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Definition of the term, "keyword density"

keyword density

Keyword density refers to how often a keyphrase appears on a single web page relative to the amount of overall content. This is a ranking factor used by major search engines to "score" web pages.

Due to the proliferation of spam (particularly, keyword spamming), search engines use keyword density analysis as a method of spam detection. While a page with a low keyword density won't rank well (due to lack of relevance), a page with too high a keyword density may trigger a minor penalty and subsequently won't rank well. It is for this reason that a balance of natural copy and search engine optimisation must be maintained.

Related terms and definitions

• algorithm
• best industry practice
• body text
• ethical SEO
• hidden text
• keyword (aka keyphrase)
• keyword placement
• keyword research
• keyword spamming

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