The Problem With Trying To Rank For Keywords

SP. Keywords are really the heart of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). It is through the use of keywords that search engines determine what subject your web-page or web-site is relevant with respect to. Obviously, some keywords naturally draw more traffic than others, so if a web-page ranks well for any given high-traffic keyword, then the owner of that web-page will undoubtedly reap the benefits thereof. But there are certain dangers inherent to the putting of too much focus on keywords as opposed to writing naturally.

SERP Ranking. If a page ranks well for any give high-traffic keyword, obviously, the owner of that web-page will see a percentage of the overall local organic search traffic relative to it's actual placement on the first page. Naturally, the closer to the first spot it is sitting, the larger portion of the traffic it will receive. That is why SERP ranking for high traffic keywords is so important. Many webmasters optimize their sites and web-pages so as to achieve the best SERP or Search Engine Results Page possible, thus maximizing their organic traffic. Unfortunately, this can, in many cases lead to a keyword stuffed site or page that does not read naturally. Additionally, focusing too much on any particular keyword leaves your site open for a SERP slap or as some refer to it as the "Google slap".

SMACK. The SERP slap is a seriously painful process. It can come from many different things. For link exchangers, it can come from the loss of a keyword-based, contextually relevant text link that has been pointing to your site but has been removed causing your site's SERP ranking to be recalculated. If you are an avid link builder and you perhaps use various link building services, your SERP may get hammered if a search algorithm detects a pattern and determines it to be manipulation. This can be done via algorithm or via manual review. Either way, the result is the same...a sudden decrease in your search engine results page ranking. So how can this be avoided?

Writing Style And Long Tail Keywords. To avoid the dreaded Google slap or the SERP slap as I refer to it, limit your keyword research and focus on writing link bait instead. Focus on writing for people as opposed to simply creating keyword stuffed search-engine-spider food. This type of writing style will beget countless long-tail keywords naturally inserted into your text that will read in a way that draws your readers in and potentially turns them into loyal readers.

The Bottom Line. Search engines measure more than just the number of times a keyword appears in your content. They also measure visitor metrics. Your SERP ranking is determined by a large variety of factors. How readers perceive your content goes a long way to determine both your initial SERP position and how long it maintains it. Focus on researching and writing for readers and you will reap the rewards of great content. Check out the author's section below for more great tips.

If you are a blogger, learn how to increase blog readership as well as the dangers of getting Google bombed by your competitors at TheBitBot Organic SEO, SMO & SEM Blog.