Keyword Stuffing

What Is Keyword Stuffing?

Keyword stuffing is when you add too many keywords to your content in an unnatural way to rank higher on Google.

The keywords typically appear clustered and are clearly added to the content in order to manipulate Google’s algorithm.

Does keyword stuffing work today?

Short answer – No.

Google’s algorithm is smart enough to detect excessive use of keywords on a page. The truth is that your rankings are much more likely to be demoted for keyword stuffing than increase.

During the early 2000s, keyword stuffing was a common practice that did work. Back then, Google used a simpler algorithm to determine rankings.

That’s not the case anymore…

Google’s algorithm is far more intelligent. Today, Google evaluates content quality and relevance in a much more advanced way.

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Why Is Keyword Stuffing Bad?

Keyword stuffing is bad because it results in a bad user experience.

It’s also a black hat SEO technique designed to manipulate Google’s algorithm.

A search engine’s primary goal is to connect users with content that answers their search query.

Google also wants to make sure that the information is reliable and helpful.

That’s why keyword stuffing is bad…

You’re not adding any value for the user. The goal is purely to manipulate the search engine so that the page ranks higher in the organic search results.

It’s worth mentioning that Google takes keyword stuffing seriously and considers it spam.

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What Is An Example Of Keyword Stuffing?

Here’s a clear example of keyword stuffing:

“Looking for plumbers in London? Our London plumbers are the best plumbers in London. Our emergency London plumbers provide 24/7 London plumbing services whenever you need assistance. Contact our London plumbers today for all your London plumbing needs.”

See the problem?

The words “London” and “plumbers” appear way too many times in such a small amount of text.

It’s clear that they were stuffed in to increase the keyword density.

This is a pretty obvious example, but you’d be surprised what people try to do to rank higher.

Keyword stuffing comes in different forms.

Here are some other examples-

  • Hidden text filled with keywords
  • Lists of locations with no context
  • Repeating phrases in different combinations
  • Adding keywords in random places
  • Using keywords that don’t fit the content

The thing to keep in mind is this:

Whenever you add unnatural words to a web page to Google – You’re keyword stuffing.

Simple as that!

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How To Avoid Keyword Stuffing

Follow these 5 tips to avoid keyword stuffing:

1. Write For Users First

Your main goal should be solving user problems and answering their queries.

You’ll naturally avoid keyword stuffing when you write with users in mind.

Start by addressing the search intent of the user’s search query and include key points at the beginning of the page.

what is search intent

Then, cover the topic comprehensively and consider what information your site visitors need.

Don’t forget to include your own unique experience in the content to provide extra value your readers won’t find anywhere else.

2. Keep Your Keyword Density Under 1%

A good rule of thumb is to use your target keyword only once every 100 words.

This ensures that you never exceed a keyword density limit that can be considered keyword stuffing.

Use free SEO tools like Rank Math to highlight the number of times you’ve used a keyword in your content.

rankmath
It’s the easiest way to keep your keyword density under 1%.

3. Add Keyword Variations

Mix up the types of keywords you use in your content. Use LSI keywords, synonyms and keyword variations in place of your main target keyword.

How Not To Use LSI Keywords

Let me explain:

If your target keyword is “healthy recipes“, you can add the following instead-

  • “Nutritious meals”
  • “Healthy meal ideas”
  • “Balanced diet recipes”
  • “Clean eating dishes”
  • “Low-calorie recipes”
  • “Easy meal prep”
  • “Plant-based meals”

This makes your content sound more natural and as a bonus…

It can even help you rank for more keywords!

4. Use NLP Optimisation Tools

Google’s algorithm uses natural language processing (NLP) models to understand your content.

google natural language processing

What does that really mean?

Google’s algorithm analyses the context, intent, and semantics of all the words in your content.

This allows them to deliver more relevant search results to users.

Tools like Surfer SEO and Frase analyse the top-ranking pages for your target keyword and show the related terms you should include in the content.

That means you don’t have to guess which words and phrases need to be in your content to make Google happy.

And because they show you the right balance, you’ll never have any issues with keyword stuffing.

5. Follow On-Page SEO Best Practices

Use keywords strategically in your content by placing them in important areas of the page like-

And more! Google looks at these specific parts of your page to understand the content. The key is to optimise these elements naturally.

on page seo checklist

Don’t force keywords where they don’t belong.

Check out my complete on page SEO checklist to see exactly what you need to optimise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, keyword stuffing does not work. Google's algorithms easily detect keyword stuffing, which will lower your rankings in the SERPs and penalise your website in the worst cases. It's not worth the risk.
No, keyword stuffing is not illegal. It violates Google's search essential guidelines and is considered a spammy black hat SEO tactic. Google can penalise or remove your website from search results, but you are unlikely to face any legal consequences.
Using a keyword more than 2 times for every hundred words is considered keyword stuffing. That means for a 1000-word article, using your target keyword more than 20 times means you're stuffing keywords. We recommend having a keyword density of about 1% max.

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