When you get your keyword strategy right, you increase your chances of landing that sweet top spot in the SERP, where 69.1% of clicks happen! There are various aspects of keyword strategy. One aspect that confuses people is the proper usage of keywords. They often ask, “How Many Keywords Should I Use for SEO?”
Want to know the answer? This blog will help you clear up every confusion regarding keywords and their usage. Keep reading to find out!
What SEO Keywords Are!
Words or phrases that people type into search engines are the keywords. They connect your content to user searches, helping you reach your target audience.
Types of Keywords in SEO
There are various types of keywords, and each has its role:
1. Short-tail keywords
Short-tail keywords are short search queries consisting of 1-2 words. They are broad in scope and usually have high competition. For example:
- “Coffee”
- “Travel”
- “Fitness”
2. Long-tail keywords
Long-tail keywords are more specific search phrases consisting of 3 or more words. They are comparatively longer, typically have lower competition, and work best to attract a targeted audience.
- “Affordable travel destinations in Asia”
- “Beginner fitness tips for weight loss”
- “Top mystery books for adults”
3. Primary keyword
The primary keyword defines the theme and purpose of your page or article. To make it effective, you need to place it strategically in key areas. These include meta tags, the introduction, headings (e.g., H2), and throughout the content.
Examples of primary keywords:
- “Digital marketing strategies”
- “Organic skincare products”
- “Budget-friendly meal prep ideas”
Using your primary keyword well can improve your content’s relevance and search engine ranking.
4. Secondary keywords
These keywords support the primary keyword. They are related terms that add depth and help search engines understand your topic better.
For example:
If the primary keyword is “organic vegetable gardening,” secondary keywords could include:
- “Composting for vegetables”
- “Raised bed gardening tips”
- “Pest control for organic gardens”
The right keywords put you halfway to winning the SEO game. Do solid research first, then use the keywords correctly in your content. There you go!
How Many Keywords Should I Use for SEO
Many writers, especially beginners, wonder about the “right” number of keywords. But here is the simple answer:
Stick to One Primary Keyword per Page and Add a Few Supporting Keywords.
Users typically come with one specific query and want a direct answer. Google also aims to give users the most relevant results. If you overload content with unrelated keywords, you are making it harder for users to connect with your content. So, focus on relevance to keep both your readers and search engines happy.
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How to Find Primary and Secondary Keywords
If you are thinking that there are many possible keywords to target, don’t worry! Here is how to narrow them down to the best primary and secondary keywords for your content.
Finding Primary Keywords
So start by finding the primary keyword for your content. You can do it in the following simple steps. Have a look:
Step 1: Know Your Target Audience
You need to start by understanding who you are writing for. Think about your readers’ needs, interests, and problems. Put yourself in their shoes. It will help you better understand their perspective. Your content should focus on satisfying their queries. Try to provide valuable information that keeps them engaged and returning for more.
Step 2: Get Keyword Ideas
Now, brainstorm the words or phrases your audience might type into search engines. Don’t overthink it at this stage—just focus on what would likely match your audience’s search intent.
Think about why people search for this topic. Are they looking to learn, buy, or compare? Pick keywords that match their search intent to better connect with their needs.
Step 3: Use Keyword Tools
Tools like Semrush or Ahrefs can give you popular phrases and terms. Such tools also give their search volume and competition level. Look for keywords with high search volume and low competition to improve your chances of success.
Step 4: Go for Long-Tail Keywords
Consider using longer, more specific phrases like “organic vegetable gardening tips.” Long-tail keywords often attract highly interested and targeted visitors.
Step 5: Check your Competitors
Look for the keywords competitors are targeting. This can give you ideas and help you spot any gaps they might have missed.
Finding Secondary Keywords
Once you’ve listed your primary keywords, the next step is to look for secondary keywords.
These support your main keyword and help expand your reach. Here is how to find them:
1. Brainstorm Related Terms
Think of ideas closely linked to your primary keyword. Add context by considering how people naturally search for the topic. Try the Google Auto Complete option. Use synonyms, related phrases, or alternative ways to describe it.
