Let’s clarify one thing: there is no Search Engine Optimization (SEO) without keywords. Your digital marketing campaigns will never succeed if you do not pick the right keywords for your website. Unfortunately, your website will never rank on SERPs, and that isn’t ideal, is it?

Despite their experience and SEO-related knowledge, many digital marketers and business owners often need help answering the question of how many keywords to use for a website. 

This article examines SEO keywords and the number of keywords you should target for your website. 

Let’s dive in. 

What are SEO Keywords?

SEO keywords are search terms or everyday phrases people use to search for something on search engines, including Google and Bing. When you strategically place high-traffic and popular keywords across your website, you are signaling Google to direct relevant users to your website. 

Finding the right keywords and using them strategically is an art that requires extensive planning, thorough analysis, and seamless execution. 

Here are some benefits of using the right keywords for your website. 

What are the Different Types of Keywords to Target For SEO?

This section explores the different types of keywords (in brief) that everyone in the SEO space should know. 

  • Primary Keywords

A primary keyword is typically the page’s core topic. The main search phrase or term of a particular page is optimized to rank across SERPs. Primary keywords are also referred to as main or focus keywords. 

Examples: Hydroponic farming, vegan products, and holiday resorts. 

  • Long-tail Keywords 

As the name suggests, long-tail keywords are longer search terms or phrases that contain three to four words and have a low search volume but a higher conversion potential. Simply put, long-tail keywords are more detailed and accurately indicate a user’s intent. 

Examples: Best hydroponic farming techniques, family-friendly resorts in Gold Coast, highly recommended vegan food for pregnant women. 

  • GEO Targeted Keywords

Geo-targeted keywords and search phrases typically include a geographic location, such as a locality, state, city, or country. These keywords are primarily used to attract local audiences and boost digital visibility in the targeted geographical location. 

Examples: Best hotel in Melbourne, top-rated plumber near Bondi Beach, affordable flower delivery across Australia. 

  • LSI Keywords

Latent Semantic Indexing or LSI keywords are search terms or keywords Google thinks are semantically related to a specific topic. 

For example, if we are discussing food, then cuisine, restaurants, recipes, taste, etc are the LSI keywords. 

  • Seed Keywords

Seed keywords are the search terms and phrases used as a starting point in a keyword research activity. For example, if “dress” is the seed keyword, “formal gown dress,” “dress for girls,” “dress for women,” “long dress,” and “dress design” are the derived keyword ideas. 

How to Choose and Target Keywords for Your Website?

You are at the right place if you are wondering which keywords you should use on a particular page or your website. 

Here are a few ways to go about it. 

  • Study Competitor Keywords

First, start by studying your competition and understanding the different keywords they are using. This will give you a fair idea about the keywords you must use to optimize your page or website. 

  • Determine Your Audience

You can only market your website to people when you know who they are and what they like. The key is to be in front of the right people at the right place, at the right time. Determine your audience, their preferences, and the search terms they usually use to narrow down your keyword list. 

  • Use Keyword Research Tools

Digital marketing has become one of the most important sectors worldwide. As a result, many keyword research tools have entered the fray, making it easier for business owners to brainstorm and find the most apt keywords to market their products or services. 

How Many Keywords Should You Optimise for Your Website?

While you are free to target as many keywords as you like for the entire website, targeting a single keyword for every page is a good practice. If the target keyword has more variations, you can use them in-depth by creating more pages. 

It is also essential to understand that you can include keyword variations in a page, provided they add value and naturally fit into the content. Avoid stuffing all the keyword variations on one page. This way, you can cater to the specific needs of your customers without flooding them with unwanted and irrelevant information. 

Where to Target Keywords on Your Website

Now, let us explore the website’s different sections where you must use keywords. 

  • Meta Title and Description

There is no way around this one. Your main keyword must be included in your meta title and description. 

  • Headers and Sub Headers

While the main header or the H1 should include the main keyword, the focus keyword should feature in at least one H2. You can also use secondary keywords in H2s and H3s. 

  • Page Content

The main keyword, along with the secondary keywords and LSI keywords, must be strategically used within the page’s content. Ideally, the keyword density should not exceed 3%. 

  • Page URL 

The page’s URL must contain the main keyword.

Parting Notes

Finding the right target SEO keywords can get tricky, especially if you are new to the SEO world. Determining how many keywords to use across the website or on a single page can also be significant. As mentioned, keep the keyword density between 1-3% for better results; most SEO experts agree. 

Include the keywords in the headings, subheadings, page titles, and URLs, and ensure they are used naturally. The ball is now in your court. 

Boost your website ranking with professional SEO! Target primary, long-tail, and geo-keywords strategically for improved traffic, conversions, and visibility.

FAQs

What Makes A Good Keyword? 

A good keyword typically has a decent search volume, relevance, medium ranking potential, and high conversion potential. 

What Is the Ideal Number Of Keywords to Target For SEO on a Website? 

Every page should include 2-3 repetitions of a primary keyword and a few secondary and other keyword variations or maintain a keyword density of around 1-3%. 

How Are Primary And Secondary Keywords Different?

While the primary keyword is the core focus of your content, secondary keywords complement the primary keyword. 

Why is Semantic Richness Important in Content?

Semantic richness is critical in your content to ensure it is natural, versatile, SEO-friendly, and comprehensive, tapping all the key aspects of a specific topic.

How Does Search Intent Impact Your Keyword Strategy?

The search intent impacts your keyword strategy as it clarifies the type of content you must create to resonate with your target audience.