Myth
There’s also a common myth that an article’s search engine rank is determined by the number of times the keyword is used. There was a time—early in the history of the Internet—when this was partly true. But no more
Truth
If this were the case, all a website would have to do is have pages of nothing but keywords to up its search engine ranking. Search Engine Algorithms have done away with that method of cheating. Algorithms are too well written to fall for that—and many have built in sensors that penalize websites for trying to cheat.
Here are some other truths about Search Engines
- Nowadays, Search Engine Algorithms take words literally—and that can be good or bad
This doesn't mean we can't be clever—only that we have to be deliberate in where we're clever. Take that chili recipe, give it a title that can be searched literally, like Hot and Spicy Vegetarian Chili, but in the description use the clever tag line as too hot to handle.
This blog—The Write Conversation—is a clever play on words that works. The reason being I want this site to be searchable for the keyword “write” as well as be clever about educating writers as an ongoing “conversation.”
- Search Engine Algorithms also look for keywords.
Search engines read from the top of a webpage to the bottom, searching to see that important keywords are used throughout the page.
Here’s a good rule of thumb when determining keyword density
- Always use the keyword in the title.
- Repeat the keyword at least once in the first 50 words.
- Spread the use of the keyword naturally and evenly throughout the rest of the article. In a 400 word article that would mean using the keyword a minimum of three more times.
Let me know if you have any questions about writing for the Internet because next week I’ll be wrapping up this series.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
Thanks Edie for sharing. I am working on learning all I can about SEO for the speaking part of my business, and this really helped! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
"Simply" Sue
Well, Edie, you know how much all this stuff frustrates me, but you've made it simple to understand. Now, all I have to do is remember to apply it! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks Edie. I'm with Vonda! I have a question that some might consider dumb, but, here goes: Is the keyword like the labels we put in at the end of the blog when typing it or is it the word we think a potential reader might google and thus end up at our site? I thought that was the purpose of the labels.
ReplyDeleteThanks for helping us.
Nan, remember there are no Dumb questions! You weren't born knowing this stuff (if you were, then we definitely need to talk!).
ReplyDeleteIt's a great question and one I should have covered.
A keyword isn't the label, it's what you expect your reader to put into a search engine to find your post or article. And the labels you put on the post should ALWAYS include your keyword.
Hope this helps!
Thanks Sue and Vonda - I have to break things down so I can understand them and it's nice to know I'm not the only one who needs the help!
Edie,
ReplyDeleteI discovered your information today through another writing angel who joined me on Twitter, Vonda. Right now my writing style is bent: I just had my first carpal tunnel surgery on one hand. Oooo! So now I pray instead of write. But I can read your's and Vonda's blogs to glean the gold.... I'm pleased to meet you both.
Bill
CornerRetreat.blogspot.com
Good points Edie: thank goodness Google has evolved search past the days of keyword spam (mostly, some still try to game search rank). SEO is a complicated and ever shifting field: there really aren't any magic bullets.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, as social media and search becomes more integrated, even today's "rules" will change. For example, Bing and Facebook have partnered to filter searches, and a new engine called Blekko is trying to establish a new way of integrating social and search through website tagging.