I just typed “can a web” into Google, and it suggested various keyword ideas. You can try different various industry-related terms to get countless ideas.
You can also look into forums, discussions, or reviews for inspiration. This process helps you create a well-rounded and relatable keyword list.
2. Use Keyword Tools
Take the words you’ve brainstormed and enter them into keyword research tools. This helps you check their relevancy. These tools can also suggest new secondary keywords and related phrases. It’s a simple way to improve your list and make it more impactful.
3. Check Competitor Content
For secondary keywords, just as with primary ones, check which terms your competitors use to expand your list of keywords.
4. Add Long-Tail Keywords
Find specific phrases that relate closely to your main topic, such as “simple vegan breakfast” (primary keyword). Then, incorporate secondary keywords like “easy vegan breakfast recipes” or “healthy plant-based breakfast ideas” to add depth and relevance to your content.
5. Use Google’s “People Also Ask”
Check Google’s “People Also Ask” section for questions related to your topic. These can quickly provide secondary keywords for your content.
No matter what method you choose for keyword research, focus on picking secondary keywords that add value to your main topic. This keeps your content clear, focused, and genuinely helpful for your audience.
Look at how many content ideas and related questions you can get from the “People Also Ask” section.
Also Read:
B2B Keyword Research-Complete Guide for 2025
Where to Put SEO Keywords
Keyword placement matters a lot when it comes to SEO. Focus on placing your keywords correctly within the content. But where should you place them? Have a look:
Primary Keywords
There are specific points in any content where placing a primary keyword is a must for better SEO!
Title
You should add the primary keyword in the title. It is the first thing search engines look at. Plus, it lets users know exactly what your page is about. Make it engaging and relevant to attract clicks.
Just look at how these pages have used the keyword “digital marketing strategies” in their title and how they appear in the search results when users search for it.
Headers (H1, H2, H3)
Place your primary keyword in your main header (H1). This helps search engines understand the central theme of your content. You can also use the primary keyword in subheaders (H2, H3) where it makes sense. This structure helps guide readers and enhances SEO.
Here’s how the keyword “digital marketing strategies” is used in H2.
First Paragraph
Try to use the primary keyword early in the first paragraph. This sends a clear signal to both search engines and readers about the focus of your content. A well-placed keyword right at the start can increase the relevance of your page and set the tone for the rest of the article.
Meta Description
Include the primary keyword in the meta description. It helps improve click-through rates when your page shows up in search results.
URL
Add your primary keyword to the URL. This provides search engines with another clear indication of what your page is about. A clean, keyword-rich URL improves SEO and makes your link more user-friendly and easier to remember.
Secondary Keywords
Just like primary keywords, secondary keywords must also be placed wisely!
Subheaders (H2, H3)
Include secondary keywords in your subheadings. This not only helps organize your content but also covers related ideas. It makes your content more understandable for both readers and search engines.
Body Text
Naturally, include secondary keywords throughout your body text. Don’t force them—just place them where they fit. This keeps your writing smooth while helping with SEO.
Image Alt Text
Add secondary keywords to your image alt text. It improves your SEO and makes your images easier to find in search results. This small step boosts both visibility and accessibility.
Internal Links
Use secondary keywords as anchor text in internal links. It improves your site’s SEO and helps readers find more of your content. This keeps your readers engaged and encourages them to explore more.
Here is how internal links are naturally added in the blog post we discussed above.
Avoiding Keyword Stuffing
One major mistake many writers make is overstuffing their content with keywords. They add them even when it doesn’t make sense. They believe more keywords will improve their SEO, but that’s not true. This practice is called keyword stuffing. It can harm your rankings instead of helping them.
It hurts SEO because Google prefers content that is:
- Useful
- Natural
- Readable
- Well-Structured
- Engaging
In a study of 50 keyword stuffing cases, Google acted on 40%. Some websites received a temporary penalty, while others were permanently suspended.
