How Many SEO Keywords Should I Use? The Right Number (and How to Find It)

Ever found yourself staring at a blinking cursor, completely stumped about how many SEO keywords should I use in your blog post? You're definitely not alone.

It's a common dilemma for bloggers, content creators, and even seasoned SEO professionals. The truth is, there's no magic number, and the old-school approach of cramming keywords everywhere (known as “keyword stuffing“) can actually hurt your rankings on Google.

Figuring out the optimal number of keywords is a balancing act. Use too few, and your content might not be found by search engines. Use too many, and you risk being penalized for trying to game the system.

It's all about finding that sweet spot where your content is both optimized for search engines and genuinely helpful to your readers.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down exactly how to determine the right number of SEO keywords for any piece of content. We'll cover the outdated practices you should avoid, the modern SEO strategies that actually work, and provide a step-by-step process for effective keyword usage.

By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of how to strategically use keywords to boost your rankings, drive more organic traffic, and ultimately, achieve your content goals (whether that's generating leads, making sales, or simply sharing your expertise).

Get ready to say goodbye to keyword confusion and hello to SEO success! We will also give some recomended tools along the way, to help make the process a little easier.

Keyword Stuffing: Why It Doesn't Work (and What Google Actually Wants)

Back in the early days of SEO, a common tactic was “keyword stuffing.” This involved cramming as many instances of your target keyword as possible into your content, regardless of whether it made sense to the reader.

The (mistaken) belief was that the more times a keyword appeared, the higher a page would rank for that keyword. This often resulted in awkward, unnatural-sounding text that was difficult to read and provided little value to the user.

Think sentences like: “For the best cheap running shoes, check out our best cheap running shoes guide. We have best cheap running shoes for all types of runners looking for best cheap running shoes!”

This practice was often tied to the concept of “keyword density” – a specific percentage of times a keyword should appear in a text (e.g., 2% keyword density). Website owners would meticulously count keywords and adjust their content to hit these arbitrary targets.

Thankfully, those days are long gone. Google's algorithm has become incredibly sophisticated, with updates like Panda and Penguin specifically targeting low-quality content and keyword stuffing. These updates penalized websites that engaged in these manipulative tactics, pushing them down in search results.

So, what does Google actually want?

The answer is simple: high-quality, relevant content that satisfies user intent.

Google's primary goal is to provide the best possible search results for its users. If your content is stuffed with keywords but doesn't answer the user's question or provide valuable information, it's unlikely to rank well, no matter how many times you repeat your keyword.

Instead of focusing on keyword density percentages, modern SEO prioritizes creating content that is:

• Comprehensive: Covers the topic in detail.
• Well-written: Easy to read and understand.
• User-focused: Addresses the needs and questions of the searcher.
• Naturally optimized: Uses keywords strategically and in a way that flows naturally within the text.

In the following sections, we'll explore how to achieve this natural optimization and determine the right way to use keywords, moving beyond outdated practices like keyword stuffing.

Focus on User Intent: The Key to Modern SEO Keyword Strategy

Now that we've established what not to do, let's dive into what does work in modern SEO. The cornerstone of any successful keyword strategy is understanding and addressing user intent.

What does “user intent” actually mean? Simply put, it's the reason behind a search query. What is the user really trying to find, learn, or do when they type something into Google? Are they looking for information, comparing products, ready to make a purchase, or something else entirely?

For example, someone searching for “best running shoes” might have different intents:

• Informational Intent: They might be researching different types of running shoes for beginners.
• Comparison Intent: They might be comparing different brands or models of running shoes.
• Transactional Intent: They might be ready to buy a pair of running shoes.

Understanding the likely intent behind your target keyword is crucial for creating content that satisfies the searcher's needs – and, in turn, ranks well on Google.

To effectively target user intent, we use a few key types of keywords:

• Focus Keyword: This is the primary keyword your page is targeting. It should be a broad term that accurately describes the main topic of your content. For this blog post, our focus keyword is “how many seo keywords should i use.”
• Long-Tail Keywords: These are longer, more specific phrases that people search for. They often reflect a more defined user intent. Examples related to “best running shoes” might include:
  • “best running shoes for flat feet overpronation”
  • “best trail running shoes for muddy conditions”
  • “affordable running shoes for marathon training” Long-tail keywords are valuable because they tend to have less competition and a higher conversion rate (because the searcher is more specific in their needs).
• LSI Keywords (Latent Semantic Indexing Keywords): These are words and phrases that are related to your focus keyword and help provide context to Google. They're not necessarily synonyms, but they're terms that you'd naturally expect to find in a piece of content about that topic. For example, LSI keywords for “best running shoes” might include:
  • “marathon training”
  • “pronation”
  • “cushioning”
  • “mileage”
  • “gait analysis”
  • “road running”
  • “trail running”

Using a mix of your focus keyword, long-tail keywords, and LSI keywords helps Google understand the full scope and depth of your content. It signals that you're not just targeting a single phrase, but that you're providing comprehensive information on a topic. This, in turn, increases your chances of ranking for a wider range of relevant searches.

