The Complete Guide to SEO Keywords: Strategy, Placement & Volume

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Chapter 1

Introduction

SEO keywords strategy guide

I still remember the early days of Noble Webworks—back when “getting found online” felt more like a game of chance than strategy. I had just finished building a site for a local roofer, and we were both excited to see the leads start rolling in. Days turned into weeks, and still—crickets. So I did what any hungry entrepreneur would do: I dove headfirst into the world of SEO. That’s when I realized the problem wasn’t the website’s design—it was the words. More specifically, the lack of intentional keywords.

Fast forward to today, and keyword strategy is at the heart of every SEO campaign we execute. Whether you're a marketer juggling content calendars, a blogger trying to grow traffic, or a small business owner wondering why your site isn't showing up on Google, the way you use SEO keywords can make or break your visibility.

And it’s not just our experience that proves it. According to a 2023 HubSpot report, 71% of marketers say that using strategic keywords is their most effective SEO tactic.

In this comprehensive guide, we're pulling back the curtain on how many SEO keywords to use, where to place them, how keyword volume impacts your results, and why modern SEO demands more than just sprinkling phrases onto a page. We’ll also touch on how to adapt your strategy for the era of AI Overviews and Zero-Click Searches, so your business can stand out even when the search results don’t drive clicks.

Chapter 2

What Are SEO Keywords, Really?

At their core, SEO keywords are the phrases and queries your audience types into search engines. They're the connective tissue between what users want and what your website offers. But not all keywords are created equal.

There are short-tail keywords (like “plumber”) that are broad and highly competitive. Then you have long-tail keywords (like “emergency plumber in Sarasota”) that are more specific and often have higher conversion intent. There are also branded, navigational, transactional, and informational keywords, each serving a unique role in guiding users down the digital funnel.

Understanding which type of keyword to use—and where—is a skill that separates high-performing websites from the ones buried on page 3.

Chapter 3

How Many Keywords Should You Use Per Page?

Let’s tackle one of the most common questions right out of the gate: How many SEO keywords should I use per page?

There’s no perfect number, but here’s the practical, results-backed answer: aim to target one primary keyword and two to three closely related secondary keywords per page. The goal is focus. You want Google—and your readers—to understand exactly what that page is about.

Trying to rank for too many keywords on a single page waters down your intent. It’s like trying to hit five bullseyes with one dart. You might get lucky once, but more often, you’ll miss them all. Instead, map each page to a specific search intent. This makes your content more aligned, more readable, and more likely to rank.

That brings us to a natural follow-up: keyword density.

Chapter 4

Is Keyword Density Still Relevant in 2025?

Once upon a time, keyword density was king. SEOs would obsess over ensuring their main keyword appeared in 3–5% of their content. But Google’s algorithms have evolved, and so has best practice.

Today, keyword relevance and context matter more than strict repetition. Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) and natural language processing enable Google to understand your page’s topic beyond just the exact phrase. This means your content should feel human and helpful—not robotic or stuffed with keywords.

So, while there’s no need to calculate exact densities, you should still include your main keyword in:

  • The page title (H1)
  • At least one subheading (H2 or H3)
  • The first 100 words
  • The meta title and description
  • The URL (if possible)
  • Image alt text (if it fits contextually)

After that, use synonyms, related terms, and natural language. Google’s goal is to serve users the best possible answer—not the most keyword-laden one.

Chapter 5

How Many Keywords Should Your Entire Website Target?

This is where the strategy zooms out. While each page should focus on a primary topic, your overall site should aim to cover an ecosystem of relevant keywords.

For small to mid-sized websites, you might start by targeting 20–100 high-value keywords across the site. This doesn’t mean you need a separate page for every single keyword. Instead, group related keywords into clusters and assign them to appropriate pages using a strategy known as keyword mapping.

Larger sites, such as e-commerce platforms or large blogs, can scale this into the hundreds or thousands. But even then, the golden rule remains: every page should have a clear keyword focus and unique value.

What you don’t want is multiple pages competing for the same keyword. That’s called keyword cannibalization, and it confuses search engines about which page to rank. Instead, consolidate similar content and clearly differentiate your topics.

Chapter 6

Can I Target Multiple Keywords on One Page?

Absolutely—but with nuance. It’s smart to include closely related keywords on a single page if they share the same search intent. For example, a blog post targeting “how to fix a leaking faucet” could also include “DIY faucet repair” and “stop faucet leak at home.”

But don’t try to mash together unrelated queries like “how to fix a leaking faucet” and “best kitchen remodeling ideas.” Different intent, different pages.

