Keyword prominence - does it matter?

Or are you better tospread the keywords throughout the page?

[netnerd]

Traditionally, the idea of keeping keywords towards the start of the page has worked well for me, with practically none of them after the 50% mark on the page wrt links, alts and body text.

I have a feeling this is no longer the case and that google now favours a more even spread of the keyword through the page.

Anyone else think this?

[netnerd]

Come on - someone must have a view on this!

[vincevincevince]

i think the reason for a lack of a reponse is...

"
Traditionally, the idea of [Search Engine Optimisation] has worked well for me....

I have a feeling this is no longer the case and that google now favours [a random number generator, possibly reverting to the PigeonRank(TM) model].
"

[netnerd]

I dont know what you mean? Do you think my question is stupid?

[John_Creed]

Your question is ligitimate. (Vince was just making fun of Google. And rightly so.)

Keeping your keywords at the start of the page still works well. Having keywords also in your title tags works even better.

But yes, its great to have them spread out and all over the page. Your best bet is just trying to do it in a natural way and not forcing any of the keywords in.

[deejay]

I think what vincevincevince (that's really finger-disorienting to type by the way) is trying to say is that perhaps people are too uncertain about what Google is liking right now to comment. :)

Large parts of our population seem to have lost their heads over Dominic lately.

Personally I haven't tested your theory to be able to comment. I certainly aim to have keywords prominent at the start of the page, but also spread throughout the page. Although when I think about it, I probably have relatively less density at the bottom of the page as I usually code my menus and miscellaneous stuff towards the bottom.

Wouldn't really like to make a call on it... sorry.

[Macguru]

Hi netnerd,

I have not noticed any significant change in text proeminence latly. Most of the recent "slides" I noticed could be explained by off page factors.