In the next section, we'll get into the practical steps of how to find these keywords and determine the optimal number to use.

Finding Your Optimal Number of SEO Keywords: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, how do you actually figure out how many keywords to use and which ones to choose? It's not about a fixed number or percentage, but rather a process of research, analysis, and strategic placement. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Keyword Research (Unlocking the Power of Data)

The foundation of any good SEO strategy is thorough keyword research. This is where you identify the terms people are actually searching for related to your topic. This is where tools can make a huge difference.

• Use Keyword Research Tools: Several powerful tools can help you discover relevant keywords, analyze their search volume (how many people search for them each month), and assess their competition (how difficult it is to rank for them). Some of the most popular and effective options include:

  • SEMrush: An all-in-one SEO suite that offers comprehensive keyword research features, including keyword suggestions, difficulty analysis, and competitor tracking. It's a powerful tool for serious SEO.
  • Ahrefs: Another excellent all-in-one SEO tool, similar to SEMrush, with robust keyword research capabilities. Ahrefs is particularly strong for analyzing backlinks.
  • Moz Keyword Explorer: Part of the Moz Pro suite, this tool provides detailed keyword data, including search volume, difficulty, and opportunity scores.
  • Keywords Everywhere: This is a browser extension that integrates with your search results, showing you the keyword volume, CPC and competition.

  These tools allow you to enter a seed keyword (like “running shoes”) and generate a list of related keywords, along with valuable data.

• Focus on Finding a Primary Keyword: Your primary keyword should be a relatively broad term with a decent search volume (indicating sufficient interest) and manageable competition (meaning you have a realistic chance of ranking).

• Identify Long-Tail and LSI Keywords: Use the tools to find relevant long-tail variations and LSI keywords. Look for phrases that are specific, have lower competition, and reflect different user intents.

Step 2: Analyze the Competition (Learn from the Best)

Once you have a list of potential keywords, it's time to see what's already ranking well for your target terms. This is where competitor analysis comes in.

• Examine the Top-Ranking Pages: Search for your primary keyword in Google and look at the top 10-20 results. Pay attention to:
  • Content Length: How long are the articles?
  • Content Structure: How do they use headings and subheadings?
  • Keyword Placement: Where do they use their keywords (title, headings, body, meta description)?
  • LSI Keyword Usage: What related terms do they use?
• Use Competitor Analysis Tools: Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Surfer SEO can automate much of this analysis. Surfer SEO, in particular, is excellent for analyzing on-page factors and providing recommendations for optimizing your content to compete with top-ranking pages. It analyzes over 500+ on-page signals!

Step 3: Content Length Matters (But Quality Reigns Supreme)

While there's no magic word count, longer content often allows for more natural keyword inclusion without resorting to stuffing. Generally, blog posts over 1500 words tend to perform better in search results, provided they are high-quality and provide genuine value.

Think of it this way: a longer, more comprehensive article has more opportunities to naturally incorporate relevant keywords and LSI terms, providing a more complete answer to the user's query. However, a rambling, poorly written 2000-word article will not outperform a concise, well-written 1000-word article.

Quality always trumps quantity.

Step 4: Prioritize Readability Always prioritize the readability of the text. Do not try to force keywords into sentences. Google is getting smarter, and rewards content written for readers.

Step 5: Review and Revise Review your text, and ensure you have included your focus keyword in the first 100 words.

Strategic Keyword Placement: Where to Use Your Keywords for Maximum Impact

Once you've identified your key terms, the next crucial step is to use them strategically throughout your content. This is known as on-page optimization. It's not about stuffing keywords everywhere, but about placing them in key areas where they signal relevance to both search engines and readers.

Here's a breakdown of the most important places to include your keywords:

• Title Tag: Your title tag is arguably the most important on-page element. It's the clickable headline that appears in search results. Include your focus keyword, ideally towards the beginning, while keeping it concise and compelling. Example: “How Many SEO Keywords Should I Use? The Right Number (and How to Find It)”
• Meta Description: The meta description is the short summary that appears below the title tag in search results. While it doesn't directly impact rankings, it does influence click-through rate (CTR). Include your focus keyword and related terms, and write a compelling description that entices users to click.
• Headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.): Use your focus keyword and variations in your headings and subheadings. This helps structure your content, making it easier to read and understand for both users and search engines. Your H1 should generally contain your primary keyword, while H2s and H3s can incorporate variations and LSI keywords.
• Body Content:
  • First 100 Words: Include your focus keyword naturally within the first paragraph (ideally within the first 100 words). This helps establish the topic of the page early on.
  • Throughout the Content: Use your focus keyword and LSI keywords naturally throughout the body of your text. Don't force them in; they should flow seamlessly within the sentences and paragraphs. Focus on providing valuable information and answering the user's query comprehensively.
  • Avoid Over-Optimization: Don't repeat your keyword excessively. Focus on readability and natural language.
• Image Alt Text: When you add images to your content, include relevant keywords in the “alt text” attribute. This helps search engines understand the content of the image and can also improve accessibility for visually impaired users. Don't just stuff keywords; describe the image accurately and use relevant terms.
• URL Slug: Your URL slug is the part of the URL that comes after your domain name (e.g., yourdomain.com/*your-url-slug*). Include your focus keyword in the URL slug, keeping it short and descriptive.
• Internal and External Linking:
  • Use relevant anchor text when you internally link between your content.
  • Use relevant anchor text when externally linking to relevant and quality content.

