ranking for targeted keywords without much on page optimization

is it possible cause i am seeing some sites doing it

[smithjohn1948]

everyone suggests that put primary keywords on page title, page url, alt/img text, anchor text, headings and site content. only then inbound links with primary keywords on anchor text will relate pages on site, only then search engine will identify primary keyword as subject of page and inbound links as votes for those pages, thus getting higher rank on serp.

but i am seeing many sites not putting keywords on all those places and yet ranking for top ten for competitive keywords.


Is it possible?

[franky123]

I think they are performing much off page activities, also have good backlinks and quality content for visitors.

[smithjohn1948]

but without on page optimization how search engines identifing subjects of those pages, and without keyword on anchor text on inbound links how search engines taking it as a vote for those keywords?

[dertyfern]

Certainly with respect to Google serps, it's likely a difficult time to understand what/isn't working right now given the current state of flux: [webmasterworld.com...]