Optimal Density and Prominence

What is the optimal density and prominence for a website? From what I know around 6-7% is optimal. But it varies by search engine, is this true? Can anyone give some feedback, thanks

 

If you mean keyword density then forget it, keyword density has not been a factor in SE algorithms for at least 5 years, just write good copy.

- Michael

 

I'd have to agree, I never ever bother checking keyword density. It's actually possible to get a page to rank for a phrase that's not even on the page.

Of course it's easier if you do include it, try to get it in the titles, H1/2/3 tags, bold/italic text alt tags etc, but it's more important just to make sure it reads properly.

 

i agree that h1 tags and bold/italic, and alt tags are more important

 

Well, for keyword density we use 5-7% value for the body text but this can again vary with kind of competition you are having and topic sensitivity.

 

I typically aim for a keyword density around 3% - 6%, and agree that it's important to include keywords in H1 tags, bold, and italics (but only one at a time), as well as in alt tags. It's also helpful to include your keywords in your URL, page title, meta tags, and at the very beginning (top left) and very end (bottom right) of your page.

HTH,
Sam

 

If you are plugging your exact keyword into 5-7% of the text that would equal about 1 keyword per sentence. I don’t see how you can write meaningful content with that much kw stuffing. Don’t worry about density. Naturally you should be in the 1-3% range which is fine.

 

My density is around 4.7% currently for the keyword I want to target. It's not just in paragraphs, but also headings, navigation etc... so it adds up.

I understand that Google isn't typically a big fan of densitys higher then 5-6% correct? But sites like Yahoo, and MSN are. Is this true?

 

Boy this keyword density myth sure has taken hold

- Michael

 

The search engines once did use keyword density as a measurement criterion, but have moved away from it recently due to the abuses of keyword spamming. As I said in my post above, I typically try to keep my density between 3% - 6% - this assures that the keyword is prevalent in the text, while at the same time making it a natural and easy read for my visitors.

Sam