Poison keywords

[Webnauts]

Is it true that the keyword/phrase "search engine" is a poison keyword?

[noppid]

Google it. I don't know about poisons, but if you think you can rank against the sites that are listed by google for that keyword, more power to ya!

[Will.Spencer]

What do you mean by "poison keyword"?

I'm #6 for "search engines" on MSN, #129 on Yahoo, and #403 on Google.

I just wish I could swap those. ;)

[minstrel]

No. A while back, people were getting worried about so-called "stop words". Now it's "poison keywords". I don't think they exist outside of SEO software that is trying to convince people you can't do SEO without the software.

For example, in addition to "search engine", some people and certain SEO programs are claiming the word "forum" is a poison keyword. Total nonsense!

Do a search for "<insert word of your choice> forum" or "<insert word of your choice> forums" -- how many returns do you get? Do you see any evidence that the word is "poison"?

These are myths created by superstition, hysteria, and SEO software marketing people. Ignore them.

[Webnauts]

I just have been confronted for a first time with this issue, testing my web site today http://www.webnauts.net with a Meta Tags Analyzer here: http://www.widexl.com/remote/search-engines/metatag-analyzer.html

[minstrel]

That's my point, Webnauts.

Either stop using those programs (you don't need them and many are either out-of-date or never-in-date in their advice) or take the output from the programs with a grain of salt.

[Webnauts]

Thank you all for your kind responses. By the way I thought that I must mention, that my prior service and target keyphrase is "web site accessibility", and today I had the results:

Google #34 of 102,000,000 - Yahoo #13 of 23,700,000 - MSN #3 of 385,001

Am I doing well there?

[minstrel]

Not too shabby, Webnauts.

Suggestion: make sure you also target "website accessibility" and "internet accessibility".

(By the way, are you the same Webnauts who used to be (or maybe still is) at WPW?)

[Webnauts]

Not too shabby, Webnauts.

Suggestion: make sure you also target "website accessibility" and "internet accessibility".

(By the way, are you the same Webnauts who used to be (or maybe still is) at WPW?)

Yes Minstrel. I am still moderating at WPW. And thanks for the tips.
But worth to mention, for the keyphrase "website accessibility" I am at Google at #43 of 118,000,000.

[minstrel]

Shameless Plug Department

Have you thought about joining the Coop Ad Network (http://www.digitalpoint.com/tools/ad-network/?s=9317) here?

[ScottDaMan]

I'd like to see a site operating co-op?

[yfs1]

Kwik Goblin (http://www.kwikgoblin.com) runs the Coop

You can sign up here (http://www.digitalpoint.com/tools/ad-network/?s=1967) or from the Digital Point home page.

[minstrel]

No, no, no.

You don't sign up there (http://www.digitalpoint.com/tools/ad-network/?s=1967), Scott.

You sign up here at Coop Ad Network Signup Link (http://www.digitalpoint.com/tools/ad-network/?s=9317).

Scott, just look for anyone who has a signature link for the Coop here and click on one of their other site links.

[yfs1]

You're just too much Minstrel :D :D :p

[minstrel]

Free enterprise! :D

[Webnauts]

Shameless Plug Department

Have you thought about joining the Coop Ad Network (http://www.digitalpoint.com/tools/ad-network/?s=9317) here?

That is only for forums, or?

[samm27]

Hi Webnauts,

No. It can be used on regular sites as well.
I have it on my site: www championachiever com

regards,
sam.

[yfs1]

Its for all sites...html,php, and even some asp code floating around.

Theres more about it here (http://www.digitalpoint.com/tools/ad-network/?s=1967) though

[minstrel]

But if you want the REAL info on it, check HERE (http://www.digitalpoint.com/tools/ad-network/?s=9317).

The link yfs1 gave you does have some information but I think you'll find it's woefully inadequate :D

[ScottDaMan]

LOL. Yeah. Got it! :)

[roadies]

And a referral link too? Minstrel, I didn't know it was in you. Thanks for the warning though. :D

Being serious, you're absolutely right. The SEO software companies have one goal, to sell their software. They'll use whatever tactic deemed necessary as they aren't concerned with the results once you download the software. I haven't heard of "Poison Keywords" yet, but it doesn't surprise me in the least bit.

[hulkster]

Shawn: You have created a monster - your forum participents fighting over the referral to your Coop Network! ;-)

[minstrel]

Alec...

Just wanted to let you know there's a syntax error in your post above: It should read

Shawn: You have created a monster - your forum participents fighting over the referral to your Coop Network (http://www.digitalpoint.com/tools/ad-network/?s=9317)! ;-)

:o