To avoid keyword stuffing:
- Use keywords naturally, where they fit in the context.
- Focus on readability and user experience over keyword density.
- Don’t repeat the same keyword excessively in close proximity.
- Use synonyms or related terms to diversify keyword usage.
- Place keywords in title tags, headings, and first paragraphs.
- Keep readers in mind while writing, not just search engines.
- Avoid overloading meta descriptions and alt text with keywords.
- Ensure the content flows smoothly and makes sense to the reader.
Our Go-To Google Tools for Keyword Research
We wanted to share our go-to tools for keyword research with you. You can create your toolkit using the suggestions below. Have a look:
1. Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is a helpful tool for finding keyword ideas. It provides insights into the search volume and competition. This helps you choose the right keywords for your strategy.
2. Google Search Console
With Google Search Console, you can track how your keywords are performing. It also shows you how much organic search traffic your website gets and which keywords drive it.
3. Google Trends
Google Trends is great for seeing how keyword popularity changes over time. It lets you compare search volumes for different keywords to help you focus on what’s currently trending.
4. Google Analytics
Google Analytics lets you track traffic that’s driven by specific keywords. It also shows how users behave on your website. These insights can help you refine your keyword strategy to match their interests.
5. Google Suggest (Autocomplete)
It’s not a tool but a method to get Google’s search suggestions. Simply type your query into the Google search bar, and it will show you a list of popular search suggestions based on common searches.
6. Google Related Searches
This feature shows related searches at the bottom of the SERP. It’s a great way to discover more keyword ideas related to your topic.
7. Google Business Profile Insights
This tool provides keyword insights based on local search data and how users interact with your business listing. It helps you understand which keywords are driving traffic to your business.
FAQs
1. How Many Meta Keywords Should I Use for SEO?
Focus on using 5-10 relevant keywords for non-Google search engines or CMS systems. Prioritize content quality over meta keywords for better SEO results.
2. How do you do keyword research for SEO?
- Know your audience: Understand their needs and search intent.
- Brainstorm: Write down key terms related to your content.
- Use Tools: Use Ahrefs and SEMrush to show search volume and competition.
- Check competitors: See what keywords they rank for.
3. How many keywords should I track for SEO?
- Track 5-10 main keywords, depending on your site size and goals.
- Include a mix of primary and long-tail keywords.
- Use those keywords that align best with your content type and target audience.
- Focus on long-tail keywords: These are more specific and less competitive.
- Analyze intent: Ensure keywords match the user’s purpose.
4. Can SEO Keywords Be Phrases?
Yes, SEO keywords can be phrases, known as long-tail keywords. These are more specific and often attract users with clear intent, like “best running shoes for flat feet.”
5. How many keywords should I use for SEO per page?
- Use one primary keyword\page.
- Add a few secondary (related) keywords.
- Place keywords naturally in key spots: title, headers, URL, and intro paragraph.
6. Is Keywords and SEO the Same Thing?
No, keywords are specific terms people search for. In contrast, SEO is the broader process of improving website visibility. Keywords are an essential part of SEO but not the only factor.
7. How many words are good for SEO?
- Write at least 1000 words per page.
- Longer content (1,500+ words) often ranks better if it’s valuable and well-organized.
- Focus on quality over quantity—answer questions thoroughly.
8. Is 500 words good for SEO?
- 500 words is the minimum for ranking, especially for more straightforward topics.
- For competitive keywords, longer, detailed content generally performs better.
- Keep content clear, helpful, and relevant regardless of length.
Conclusion
The answer to “How many keywords should I use for SEO?” is to focus on one keyword per page alongside some secondary keywords. But remember not to stuff the keywords; just use them naturally. Focus on picking keywords that genuinely match your audience’s preferences. Try using them in the title, header tags, first paragraph, and URL in a natural, non-forced manner.
Keep your content relevant, natural, and engaging for the best SEO results. If you need help with keyword research or content optimization for top-notch results, contact Brand ClickX now!
