{"id":12958,"date":"2025-05-12T16:45:34","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T16:45:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/"},"modified":"2025-05-12T16:45:34","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T16:45:34","slug":"what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Keyword Stuffing? How to Avoid Doing SEO Like It\u2019s 2005"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Back in the early 2000s, keyword stuffing actually worked.<\/p>\n<p>All you had to do was repeat the same phrases, and you could rank pretty well.<\/p>\n<p>(Readability be damned.)<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m not exaggerating here \u2014 these sites were literally littered with keywords.<\/p>\n<p>Like this one from 2005.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"The Wayback Machine \u2013 Online Casinos\" alt=\"The Wayback Machine \u2013 Online Casinos\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.80571428571429\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/thewaybackmachine-online-casinos.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Yes, this is a real site I found on The Wayback Machine.<\/p>\n<p>And yes, \u201conline casinos\u201d was used enough times to make your eyes burn.<\/p>\n<p>But that game is over.<\/p>\n<p>Today, keyword stuffing makes your content unreadable <strong>and<\/strong> unrankable.<\/p>\n<p>Google\u2019s smarter. Users are pickier. And spammy tactics? They get flagged fast.<\/p>\n<p>So, if you\u2019re still stuffing keywords, you\u2019re not just stuck in the past \u2014 you\u2019re tanking your chances of ranking.<\/p>\n<p>In this guide, you\u2019ll learn:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What keyword stuffing looks like<\/li>\n<li>How it harms your SEO and credibility<\/li>\n<li>How to use keywords naturally to boost rankings and readability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Let\u2019s start by examining how this tactic works and its rise to popularity.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#What_Is_Keyword_Stuffing\" >What Is Keyword Stuffing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#How_Keyword_Stuffing_Hurts_Your_Site\" >How Keyword Stuffing Hurts Your Site<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#Google_Penalties\" >Google Penalties<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#Poor_User_Experience\" >Poor User Experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#Damaged_Brand_Reputation\" >Damaged Brand Reputation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#Lower_Rankings\" >Lower Rankings<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#How_to_Identify_Keyword_Stuffing_on_Your_Site\" >How to Identify Keyword Stuffing on Your Site<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#Manual_Calculation\" >Manual Calculation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#Manual_Assessment\" >Manual Assessment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#WordPress_Plugins\" >WordPress Plugins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#On_Page_SEO_Checker\" >On Page SEO Checker<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#6_Keyword_Optimization_Best_Practices\" >6 Keyword Optimization Best Practices<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#1_Write_for_Humans_Not_Search_Engines\" >1. Write for Humans, Not Search Engines<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#2_Include_Keywords_in_Key_Elements\" >2. Include Keywords in Key Elements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#3_Use_Secondary_and_Semantic_Keywords\" >3. Use Secondary and Semantic Keywords<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#4_Avoid_Irrelevant_Keywords\" >4. Avoid Irrelevant Keywords<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#5_Dont_Use_Grammatically_Incorrect_Keywords\" >5. Don\u2019t Use Grammatically Incorrect Keywords<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#6_Spread_Out_Keyword_Usage\" >6. Spread Out Keyword Usage<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#How_to_Recover_from_Keyword_Stuffing_Penalties\" >How to Recover from Keyword Stuffing Penalties<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#Check_for_a_Manual_Penalty_in_Google_Search_Console\" >Check for a Manual Penalty in Google Search Console<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#Fix_the_Issues\" >Fix the Issues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#Request_a_Review\" >Request a Review<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/12\/what-is-keyword-stuffing-how-to-avoid-doing-seo-like-its-2005\/#Stop_Stuffing_Start_Optimizing\" >Stop Stuffing. Start Optimizing.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Keyword_Stuffing\"><\/span>What Is Keyword Stuffing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Keyword stuffing is the practice of overloading your content with <a title=\"10 Types of Keywords with Examples (+ How to Find Them)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/types-of-keywords\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">target keywords<\/a> in an unnatural way to manipulate search rankings.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s considered a black hat SEO tactic, meaning it goes against Google\u2019s guidelines and puts your site at risk.<\/p>\n<p>So, what does it look like?<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a keyword stuffing example straight from <a title=\"Spam Policies for Google Web Search | Google Search Central | Documentation\" href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/search\/docs\/essentials\/spam-policies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google<\/a>:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Google Search Central \u2013 Keyword Stuffing\" alt=\"Google Search Central \u2013 Keyword Stuffing\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.28666666666667\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/google-search-central-keyword-stuffing.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>No one talks like that.<\/p>\n<p>And no one wants to read it, either.<\/p>\n<p>You might think that SEO keyword stuffing only happens in blog content or sales copy.<\/p>\n<p>But it shows up in other places, too:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Headings and subheadings<\/li>\n<li>Meta titles and descriptions<\/li>\n<li>Anchor text<\/li>\n<li>Navigation menus<\/li>\n<li>Page footers<\/li>\n<li>URLs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"URLs \u2013 Keyword Stuffing\" alt=\"URLs \u2013 Keyword Stuffing\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.11\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/urls-keyword-stuffing.