Long anchor text vs short anchor text

Trying to get SERPs for multiple keywords included in the one anchor text

[Rick42]

I've been using an anchor text link for one of my websites, for which I use "blue widgets and white widgets" as my main anchor text. I've noticed that I can easily get some results for that keyword, but I cannot find my site nowhere for simply "blue widgets" or "white widgets" . My plan was to target several keywords with one anchor text link, knowing that it probably meant a little more work, but in the end, I would save some time.

I understand that the longer the keyword, usually the easier it is to rank it. But I should nevertheless be getting some results for the keywords within the anchor text - but so far, I'm completely off the map. So, now I am wondering if I should be focusing on "blue widgets" and "white widgets" individually ..?

Is any of you aware of how Google might approach these types of "multiple keyword" anchor texts?

If some of you can pitch in your thoughts, that would be appreciated.

[treeline]

Probably the combined phrase "blue widgets and white widgets" is either uncommon or nobody else is optimizing for that exact combination, so you own it.

"blue widgets" and/or "white widgets" is more common and others are optimizing for it most likely. If so, you're problem is you're being outcompeted.

I see cases where one company owns the top spots for 'red widgets' but can't even place for 'red widget'.

I'd try optimizing for each seperately, probably set up a page dedicated to each, and get some incoming link text for each specifically to that page.

Plus, study the competition. Click on links 1-5, look over what they're doing and review their backlinks. Therein lies the answer.

[Rick42]

ok...will do. Thanks :-)