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The proper use of keywords is critical to optimizing traffic to web articles. Without relevant keywords at an optimal density, your web articles will be invisible to the search engines.

First, let's define this keyword density thing.

* Keyword: In reference to the internet and search engines, a keyword is a word, or a phrase, used to target a search to a particular topic. It is the word(s) you type into the search box.

* Keyword density: This is a measure, usually expressed as a percentage, of how many times a given keyword or phrase appears in a page.

But what, exactly, is an optimized density? Unfortunately, there is no authoritative definition of an optimal density. Search engines do not disclose the density they prefer, they change their algorithms regularly, and each engine uses different preferences.

All this does not mean it's impossible to optimize your keyword density. The conventional wisdom is to use a density of 3% - 7% for the main keyword in an article. If your competition uses a lower keyword density, you may also be able to get away with a lower density and still rank above them.

Always be aware that quality content is much more important than the actual density of your keywords. The content must be relevant, useful, and easily readable. It is preferable to use a lower density than to have a higher density with awkward sentences, constructed just to get in a few more mentions of your keyword. Keep in mind, keywords may get the initial traffic, but they won't keep the reader coming back.

To determine which keyword should be the main focus of an article, get into your reader's head. What keywords will your target audience most likely to use to find your information? Once you have a main focus, think long-tail keyword phrases.

Long-tail keyword phrases are targeted phrases. They bring less traffic, but the traffic they do bring will be looking specifically for the information you are providing. Remember, the phrase will still contain your main keyword, so you are really getting "two-for-one" with these phrases. You are adding to your main keyword density, and you are also getting readers who really want to read what you have to say.

Use keyword tools (like the Google AdWords Keyword Tool to find other keywords related to your main keyword, as well as to find your long-tail keywords. Keep in mind that words like "the," "a," "and," etc. are not considered keywords by the search engines.

Once you have your article written, consider running it through a keyword density analyzer to make sure you are within the 3-7% range with your main keyword. Your long-tail keywords and other, related, keywords should each be around 1% - 3%. A basic density analyzer that allows you to check your text before publishing to a web page is Live Keyword Analysis.

Finally, don't pull out your hair trying to get the "perfect" keyword at the "right" density. There is no such beast. Quality content with relevant keywords at a reasonable density will bring the traffic. Quality content that is always fresh, well-written and informative will keep the readers coming back, regardless of what the search engines think.

Learn more about this author, Melissa J Luther.
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