, have evolved to prioritise high-quality content that provides genuine value to users, and keyword stuffing is viewed as a deceptive tactic.

Here are some of the potential consequences of keyword stuffing:

• Search Engine Penalties:
  Search engines like Google are equipped with sophisticated algorithms that can detect keyword stuffing. When identified, search engines may penalise your website by lowering its ranking or, in severe cases, removing it from search results altogether. This can significantly impact your online visibility and organic traffic.
• Poor User Experience:
  Keyword-stuffed content often reads awkwardly and lacks coherence. Users are quick to recognise when content is written for search engines rather than for their benefit. This can lead to a poor user experience, negatively impacting your website's credibility and discouraging users from engaging with your content.
• Increased Bounce Rates:
  Visitors are more likely to bounce away from a page that appears spammy or irrelevant. If your content is stuffed with keywords and lacks substance, users may quickly navigate away from your site, increasing your bounce rates. High bounce rates can signal to search engines that your content doesn't meet user expectations.
• Loss of Trust and Credibility:
  Keyword stuffing can erode trust and credibility with your audience. Users are increasingly savvy and can discern between authentic, valuable content and content designed solely for search engine manipulation. Building trust is essential for retaining and attracting a loyal audience.
• Diminished Conversion Rates:
  If your content fails to deliver valuable information and appears manipulative, it is less likely to convert visitors into customers or leads. Focusing on quality content that addresses user needs and concerns is more likely to resonate and drive conversions.

Summary

In conclusion, using keywords is a vital aspect of SEO that can significantly impact your website's visibility on search engines.

We would advise aiming for one to three primary and several relevant secondary keywords per page, ensuring your content remains natural and valuable.

Avoid the pitfalls of keyword stuffing, as search engines prioritise content that provides genuine value to users.

By mastering the art of keyword optimisation, you'll be well on your way to improving your website's search engine ranking and driving organic traffic to your digital doorstep.

If you have any questions about keywords or any other SEO queries, contact our team today.

Email hello@orcaonline.co.uk, and an Orca pod member will get back to you soon.