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Wherever it appears, the result is the same: stiff, awkward content that adds no value for the reader.<\/p>\n<p>Google also considers the following to be keyword stuffing:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lists of phone numbers with no context or purpose<\/li>\n<li>Blocks of cities or regions to manipulate <a title=\"Local SEO: The Definitive Guide\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/local-seo-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local rankings<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Like this:<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p><em>\u201cWe serve New York, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, Hoboken, Jersey City\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Then, there\u2019s invisible keyword stuffing \u2014 which is exactly what it sounds like.<\/p>\n<p>You don\u2019t see it, but search engines do.<\/p>\n<p>Some common examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>White text on a white background<\/li>\n<li>Text hidden behind an image<\/li>\n<li>Fonts set to 1px or less<\/li>\n<li>Keywords in HTML comments<\/li>\n<li>Hyperlinking just one character (like a period or dash)<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"15 Image SEO Tips for Better Image Optimization\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/image-seo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alt text<\/a> loaded with unrelated keywords<br \/>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot mt-1 backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Alt text with unrelated keywords\" alt=\"Alt text with unrelated keywords\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.64428571428571\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/alt-text-with-unrelated-keywords.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>So, how did keyword stuffing become so widespread in the first place?<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s take a quick look back.<\/p>\n<p>History of Keyword Stuffing<\/p>\n<p>Back when <a title=\"Google E-E-A-T: How to Create People-First Content (+ Free Audit)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/google-e-e-a-t\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">E-E-A-T<\/a> was just a gleam in Google\u2019s eye, keyword stuffing reigned supmreme.<\/p>\n<p>Why?<\/p>\n<p>Because early search engine algorithms relied heavily on keyword density to determine relevance.<\/p>\n<p>The more times a keyword appeared on a page, the more relevant that page seemed to search engines.<\/p>\n<p>For example, here\u2019s another site I found on the Wayback Machine \u2014 this one from 2002.<\/p>\n<p>As you can see, they used various tactics to manipulate their rankings.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"The Wayback Machine \u2013 WeightLossGuide\" alt=\"The Wayback Machine \u2013 WeightLossGuide\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.55714285714286\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/thewaybackmachine-weightlossguide.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Like blatantly adding a bunch of keywords into content blocks on their homepage.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m guessing this site sold \u201cweight loss diet pills,\u201d but I can\u2019t be sure.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"WeightLossGuide \u2013 A bunch of keywords in content\" alt=\"WeightLossGuide \u2013 A bunch of keywords in content\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.30428571428571\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/weightlossguide-a-bunch-of-keywords-in-content.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>They also loaded their product pages with back-to-back keywords.<\/p>\n<p>Like \u201cantidepressants and antiaging supplements.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>(And made a bunch of bold medical claims without citing or linking to reputable sources.)<\/p>\n<p>No E-E-A-T here, that\u2019s for sure.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Content with no E-E-A-T\" alt=\"Content with no E-E-A-T\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.77571428571429\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/content-with-no-e-e-a-t.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Thankfully, Google got smarter \u2014 and more serious about quality.<\/p>\n<p>Over time, it rolled out various updates to detect manipulative tactics.<\/p>\n<p>And rewarded content that actually helped users and met <a title=\"Search Intent and SEO: How to Optimize for User Goals\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/hub\/seo\/search-intent\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">search intent<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>This made it harder to cheat the system and easier for Google to flag spammy, keyword-packed content.<\/p>\n<p>But it hasn\u2019t stopped all site owners from engaging in this practice.<\/p>\n<p>So, if your content reads like it was written for bots, don\u2019t be surprised when Google treats it like spam.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Keyword_Stuffing_Hurts_Your_Site\"><\/span>How Keyword Stuffing Hurts Your Site<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Using keywords is important for relevance.<\/p>\n<p>But overusing them?<\/p>\n<p>It carries more risk than you might realize.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Google_Penalties\"><\/span>Google Penalties<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If Google detects keyword stuffing, it may lower your rankings or trigger a manual action.<\/p>\n<p>Even worse, you may be wiped off the SERPs completely.<\/p>\n<p>Google warns about this in its spam policies:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Google Search Central \u2013 Spam policies\" alt=\"Google Search Central \u2013 Spam policies\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.49571428571429\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/google-search-central-spam-policies.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Recovery can take months of hard work.<\/p>\n<p>And some sites never fully recover their rankings.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Poor_User_Experience\"><\/span>Poor User Experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Even if you escape Google\u2019s penalties, keyword-stuffed content creates a terrible user experience.<\/p>\n<p>Users who land on these pages typically:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Leave immediately (increasing <a title=\"Bounce Rate: What Is It and How to Improve It?