A good strategy is to identify a primary keyword, then use keyword research tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Google’s Keyword Planner to find secondary terms with similar meaning. These secondary keywords should naturally fit into your content without stretching the topic.

Chapter 7

Keyword Placement Best Practices

Search engines are smart, but they still rely on certain on-page signals to understand what your content is about. Here’s how to optimize your keyword placement:

Start with the title tag. This is the clickable headline in the search results, so it should include your main keyword—ideally near the front. Next, make sure your URL is clean and includes the keyword if it makes sense. In the meta description, weave in your keyword while crafting an enticing preview to drive clicks.

Your headings (H1–H3) should guide the reader and signal structure to search engines. Including keywords here helps reinforce relevance. In the body content, use your main and related keywords early and naturally. Don’t forget image alt text, which improves accessibility and gives Google another signal of content relevance.

Internal links to related pages using descriptive anchor text also enhance keyword strategy. Instead of linking to “click here,” use phrases like “SEO keyword mapping guide” to give Google more context.

Chapter 8

Keyword Mapping and Site Structure

Keyword mapping is the practice of assigning specific target keywords to specific pages. This is foundational to strong SEO because it ensures every page serves a unique purpose.

Start by auditing your site. List out all existing pages and the keywords they currently rank for (use tools like Google Search Console or Ahrefs). Then, identify gaps or overlaps.

Next, assign each keyword or group of related keywords to a page based on search intent. Informational keywords go to blog posts or resource pages. Transactional keywords belong on product or service pages.

Over time, this structure builds topical authority in your niche. You’ll be seen as a trusted source—not just for one topic, but an entire network of related ones.

Chapter 9

How AI Overviews and Zero-Click Searches Are Changing the Game

Google’s introduction of AI Overviews and the rise of Zero-Click Searches means that sometimes, users get their answer without ever visiting your website. It’s frustrating, yes—but not the end of organic traffic.

The key is to structure your content in a way that still delivers value in the AI summary and entices users to click for more depth.

This means creating content that’s clear, structured, and answers questions directly—but also teases more insights that require a visit. Use FAQ sections, numbered steps, and summary boxes that offer quick takeaways but point to richer insights below.

Also, optimize for rich results—like featured snippets, image packs, and People Also Ask boxes. These SERP features are increasingly how users engage with content, and well-optimized keyword usage increases your chances of landing there.

Chapter 10

Staying Ahead with Continuous Keyword Optimization

Keyword strategy isn’t a one-and-done effort. Search trends shift, algorithms update, and competitors evolve.

That’s why continuous keyword monitoring and content refreshes are essential. Tools like Google Trends and Search Console can help you spot emerging opportunities or identify underperforming content. Re-optimizing old blog posts with new keywords, updating data, and improving user experience can give your SEO a second wind.

At Noble Webworks, we revisit keyword plans quarterly and adjust based on performance data. This agile approach keeps our clients ahead of the curve—and out of the SEO graveyard.

Chapter 11

Frequently Asked Questions About SEO Keyword Strategy

How many SEO keywords should I use per page?

You should aim to focus on one primary keyword and two to three related secondary keywords per page. Prioritize clarity and user intent over keyword volume to avoid diluting your message.

Is keyword density still important for SEO?

While keyword density isn’t a hard ranking factor anymore, it’s still important to use your keywords naturally and frequently enough for search engines to understand the topic. Focus on semantic relevance and readability instead of exact percentage targets.

Can I use multiple keywords on the same page?

Yes, as long as the keywords are closely related and align with the same search intent. Trying to rank for unrelated keywords on a single page can confuse both users and search engines.

Should each page target different keywords?

Yes. Every page on your site should serve a unique purpose and target a specific keyword or keyword group. This prevents keyword cannibalization and strengthens your site’s overall SEO architecture.

How many total keywords should my website target?

There’s no universal number, but small websites typically start with 20–100 target keywords. As your site grows, so should your keyword pool. Use keyword mapping to ensure thorough coverage without overlap.

Chapter 12

The Long Game of SEO Keyword Strategy

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that successful SEO isn’t about gaming the system—it’s about understanding your audience. Keywords are your bridge to them. They reveal what people care about, what questions they’re asking, and what solutions they’re searching for.

At Noble Webworks, we approach SEO with a combination of technical precision and real-world empathy. We know that behind every keyword is a person looking for help—and our job is to make sure your content is the one they find, trust, and choose.

If you're ready to stop guessing and start growing with a solid keyword strategy, we’re here to help. From audits and mapping to content optimization and ongoing performance tracking, we’ve got your back. Let’s make your website work smarter—not just harder.

Reach out today and let’s unlock the full potential of your digital presence—one keyword at a time.

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