15 min read Best Number of Keywords for SEO
When it comes to SEO (Search Engine Optimization), one of the most debated topics is the best number of keywords to target for optimal results. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the idea of choosing the right number of keywords, but the truth is, there’s no universal answer. In this post, we will dive deep into the topic of how many SEO keywords are ideal for a successful SEO strategy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced SEO professional, understanding the right keyword strategy is essential to achieving higher rankings on search engines like Google.
At Xp Freelancer, a marketplace that connects businesses with vetted freelancers, understanding how to use keywords effectively can set you apart in a crowded digital landscape. By optimizing your website with the right number of keywords, you can increase visibility, drive traffic, and improve the user experience. So, how many SEO keywords should you target to reach your SEO goals? Let’s explore.
What is SEO Keyword Optimization?
Before diving into the best number of keywords, let’s first clarify what keyword optimization means. SEO keyword optimization is the process of strategically choosing and using specific keywords on your website to rank higher on search engines for those terms. The key is to find the right balance—targeting enough keywords to cover your niche without overstuffing your content.
SEO involves researching keyword phrases relevant to your business and then embedding them strategically across your website, including in titles, meta descriptions, headings, content, and alt text for images. But while keywords are critical for SEO, how many should you use on each page of your site? Let’s discuss the different factors that determine this number.
How Many Keywords Should I Use for SEO?
The answer to how many SEO keywords you should target depends on several factors, such as your website’s size, content type, and overall SEO strategy. Some websites might only need a handful of highly targeted keywords, while others might benefit from a broader range of keywords. In general, the goal is not to focus on quantity but rather quality and relevance.
Here are a few guidelines to help you determine the best number of keywords for SEO on your website:
1. Focus on Primary and Secondary Keywords
When deciding how many keywords to use on a page, start by focusing on a primary keyword—this is the main keyword or phrase you want the page to rank for. Then, you can incorporate secondary keywords, which are related to your primary keyword but may have lower search volumes or slightly different variations. For example:
- Primary Keyword: “Best SEO practices for 2025”
- Secondary Keywords: “SEO techniques for 2025,” “SEO for beginners,” “on-page SEO strategies”
Your total keywords should revolve around the main topic, and secondary keywords should provide supporting context or variations.
2. The Optimal Keyword Density
Instead of focusing on a specific number of keywords, it’s crucial to focus on keyword density—the percentage of times a keyword appears in relation to the total word count. In general, a keyword density of about 1-2% is considered optimal for SEO. For a 1,500-word post, this would mean using a primary keyword around 15-30 times. However, don’t force the keyword in unnatural ways; it should read smoothly to your audience.
Additionally, you can incorporate your primary keyword in the first 100 words of your article to boost SEO performance. This helps search engines quickly identify what your page is about.
3. Use Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer phrases (typically 3-5 words) that are more specific and less competitive than shorter, generic keywords. These keywords are highly effective for targeting a particular audience and usually lead to higher conversion rates.
For instance, rather than focusing on the broad keyword "SEO," try using long-tail variations like:
- “Best SEO strategies for e-commerce websites”
- “How to improve SEO ranking for local businesses”
Incorporating several long-tail keywords into your content can help you rank for more specific queries and increase your chances of being discovered by users searching for niche topics. It also allows you to diversify the total keywords without overwhelming your content.
4. Consider the Search Intent Behind Keywords
It's important to understand that SEO is not just about selecting random keywords; it’s about selecting the right keywords based on search intent. Search intent refers to what a user is looking to achieve when they type a query into a search engine. There are generally four types of search intent:
- Informational: The user is looking for information (e.g., “What is SEO?”).
- Navigational: The user wants to visit a specific website (e.g., “Xp Freelancer login”).
- Transactional: The user is ready to make a purchase (e.g., “buy SEO services”).
- Commercial Investigation: The user is comparing products or services before buying (e.g., “best SEO tools for 2025”).
By incorporating keywords that match search intent, you ensure your content is aligned with what users are looking for, improving both user experience and SEO performance.
5. Balance Between Content Length and Keyword Usage
When determining how many keywords to target, it’s important to consider your content’s length. Longer content typically allows for the inclusion of more keywords. For a 1,500-word post, you can comfortably target around 5-10 primary and secondary keywords. However, a shorter post of around 500 words may require just 2-3 main keywords.
For Xp Freelancer, if you’re creating a service page for a freelancer offering SEO optimization, you might choose a primary keyword like “SEO services for small businesses” and secondary keywords like “affordable SEO services” or “local SEO services.” However, these should be naturally integrated into the text.
6. Avoid Keyword Stuffing
While it might be tempting to use as many keywords as possible to rank for different terms, keyword stuffing can harm your SEO efforts. Google’s algorithms are sophisticated enough to recognize when content is unnaturally filled with keywords, and it can lead to penalties that reduce your rankings.
Instead, focus on writing valuable, high-quality content and incorporate keywords naturally. The content should flow smoothly, and keywords should be placed where they make sense contextually. Ensure your page is helpful to users by answering their questions and providing useful information.
7. Use Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) Keywords
LSI keywords are terms that are closely related to your primary keyword but are not exact matches. Google’s algorithms understand LSI keywords and use them to better understand the context of your content. For example, if your main keyword is “best number of keywords for SEO,” some LSI keywords might include:
- “SEO keyword strategy”
- “how to select SEO keywords”
- “SEO content optimization”
Using LSI keywords in your content helps improve your rankings because it signals to search engines that your page is comprehensive and relevant to the topic.
8. Monitor and Adjust Keyword Strategy Over Time
SEO is a dynamic field, and keyword strategies need to evolve based on search trends and competition. Tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console allow you to monitor the performance of your keywords and adjust your strategy accordingly. If a particular keyword isn’t performing well, you may want to tweak your content or experiment with new keywords.
Conclusion: The Best Number of Keywords for SEO
So, how many keywords should you target for optimal SEO results? The answer varies, but as a general rule:
- Focus on 1-2 primary keywords.
- Use 5-10 secondary keywords, ensuring they’re relevant and related.
- Include 2-3 long-tail keywords for specificity.
- Keep keyword density around 1-2% to avoid keyword stuffing.
The key is balance and quality over quantity. At Xp Freelancer, we understand the importance of targeting the right number of keywords for SEO to achieve better rankings. Whether you’re optimizing your site for local search or aiming for broader reach, choosing the right keywords can have a significant impact on your website’s visibility.
Remember, SEO isn’t a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing process that requires monitoring, updating, and fine-tuning your keyword strategy over time. By focusing on the best number of keywords, you can ensure that your website is both optimized for search engines and provides value to your users.