Why only 2-3 keywords per page?

Why is it recommended to use only 2-3 keywords per page.

[zahirb]

Hi,

Ive seen around the web forums here and elsewhere that its recommended to have only 2-3 keywords per page.

My question is why?

Wouldnt it be better to have a keyword phrase, maybe 8-9 times.

In addition to this, would this mean 2-3 keywords within the content, within the title and within the meta details?

At the moment i rank number 5 for some key terms and not for others. And even those where i rank number 5, i still get barely any traffic.

Thanks in advance.

Zee

[Marketing Guy]

They mean *targeting* no more than 2-3 keywords per page, not having mention of the keyword on page only 2-3 times.

[kevinpate]

yes, think of it this way if it helps.
Tis easier to optimise separate pages on:
red widgets
green widgets
smooth widgets
funkadelic widgets
than trying to optimise one page for all of the above

[zahirb]

Thanks marketing guy and Kevin...

I can see how it will be easier for seperate pages.

So basically the simpler the better? I would have thought though, that more keywords say 6-10 would have better results as there is more chance of a SE picking u up.

Cheers Guys

[Marcia]

Too many on one page dilutes the focus.

[zahirb]

Thanks Marcia