What is Keyword Density?
Keyword density refers to the percentage of times a keyword appears on a webpage compared to the total word count. It is an essential factor in on-page SEO, as it helps search engines understand the relevance of a page to a particular keyword or phrase. While keyword density was once a more prominent factor in SEO, search engines have evolved to focus more on the overall context and quality of content rather than just keyword frequency.
An excessively high keyword density, known as keyword stuffing, can lead to penalties and a decrease in rankings, as it is seen as an attempt to manipulate search engines. The ideal keyword density varies depending on the content and the keyword, but keeping it between 1-2% is generally recommended. Instead of focusing solely on density, using keywords naturally within high-quality, relevant content is more effective, incorporating related terms and phrases to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. This approach helps improve SEO while maintaining a positive user experience.