What is keyword stuffing?
Keyword stuffing is a term in search engine optimisation (SEO) that describes the excessive use of keywords with the aim of achieving better rankings in search engines. This can occur in website text, alt text, and more.
Below are a few examples of where keyword stuffing typically appears.
Examples of keyword stuffing:
- Overuse of keywords in category text
- Overuse of keywords in product descriptions
- Overuse of keywords in alt text
- Overuse of keywords in title tags and meta descriptions
- Overuse of keywords in headings
Why is keyword stuffing bad for SEO?
Excessive use of keywords — i.e. keyword stuffing — used to work in search engine optimisation many years ago. Back then, it was easier to manipulate search engines into believing that including important keywords in unnatural quantities equalled high relevance, which was rewarded with better rankings.
As search engines have evolved and continuously improved, keyword stuffing is no longer a practice that is rewarded — quite the opposite. Keyword stuffing can have a negative impact on your search engine rankings.
The goal is to write content for the user, while also being search engine optimised and helping search engines understand what each individual page is about and what it should rank for.
How do you avoid keyword stuffing?
When writing your content, remember that it needs to serve both users and search engines.
It is therefore important that your text reads naturally, provides real value to the reader, and at the same time includes relevant keywords so that search engines can understand and reward your website.
Avoiding keyword stuffing is largely a matter of striking the right balance.
Below is an example of a text about cheap lamps — first keyword stuffed, then written naturally:
Keyword stuffed:
Here on the page with cheap lamps, you can see our large selection of cheap lamps. If you want to buy a cheap lamp, you can buy your cheap lamp here — whatever your wishes for your new cheap lamp. Take a look at our cheap lamps below.
Not keyword stuffed:
Here on the page, you can see our large selection of cheap lamps. If you are looking for a new lamp, you will find a model to suit your taste here — whatever your wishes and needs. So take a look at our wide variety of cheap lamps below!
The difference is fairly clear, and you probably have no doubt about which one you would prefer to read? The same applies to search engines.
Are you unsure about your SEO strategy?
Fill in the form below, or call us on 30 12 42 72 to get help optimising your content without keyword stuffing!
