Optimizing each page: does it affect other pages?

[lawboy]

I read somewhere that each page should be optimized as if it were the most importnat page. So, if I optimize page 4, let's say; will that have any negative consequences of optimization of home page? (especially if keywords in meta tags are different on the pages)

[Web Footed Newbie]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld, lawboy!

Think of each page as a stand alone entity. Optimize every page, have 1 or 2 links TO sites that have good Google PageRank, and get as many inbound links to each page.

Hope that helps! WFN :)

[martinibuster]

I read somewhere that each page should be optimized as if it were the most important page.

Hmmm... Yes and no.

Google does not view pages as unconnected islands in an archipelago. Perhaps even more so for Ask Jeeves.

If you are optimizing each page without regard to how it looks as a "community of pages," you may end up with a website that, to a search engine, looks like Mr. Potato Head: mismatched eyes, ears, hair...

Of course you are indeed going to optimize each page to the best, but it's important to keep in mind the supporting role it plays within the entire structure of the site.

[Robert Charlton]

Not exactly what you're asking about, but maybe what you should be asking about...

Look at theme pyramids and pyramid structure. The most general (and competitive terms) should come closer to your index page (the apex of the pyramid), where you'll have the highest PageRank. More specific terms are deeper and broader, where not as much PageRank is needed for them to rank.

Search Engine Theme Pyramids and Google:
[webmasterworld.com...]

also...
Search Engine Theme Pyramids
[searchengineworld.com...]

Much more can be said to answer your question, but this should get you started.