Number of Keywords To Use For SEO

It’s not just about using the right words—it’s about using them in the right way. The key is to make sure your keywords are naturally woven into content that’s useful and informative. Think about it for a second, when you search for something online, you’re not just looking for a page filled with random mentions of your search terms, right? You want valuable information, you want detail for the thing you are searching for. This is exactly what the algorithm is now prioritizing.

Google’s algorithms have gotten smarter. They focus on user intent—what the user actually means when they type a query. So even if you’re using fewer keywords, your content can still rank well if it aligns closely with what users are searching for. In fact, research by Ahrefs shows that content matching user intent ranks better, even if it uses fewer keywords for SEO.

Alterior Digital Quick Tips for Keyword Relevance:

• Focus on one primary keyword per page. By focusing on one key phrase, you can create more focused and relevant content that aligns with both user intent and search engine algorithms.
• Throw in some secondary keywords to cover different angles. For instance, we could also use phrases like “SEO keyword strategy” or “best SEO practices.”
• Prioritize user intent. Think about what your audience really wants and make sure your content addresses that need directly.

It’s important to note that 72% of marketers say creating relevant content is the most effective SEO tactic. So, it’s not just about the number of keywords; it’s about how relevant and helpful your content is.

How Many Keywords Should You Actually Use?

So, you might be thinking, "Okay, I get that relevance is key, but seriously, how many keywords for SEO should I aim for?" Well it depends…we know, you do not want to hear that but let’s go over the best practices.

Here are some questions you need to ask yourself:

• How long is the content I am writing?
• How competitive the keyword I want to rank for?
• How do I want my readers to experience the content.

Striking the right balance between keyword frequency and user experience is crucial—too many keywords can make the content feel forced, while too few might not provide enough signals for search engines to understand your focus. The goal is to maintain readability while still optimizing for search.

SEO Keyword Density - The Sweet Spot

In general, aim for a keyword density of less than 1%. What does that mean? If you’re writing a 1000-word article, your primary keyword should pop up about seven to ten times. For a 2000-word blog, mentioning your primary keyword 13 times is ideal. This keeps your content optimized without feeling forced or spammy.

However, keyword density alone won’t make your content rank higher. You also need to think about where you place the keywords and how naturally they fit into the flow of your writing. Search engines, like Google, don’t just look at how many times you’ve used a keyword—they also evaluate how well it integrates into the overall context of your page. Remember, keyword stuffing does not longer work.

Here’s a Simple Breakdown:

• Primary Keyword Frequency: Aim for 1 mention of your primary keyword for every 125 - 150 words.
• Natural Integration: Don’t just throw your keywords everywhere. Instead, use them where they naturally fit. Don’t try to force bullet point one if it does not make sense for your content.
• LSI Keywords: These are related keywords that help search engines understand the context of your content. Terms like “SEO keyword strategy” or “keyword optimization” work alongside "keywords for SEO" to give your content more depth.

Data from Ahrefs shows that using a mix of primary and related keywords (also known as LSI keywords) boosts your chances of ranking for long-tail searches. So, instead of stressing over the number of keywords for SEO you need, think about making your content rich and informative.

How to Maximize SEO Impact Without Stuffing

Here are some places where using your keywords for SEO can make a big difference:

• Title and Headers: Ensure your primary keyword is in your blog’s H1 heading and at least one subheading (H2 or H3).
• First Paragraph: Mention your primary keyword early to give search engines a clear signal of what your content is about.
• Meta Description: Your meta description should include the primary keyword, giving both search engines and users a concise summary of your content.
• URL Slug: Use your primary keyword in the URL for better optimization. If your page is already live, DO NOT, we repeat, DO NOT change the slug just to capture the keyword.
• Alt Text for Images: If you’re using visuals, don’t forget to include your keyword in the alt text, which helps with image SEO. Further, make sure to have your keyword in the name of the image. Here is a more in-depth post on how to improve images.

By placing your keywords in strategic locations, you can optimize your content without falling into the trap of keyword stuffing, which can lead to penalties from search engines.

Crafting a Balanced Keyword Strategy

Now that we’ve covered how many keywords for SEO to use, let’s talk about how to put this strategy into action; the most important part right? It’s not just about hitting a keyword count—it’s about creating high-quality content that serves your readers while keeping SEO in mind.

Answering Real Questions = Better Rankings

When people search for something online, they usually have a specific question in mind. Your content should provide those answers. For example, questions like “How Many Keywords Should I Use for SEO?” – See what we did there, you are here reading this post to learn right? We are answering your question. So, by answering these questions while using keywords for SEO, you can improve your chances of ranking higher on search engines.

Google is always looking for the most relevant and helpful content to match user queries, so making sure your content addresses real questions and provides clear answers is key. Remember, when someone searches for something on Google, we are now Google’s customers, and they try their best to serve us the best information possible from their database.

The Power of Long-Form Content

Longer content tends to perform better in search rankings, not just because you have more space to use keywords for SEO, but because long-form content tends to cover topics in more detail. Pages that rank on the first page of Google typically have around 1,447 words. This gives you plenty of room to naturally fit your keywords without overdoing it. If you check how many words this post has, you will notice is over 1,500 words.

Longer content allows you to address multiple aspects of a topic, making it more comprehensive and informative for readers. It also increases the likelihood that you’ll hit on various search terms and phrases that your audience is interested in, improving your chances of ranking for a broader range of queries.

Bullet Points Are Your Friend

When you’re writing long content, breaking it up with bullet points makes it easier to read. Bullet points allow you to organize information into digestible chunks, making it less overwhelming for readers. Plus, Google loves content that’s easy to skim.

Here are a few tips to help you with keywords for SEO:

• Stick to one main keyword per page.
• Use secondary keywords to expand your reach. Just don’t overshadow your primary keyword.
• Keep your keyword density less than 1%.
• Avoid keyword stuffing—it’s a turn-off for both readers and search engines.
• Include LSI keywords to give your content extra context.

SEO Keyword Strategy with Alterior Digital

At the end of the day, using the right number of keywords for SEO isn’t about hitting a magic number. It’s about crafting content that’s valuable, informative, and keyword-optimized without being overdone. Focus on using your primary keyword strategically, add some secondary keywords, and make sure everything flows naturally.

Looking to take your SEO strategy to the next level? At Alterior Digital, we specialize in SEO services that help you make the most of your keyword strategy. From research to implementation, we’ve got you covered. Contact Us and to get your business on the top page of Google.