Frequently Asked Questions
What is keyword density and why does it matter for SEO?▼
Keyword density is the percentage of times a keyword appears relative to the total word count. While Google has moved beyond simple keyword counting, density still matters as a sanity check. Too low (under 0.5%) means you're not targeting clearly. Too high (over 3%) risks keyword stuffing penalties. The sweet spot is typically 1-2% for your primary keyword.
What is the ideal keyword density for SEO?▼
There's no magic number, but most SEO experts recommend 1-2% for your primary keyword and 0.5-1% for secondary keywords. Focus on natural writing first, then check density as a sanity check. If you're above 3%, you're likely over-optimizing.
What is keyword stuffing and how do I avoid it?▼
Keyword stuffing is cramming a keyword into content unnaturally to manipulate rankings. Signs include: density over 3%, the same phrase repeated in every paragraph, and keywords inserted where they don't make grammatical sense. Google penalizes keyword stuffing. Write for humans first, then verify your density is reasonable.
Should I check keyword density for every page?▼
Yes, at least for important pages targeting specific keywords. Check your homepage, service pages, and key blog posts. Focus on: primary keyword density (1-2%), secondary keyword presence, and natural language variations.
What are n-grams and why do they matter?▼
N-grams are multi-word phrases: 2-grams (two words), 3-grams (three words). They matter because people search in phrases, not single words. Analyzing phrase frequency reveals whether your content naturally targets long-tail keywords.