Is there an optimum amount of keywords?

[Gwuido65]

Hi there,

I am in the process of optimising each page of my website and I was wondering if there is an optimum amount of keywords to insert in the description?

Thanks

[Kael41]

I've optimized between 3-5% for my front page keyword phrases all the while making the text as humanly readable as possible. Also don't forget synonyms and any other descriptors that go along with your subject matter.

[Quentin]

Usually 7 is the most accepted number of words or phrases to put in each page or post of your website.

Quentin

[Mickm]

It depends on what's happening in your niche.. Google expects to see a few similarities between your site and the existing sites it has indexed but as a general rule somewhere between 5 - 8 is a good place to be (if you want a few decent search terms), and keep your title to under 67 chars.

[paulgl]

Hey that's a fantastic question.

I thought only one or two, but now it seems that logically
you would want more. However, 8 seems a little big, as
you would need the words to tie in somehow, right?

I assume that when you are talking about how many
keywords, you have 1 or 2 main ones, and then a couple
of other words that are close or a variation?

I like the idea of 2-3 keywords, and using these in 2-3
keyphrases.

Paul

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[TheHutz]

Originally Posted by paulgl

Hey that's a fantastic question.

I thought only one or two, but now it seems that logically
you would want more. However, 8 seems a little big, as
you would need the words to tie in somehow, right?

I assume that when you are talking about how many
keywords, you have 1 or 2 main ones, and then a couple
of other words that are close or a variation?

I like the idea of 2-3 keywords, and using these in 2-3
keyphrases.

Paul

Hi Paul,

I think people are referring to the number of keywords in the META Keywords tag, which 7 or so keyword phrases is about the max.

Don't go crazy on your best keywords as people can easily see them and then aim for them.

As far as your keyword strategy is concerned per page, about 2-3 main words, then a few more longer tail words should be all fine.

[The Villa]

If you are talking about meta keywords, i would agree with Hutz and settle for about 7.

There is an ongoing controversy though about whether meta keywords should still be added. In another SEO forum, many advise against the use of meta keywords because very few search engines refer to them. Some old school SEO experts however say there is no harm in just inserting them anyway.

The Meta description however still seems to be useful.

[Derek-C-Wicks]

this is great info, changed my keyword count right away because of this post!