Keyword Placement: How to Use Keywords in a Blog Post?

Do you know that many websites miss the chance to rank high on Google due to incorrect keyword optimization?

You might think that simply finding the right keywords and placing them anywhere in the article is enough to achieve a high ranking on Google.

But does it actually work?

The truth is, if you don’t place keywords correctly throughout your content, search engines may not index your page for the target keyword. This can cause you to miss out on high rankings and significant traffic to your website.

So, how do you correctly place keywords in a blog post?

Read the keyword optimization guide below to learn about the proper use of keywords in a blog post.

3 Types of Keywords You Should Use in a Blog Post

You might think that the primary keyword is the only one needed in a blog post, but there are actually three types of keywords to consider.

After Google's latest update, Hummingbird, Google started penalizing keyword stuffing. Google now focuses on user intent rather than just keywords. Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO explains this shift in detail.

Although keywords are still important for SEO, overusing them without purpose is counterproductive. Thus, using other types of keywords is crucial.

Here are the three types of keywords you should include in your blog post:

1. Primary Keyword

The primary keyword, also known as the target keyword, is a specific word or phrase highly searched by users. It is the focus of your article and is essential for ranking high on search engine results.

Example: For an article titled “How to use keywords in a blog post,” the primary keyword would be “keyword optimization.”

2. Secondary Keywords

Secondary keywords, also known as LSI keywords, are closely related terms or variations of the primary keyword. They support the primary keyword and add more context, helping to satisfy user search intent better.

Example: For an article on “How to use keywords in a blog post,” secondary keywords might include “keyword density,” or “SEO keyword placement.”

3. Additional Keywords

Additional keywords are terms or phrases that are different from the primary keyword but mean the same thing. They prevent keyword stuffing by offering variations of the primary keyword.

Example: For the topic “How to use keywords in a blog post,” additional keywords could be “keyword usage” or “effective keyword placement.”

Keyword Placement Guide

Now that you understand the types of keywords to use, let’s discuss keyword optimization placement.

1. Title Tag

A title tag is an HTML element that describes the topic of a webpage to searchers and search engines. It appears in search engine results and at the top of the browser window or tabs.

[Image source — Havoc Digital]

The title tag is the most noticeable part of the search engine listing and directly impacts click-through rates (CTR) and search engine rankings.

To optimize the title tag:

• Keep it between 65–70 characters to prevent it from getting cut off in search results.

• Place the target keyword towards the beginning to capture attention and reduce the risk of truncation.

2. Header Tags

Header tags (h1-h6) are used for headlines in the article. They are typically larger and bolder, dividing content into sections for easier navigation by readers and search engines.

Google pays close attention to headlines to understand the content of the article. Optimizing headlines is essential for high rankings.

As shown below:

• H1 headers describe the title of the post.

• H2 headers describe subsections under the H1 header.

• H3 headers describe subsections under H2 headers, and so on.
  

(Image source - HubSpot)

To optimize headlines:

• Use the primary keyword at the beginning of the H1 header (the title of the blog post).

• Include the primary keyword in at least one or two H2 headers.

• Naturally, incorporate secondary and additional keywords in H2-H6 headers.

3. Body of the Article

Using the target keyword in the body of the article is crucial for high rankings. However, Google can detect keyword stuffing, so use the target keyword naturally.

Incorporate the focus keyword:

• In the first 50–75 words of the introduction paragraph.

• In the last 50–100 words of the closing paragraph.

For secondary and additional keywords, use them naturally throughout the article. They help avoid keyword stuffing and add context, enhancing user satisfaction.

4. Image Alt Text

Image alt text, also known as “alt attribute” or “alt tag,” describes an image when it fails to load. It helps screen readers and search engines understand image content, adding SEO value.

[Image source- WP Beginner]

To optimize image alt text:

• Keep it under 125 characters.

• Use the target keyword naturally, or use semantic keywords.

• Include the target keyword in at least one image that best represents the blog topic, but not all images.

• Avoid adding alt text to images described nearby or used decoratively.

5. Meta Description

The meta description appears below the title and URL in search results. It acts like an advertisement to attract users to your website.

[Image source — WP GUY NEWS]

Though it doesn’t directly affect SEO, it’s crucial for click-through rates.

To optimize the meta description:

• Keep it between 120–150 characters.

• Place the target keyword towards the beginning.

• Include secondary keywords if they fit naturally.

6. URL/Slug

A URL or slug is the web address of a page that helps users and search engines understand the blog post content. It’s visible while browsing the page and in search results.

[Image Source-Tricky enough]

To optimize the URL:

• Keep it between 50–60 characters.

• Include the target keyword, ideally towards the beginning or somewhere in the middle.

How Many Keywords to Use in a Blog Post?

There’s no fixed number for keyword usage; it varies with post length. Consider:

• Keyword density to estimate how often to use the target keyword.

• Key places Google focuses on in your blog.
  

For example, if keyword density is 1% and the post is 1000 words long, use the primary keyword about 10 times. Place it where Google pays the most attention first, then use the remaining keywords naturally.

For secondary and additional keywords, use them as naturally as possible. Avoid using them if they don’t make sense.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, correct keyword optimization is crucial for high search engine rankings. Failing to place keywords effectively can lower your chances of appearing in search results.

So, next time you consider adding keywords to your article for SEO, remember that improper placement can have the opposite effect.

Use this keyword optimization checklist as your guide. I hope you found this article helpful. Thank you!