On Page Seo
Keyword Density
The percentage of times a target keyword appears on a page relative to the total word count. It was once a core ranking factor but is now largely obsolete as a standalone metric.
Why Keyword Density Matters for SEO
Understanding keyword density helps you avoid both under-optimisation and over-optimisation. You don't need to hit a magic number, but if your target keyword barely appears on the page, don't be surprised when you don't rank for it.
How Keyword Density Works
Write naturally and include your target keyword where it makes sense, particularly in the title, H1, first paragraph, and throughout the body. Focus on topical coverage and semantic relevance rather than hitting a specific percentage.
Common Mistakes
- Obsessing over hitting an exact keyword density percentage
- Forcing keywords into sentences where they don't fit naturally
- Ignoring semantic variations and only counting exact-match usage
Sources & Further Reading: