How many SEO keywords should I use in my blog posts? This is a question that we get asked a lot, and unfortunately, there is no single answer that fits all situations. The number of SEO keywords you should use will depend on various factors, such as your post, the length of your post, and your target audience.
However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow to help ensure that you’re using the right amount of keywords for your blog posts. Read on to learn more about how to select the right number of SEO keywords for your blog posts.
The Reality of Target Keywords
Before we answer the question of how many keywords you should use, it’s first important to dispel a common SEO myth that you need to target a certain number of keywords on your website to rank higher in search engines.
There is no magic number of keywords to shoot for–and trying to hit an arbitrary keyword count can actually do more harm than good.
Different search engine algorithms and also Google’s own algorithm is designed to deliver the best results for each individual searcher, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to ranking in their results pages.
This can be a difficult concept for SEOs and business owners who are used to thinking about keyword targeting in traditional advertising terms.
In the offline world, advertisers often choose a handful of broad or highly competitive keywords and then create ad campaigns specifically designed to rank for those terms.
But in the online world, this kind of targeted approach simply doesn’t work – and it can actually result in lower search engine rankings and increased costs per click.
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Why Targeting Too Many Keywords Hurts Your Rankings
When you try to target too many keywords on your website, two negative things can happen: first, your site can come across as “keyword stuffed” to Google, which will hurt your overall rankings; and second, you may end up spread too thin trying to rank for each individual keyword, which will also hurt your chances of success.
It’s important to remember that ranking in Google’s organic search results is a zero-sum game–for every site that ranks in a spot, there is another site that doesn’t.
So if you’re trying to rank for 10 different competitive keywords, you may end up not ranking at all. It’s much better to focus your efforts on fewer, more relevant keywords–even if they get less traffic–and build a foundation for long-term success.
What About Long-Tail Keywords?
In addition to targeting traditional “head” terms with 1-3 words, don’t forget about long-tail keywords – 4 words or more–which can actually account for the vast majority of searches performed on the web. Long-tail keywords are much less competitive than head terms, which means they may be easier for your website to rank for in search engine results pages.
For example, rather than trying (and failing) to rank for the highly competitive head term “web design company,” you could focus instead on ranking for longer tail terms like “responsive web design company” or “modern web design company.”
How Many Keywords Should You Use?
So if there is no magic number of keywords you should be targeting on your website, then how many should you use? The answer is: as many as are relevant and useful to include. For your website, targeting the right keywords is important, but how you use those keywords is more important.
Start by brainstorming a list of all the potential topics and phrases related to your business – no matter how big or small – that you think customers might use when searching for what you offer.
Once you have that list, take a look at each keyword or phrase and ask yourself whether it would be useful or relevant for customers landing on your website to see that information. If so, then add it!
There will probably be some trial and error involved as you determine which keywords are most effective for your business, but eventually, you should settle on a solid list of 1-3 dozen core terms (or more) that you regularly use throughout your site content.
Learn More: What is PPC? Your complete guide to PPC (pay-per-click) advertising
Tips To Follow For Keywords
Here are a few guidelines to help you use SEO keywords effectively:
Do Your Research
Keyword research is an essential first step in any effective SEO strategy. Take the time to understand what terms and phrases your audience is searching for, and then build those related keywords into your content in a way that feels natural and unobtrusive. Avoid keyword stuffing in where they don’t belong just for the sake of getting more hits—that will only result in a poor user experience and could get you penalized by the search engines.
Use Targeted Keywords Throughout Your Content
Once you have your target keywords, it’s important to use them throughout your content in a way that sounds natural and flows well. In addition to using them in the body of your text, you can also work them into your headings and title. Just be careful not to go overboard; a couple of strategically placed keywords will do the trick.
Don’t Forget About LSI Keywords
In addition to your target keywords, don’t forget to include LSI (latent semantic indexing) keywords as well. These are related words and phrases that help search engines better understand the context of your content. For example, if you’re writing about SEO keywords, some LSI keywords might be “SEO tips,” “how to use SEO keywords,” and “SEO keyword research.”
Use A Variety Of Keyword Types
In addition to using standard keywords, also consider using long-tail keywords, local keywords, and brand names/product names as appropriate. This will help you reach a wider range of people who might be interested in what you have to offer.
Target Specific Pages
When planning your keyword strategy, think about which pages on your site are most important to rank well in the search engines. Usually, this will be your home page and key landing pages (pages where you want people to take a specific action, such as purchasing a product or signing up for a newsletter).
Once you’ve identified those pages, make sure to include relevant keywords throughout the page—in the title, in the body copy, in the meta tags, and so forth—to give those pages the best chance of ranking well.
Monitor Your Results
Over time, you’ll want to track how well your SEO keyword strategy is working by monitoring your traffic levels and your rankings in the search engines. If you’re not seeing the results you want, don’t be afraid to adjust your approach—keywords are not set in stone, so it’s perfectly fine to experiment until you find what works best for you and your business.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how many SEO keywords you should use in your content—the best approach is to use keywords thoughtfully and strategically, with the goal of providing valuable content that meets the needs of your audience. By following these guidelines, you can develop an effective keyword strategy that will help you attract more visitors to your website and improve your chances of ranking well in the search engines.
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