Tools to Help with On-Page Optimization (for WordPress Users):

If you're using WordPress, several plugins can help you with on-page optimization:

• Yoast SEO Premium: This popular plugin provides real-time feedback on your keyword usage, readability, and other on-page factors. It helps you optimize your title tags, meta descriptions, and content for your chosen focus keyword.
• Rank Math Pro: Another powerful SEO plugin for WordPress, similar to Yoast, with a range of features to help you optimize your content and improve your rankings.

Remember, the goal of on-page optimization is to make it clear to both search engines and users what your content is about. Strategic keyword placement is a key part of this, but it should always be done in a natural and user-friendly way.

Track Your Results and Adapt Your Strategy

SEO isn't a “set it and forget it” process. It's an ongoing effort that requires constant monitoring, analysis, and adjustment. The search landscape is constantly evolving, with Google's algorithm updates and changes in user behavior. What works today might not work tomorrow, so it's crucial to track your results and adapt your strategy accordingly.

Free Tools for Basic Tracking:

• Google Search Console: This free tool from Google provides valuable data about your website's performance in search results. You can see which keywords you're ranking for, your click-through rates (CTR), and any technical issues that might be affecting your rankings.
• Google Analytics: Another free tool from Google, Analytics provides detailed information about your website traffic, including where your visitors are coming from, how they're interacting with your content, and which pages are performing best.

Paid Tools for In-Depth Analysis (and a Competitive Edge):

While the free tools provide a good starting point, paid SEO tools offer much more in-depth analysis and features that can significantly improve your SEO efforts.

• SEMrush: Beyond keyword research, SEMrush offers robust rank tracking capabilities. You can track your keyword rankings over time, see how your competitors are performing, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ahrefs: Similar to SEMrush, Ahrefs provides detailed rank tracking, competitor analysis, and site audit features to help you identify and fix technical SEO issues.
• Moz Pro: Moz offers keyword tracking, site audits, and other tools to monitor your SEO performance and identify areas for optimization.

What to Track and How to Adjust:

• Keyword Rankings: Monitor your rankings for your target keywords. If you're not ranking well, revisit your keyword research and on-page optimization. You might need to target different keywords, improve your content, or build more backlinks.

• Keyword ranking difficulty: You may have to try ranking for easier keywords, if your website is new.

• Organic Traffic: Track the amount of traffic you're getting from organic search. If your traffic is stagnant or declining, investigate the cause and make adjustments.
• Click-Through Rate (CTR): A low CTR might indicate that your title tags and meta descriptions aren't compelling enough. Experiment with different variations to improve your CTR.
• Bounce Rate and Time on Page: These metrics indicate how engaged users are with your content. A high bounce rate or low time on page might suggest that your content isn't meeting user intent or isn't engaging enough.

SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. By consistently monitoring your performance, analyzing the data, and adapting your strategy, you can improve your rankings, drive more traffic, and achieve your online goals.

Mastering SEO Keywords: It's About Relevance, Not Numbers

So, how many SEO keywords should you use? As we've explored throughout this guide, there's no single magic number. The key to success isn't about stuffing your content with keywords, but about creating high-quality, relevant content that satisfies user intent.

It's about choosing the right keywords – a focus keyword, relevant long-tail variations, and LSI terms – and using them strategically throughout your content in a natural, user-friendly way.

Remember, keyword stuffing is a relic of the past. Modern SEO prioritizes providing valuable information to your audience and making it easy for search engines to understand what your content is about.

By following the steps outlined in this guide – conducting thorough keyword research, analyzing your competition, optimizing your on-page elements, and continuously monitoring your performance – you can significantly improve your search rankings and attract more organic traffic.

Ready to take your keyword research to the next level? Start your free trial of SEMrush today and unlock the power of data-driven SEO. Or, if you're ready for a deeper dive, explore a comprehensive SEO course like SEO That Works by Brian Dean (Backlinko) to master the art of keyword research and on-page optimization.

What's your biggest challenge with keyword research? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below! We'd love to hear from you.