SEO without the use of relevant keywords will likely fail to make an impact. What is the point of using a keyword that isn’t being searched? Perhaps just as important is knowing where to place them. By learning how to use relevant keywords, you will see a boost in your SEO.

Where Should You Place Keywords?

The placement of your keywords is vital to SEO. Overuse, or keyword stuffing, can result in a penalty from search engines. Keyword stuffing also results in less engaging content and a higher bounce rate; a stuffed post is one that no one wants to read. However, missing keywords can result in less traffic. Knowing where to place your keywords is imperative in SEO.

Introduction

Your introduction is one of the first things your readers see. By including your keyword, not only will readers understand what the page or post is about, but search engines can pick it up. A rule of thumb is to include your keyword in the first 100-200 words.

Content

Your keyword should be included throughout your content, but only where it makes sense. Inserting the word(s) in places where it doesn’t flow or fails to make sense will be a big red flag. Write it how you would speak it; do not add the keyword at every single opportunity.

Metadata

The metadata or meta description is vital for search engines. The overuse of a keyword in this space is a common mistake. One time is usually enough but never add your keyword more than once in this area. You have a limit on characters in your meta description, so be smart with your usage.

H-tags or Headings

While you must try to avoid using your keyword in every heading, adding it to some of them will be beneficial. Headings must make sense and should be of a decent length. Keyword stuffing is possible in the h-tags, so don’t make your heading into a paragraph.

Permalinks

Your permalink is your website URL plus a slug. By adding the keyword to the slug, you can ensure that search engines can identify the topic of the page quickly. Many websites use dashes between the words of the keyword – it doesn’t have to be in the exact format that you would search.

Alt Text

The alt text of your photos is a common location that websites fail to add keywords. However, this one is so important! In the images, the alt text should identify the picture with the keyword where it makes sense. If the image is a Pinterest pin, identify it as such with the keyword. Keep in mind that adding the keyword in the alt text of a photo that doesn’t make sense can cause trouble.

Article Title

Your article title needs to include the relevant keyword. It’s often recommended to add the keyword to the beginning of the title, but you must make sure that it is sensical in its placement. With a proper title, you will have a good title length that includes the keyword.

Keyword Strategies From the Experts

The use of relevant keywords on website pages and posts is crucial to SEO. You can often find SEO experts to help you design the most excellent pages and posts with ideal keyword placement.  Adaptive Media is an expert in digital marketing and SEO. You can get help with keyword research, content generation, optimization, and beyond with our team. Give us a call today at (781) 437-3377 to get started!