The Keyword Density Factor
 by: Desmond Mantor

Keyword Density Tips

There are an incredible amount of companies offering services to increase search engine ranking on the market at the moment. This is because, anyone who uses any Internet marketing methods already knows that search engine optimization is the the key to success. Search engine marketing works since almost everyone uses search engines to find what they are looking for on the Net. However, the reality is that none of these companies that promise search engine ranking can really guarantee success. Search engines use complicated algorithms that are simply too difficult to ever really crack. And if someone did manage to figure out the precise algorithm, it wouldn't matter, since the search engines periodically, update their algorithms to prevent a breach to their integrity.

It is known that Google factors in over 100 variables in their algorithms. While this is a daunting number of facets to accurately master, it is well known that keyword density plays a key role in determining search engine rankings. Keywords are the words and phrases surfers type into the search engines to find the information they seek on the web. It is the job of the search engine to provide results that are truly relevant to what people are looking for. If you type in "bicycle", you don't want to look at an article or story that mentions the word once and most likely does not contain the information you seek. This is why keyword density is so important. If an article mentions the phrase "bicycle" ten times, then it is more likely that this will contain the information you are looking for.

So what is keyword density and how do we determine it? The keyword density can be expresses as a percentage of the total number words found on a particular page. It can be found by dividing the number of mentions of the keyword by the total number of words in the article or web page. An article with 200 words that mentions the keyword 10 times throughout would have a keyword density of 2%. It is generally accepted that a keyword density of between 2% and 5% is ideal. Although the figures may vary from search engine to search engine, this is a good rule to use. Since most search engines consider the title the most relevant part of the article then it is a good idea to include the keyword. However, be careful not to go over the top with the keyword as the search engine is likely to penalize you for overuse. It's wise not to exceed the 5% density rule for any optimized page.

The exact phrases that are entered into the search engine are termed, 'primary keywords'. Words that are the same as the 'primary keyword' but with a slight modification in grammar are called 'tier one' keywords. For example a primary keyword could be 'bicycle part' and a 'tier one' keyword 'bicycle parts' The 'tier one' keywords should be used just the once in the first or second paragraph. 'Tier two' keywords are words that relate to the 'primary keyword'. So if the primary keyword was 'bicycle parts' then 'tier two' keywords may include words such as: seat, wheels, spokes, handlebars etc..These keywords do not need to have any specific density but should be used naturally throughout the article. Lastly, variations of the keyword are the final consideration. For 'bicycle part' they could be: bicycle, part, bicycles, parts and should never exceed the 5% density rule.

Again, the success of these rules will vary from search engine to search engine. However, following these tips will boost rankings by telling the search engine that your article is more relevant to the keyword, typed in by the surfer, than others. You will need to experiment with the formula to discover the best way to increase your rankings. Achieving an optimal keyword density is not the only variable in gaining a high ranking on the search engines, but it is one of the most important ones so be sure to take the time to find the keyword density formula that works best for you.

About The Author

Desmond Mantor is the Sales and Marketing Director of Have Traffic which offers highly qualified traffic for commercial websites. Have Traffic's unique system of pre-qualifying visitors has proven more effective than pay per click traffic. For more details please visit http://www.havetraffic.com