SEO vs. Creative integrity

or keyword density vs. enjoyable content

[pompousjohn]

I want to write content that is easy and fun to read but at the same time it would be nice if my pages showed up on search engines.

All the supposed experts out there prescribe formulas for keyword density that to me seem like they would greatly limit my ability to write content in a way that would not conflict with my writing style, basically it would make the content "suck".

How important is it to use these keyword density formulas these days?

[FourDegreez]

I try to balance the two, sneaking in keywords where I can. It does create awkward sentences sometimes. But you might do youself a favor by not focusing on keywords so much, and instead use a lot of other words that relate to your keyword. Doing so should help you benefit from "long tail" searches, rather than trying to rank for specific, highly-competitive keywords.

I think the maximum threshhold for keyword stuffing inside of content should be, "Is it obvious to the average user that I'm stuffing keywords here?" If yes, you've definitely gone too far. I don't think you'd get organic links or referrals visitor loyalty with content like that. But if you pay no mind to keywords at all, then your pages will likely suffer in the rankings. Balance is the key!

[pompousjohn]

OK good advice, thanks.

[engine]

It's important to have a page/site that is on topic.

I've used the following method in the past as it helped me to get to grips with certain pages.

Write down all your most important keywords/keyphrases for each particular page on a piece of paper.

Then, construct your copy using your favourite wp/method. Write naturally, crossing through each of the keywords/keyphrases as you go.

Aim to use the keywords/keyphrases no more than three times in each 30 to 50 words of text for maximum density, or 75 to 100 words for a wider cross section of keywords.

By using natural language the reader will be satisfied when they arrive at your page. After all, it's the reader you need to convert into a sale/enquiry.

[pompousjohn]

I like this method and will probably try it from now on, but how would this apply to a blog type site?

Generally I sit down to write an article based on an event that occurred or a project I have undertaken and try to spin it in a humorous way.

This leaves me wondering afterwards what my topic even is, and with no clue what my keywords should be - although the content itself, which I promote through my (currently very short) opt-in email list is generally considered by my readers to have high entertainment value.

Occasionally Adsense will lock onto the content in a way that steers me in a generally good direction, but this is only about 1/3rd of the time, and even then only in very broad terms.

An entry about a panic attack aboard a flight for example might return ads about airline pilot training school.

[scyzoryk]

Generally I sit down to write an article based on an event that occurred or a project I have undertaken and try to spin it in a humorous way.

Well in this case you are not writing an article to rank highly on keywords like you suggested in your first post. Now you are saying that you are blogging on an event or scenario in your life.

So you shouldn't be concerned about keyword density in your particular endeavour: which is to write interesting blog material.

Your goal should be to think: "How do I communicate my idea effectively?", rather than: "How do I communicate my idea to focus on getting ads about panic attacks."

Since your article is not about panic attacks, but rather that particular event, I wouldn't put my bets on getting keywords catered to panic attacks, although it may happen, depending on how good the context is and how good your keyword density is.