KeyWord Density?

[JML1179]

What is an acceptable density for a keyword? It's wise to push it as close to spam without sacrificing user experience, correct?

I read an article on SeoMoz (outdated I think) that mentioned 6%.

If it's a keyword phrase, do you have to make sure you don't go over the density level of a particular word in the phrase. If it's a three word phrase, do you have to not use any one word more than X% or just monitor the exact keyword.

[Jungles]

In my understanding  - Google is a machine that wants us to think that it is acting as a human being

In general - there is some human influence on their 'algos' but it's important to understand -  it is still a machine! And most important is to clearly lied down - it is machine that constantly keeps upgraded and tweaked by humans.

I see where and why Joseph coming from and I see why he still is not satisfied with the answer. You know why? Because question is wrong for this community

Everyone here wants to do good for you Joseph! And that is why you are not getting direct answer regarding correct keyword density percentage. The truth is - this number is keeping changing constantly and whatever  'density' will you apply to your article it is - DANGEROUS! There is no exact magical number but there is a safe side that works for present moment.

And to answer you directly - do not cross 1.5 - 2.0 percentage at the moment. Think about this like that - If you will apply wrong keyword density to your article you will get fired from your job.

So, how to apply correct keyword density you are asking! -  you see, you asking to guarantee you something that only Google can guarantee as there is no insight - what Google will implement next and how that will affect everyone here.

One golden rule applies for this though - keep constantly updating and changing your content! As far it is the best of the best of all ranking advices what I can give you because as far as it goes now - Whenever new content is published Google clearly and immediately recognizes, responds and communicates with you via changes of you ranking positions via what!? - via keyword density,placement,decoration,website structure, credibility,visibility and all this blah,blah,blah stuff You see - keywords are still there!

So, sorry, but there is no magical and precise pill for this! That is why question was a bit wrong.

all the best,

Jungles

[skehoe]

Google is placing less and less importance on keyword density.

As a general rule always have the keyword/phrase in the Title, summary and opening paragraph and enbedded in any images/videos attached. And include some variations of the key term throughout the content eg. using synonyms.

I would recommend sticking at around 3% anything more than that definitely looks spammy

A little bit 'old school' but a tool you can use is http://www.visiblepr.com

You just enter in your top 3 keywords/phases and copy and paste the text into the box and it will tell you the density.

As mentioned through Google will probably appreciate the synonyms throughout the content over high density keywords.

[Debdulal]

Keyword density is passe. Just make  sure you have used the targeted keywords in the title and a couples of times in the body content. But no need to use them as it is. For say if you are writing on Web design NY, you do not need to use the phrase as it.

[nbeske]

I believe the tools are focused on a minimum number of instances of the phrase and not the %. Keyword density as an important ranking factor is a myth.

Here are two great links that will help shine some light on the subject for you:

http://www.seomoz.org/blog/10-myths-that-scare-seos-but-shouldnt-whiteboard-friday http://www.seomoz.org/beginners-guide-to-seo/myths-and-misconceptions-about-search-engines

[JML1179]

This is a common sense approach. There is an optimal %.

I can write endless content that has high value. My site targets local real estate. I could write a hundred pages with a high value to customers. I need to know the %. I could write 300 words at 6% phrase. I could write 1,000 words at 3% etc... No matter how much content I add, it will be high quality.

I appreciate the link to the tool; however, even the tool has to target a specific %. It has to have an objective concept in which it weighs by. I am certain it has a %.

A blog on SEOMOZ once said 6%. A local SEO told me that is high level spam.

[nbeske]

You should always write content for users and not search engines. Trying to achieve a specific percentage of keyword density could do more harm than good if it messes up the natural flow of your content. Instead you should use the on-page optimization tool to make sure your following best practices. It will of course let you know if you should try and include a few more instances of your targeted keyword. Adding additional content sections to the page can sometimes help you find better places to work in your keywords, try adding testimonials, lists, pull out quotes or excerpts of the main content, etc. There's also data that suggests partial match and related terms can help influence your on page relevancy so be sure you're working in these types of terms as well.