\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/hub\/seo\/bounce-rate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bounce rate<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Spend less time on page<\/li>\n<li>Rarely convert<\/li>\n<li>Never return<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"GA \u2013 Average engagement time per active user\" alt=\"GA \u2013 Average engagement time per active user\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.62142857142857\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ga-average-engagement-time-per-active-user.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>These negative engagement signals harm your overall site performance, too.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Damaged_Brand_Reputation\"><\/span>Damaged Brand Reputation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Keyword-heavy content can make your site appear spammy and unprofessional.<\/p>\n<p>It signals to users that you\u2019re more concerned with manipulating search engines than providing value.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Cheap Affordable Airfare\" alt=\"Cheap Affordable Airfare\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.22285714285714\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/cheap-affordable-airfare.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>This damages trust \u2013 the foundation of any successful brand.<\/p>\n<p>Once users and search engines label your site as \u201cspammy,\u201d rebuilding that trust becomes difficult.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lower_Rankings\"><\/span>Lower Rankings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The ultimate irony of keyword stuffing?<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s likely to achieve the opposite of its intended purpose.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of boosting your rankings, it can make them plummet.<\/p>\n<p>Today\u2019s search algorithms prioritize:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Relevant, natural content<\/li>\n<li>Positive user engagement signals<\/li>\n<li>Valuable information that satisfies search intent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As <a title=\"SEO Starter Guide: The Basics | Google Search Central | Documentation\" href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/search\/docs\/fundamentals\/seo-starter-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google says<\/a>:<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/google-logo-square.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p>While there is no guarantee that any particular site will be added to Google\u2019s index, sites that follow the Search Essentials guidelines are more likely to appear in Google\u2019s search results.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/google-logo-square.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Identify_Keyword_Stuffing_on_Your_Site\"><\/span>How to Identify Keyword Stuffing on Your Site<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Not sure if your content crosses the line from optimized to overkill?<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s how to spot keyword stuffing before Google and your readers do.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Manual_Calculation\"><\/span>Manual Calculation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Old-school, but it works:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__visual-chart backlinko-image\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Keyword Density\" alt=\"Keyword Density\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.26428571428571\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/keyword-density.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<ol>\n<li>Count how many times your target keyword appears in your content<\/li>\n<li>Divide by your total word count<\/li>\n<li>Multiply by 100 to get the percentage<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-note.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p><strong>Side note:<\/strong> AI tools can help you calculate keyword density, but their results may not be entirely accurate. I tested ChatGPT against a manual calculation and found it was off by 28%. After prompting it to recheck its work, ChatGPT was able to provide the correct answer. But this process actually took longer than just calculating it myself. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-note.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>So, how do you know if your percentage is \u201cgood\u201d or \u201cbad\u201d?<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind that the ideal keyword density doesn\u2019t exist.<\/p>\n<p>As Leigh McKenzie, Backlinko\u2019s head of SEO, says:<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/leigh-mckenzie.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p>You can\u2019t fake relevance by jamming your target phrase into every heading. A natural, readable flow matters more. As a general rule, if your keyword density creeps above 2\u20133%, it\u2019s worth taking a second look.<\/p>\n<p>Use keywords intentionally. But write like you\u2019re talking to real people, not search engines. That\u2019s what both the algorithm and AI actually reward.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/leigh-mckenzie.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Manual_Assessment\"><\/span>Manual Assessment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the most effective ways to identify keyword-heavy content is to read it aloud.<\/p>\n<p>If something feels stiff, repetitive, or robotic, your readers will feel it, too.<\/p>\n<p>Ask yourself:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Would I write this way if SEO wasn\u2019t a factor?<\/li>\n<li>Does this content feel valuable and informative?<\/li>\n<li>Would real people enjoy reading this?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If the answer to any of these questions is \u201cno,\u201d it\u2019s time to revise.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WordPress_Plugins\"><\/span>WordPress Plugins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Using WordPress?<\/p>\n<p>Plugins like <a title=\"Yoast SEO Plugin\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/hub\/seo\/yoast\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Yoast SEO<\/a> and Rank Math can help flag potential keyword stuffing.<\/p>\n<p>These tools provide readability scores and keyword density calculations.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rank Math \u2013 High Keyword Density\" alt=\"Rank Math \u2013 High Keyword Density\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.59142857142857\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/rank-math-high-keyword-density.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>But keep in mind that these tools may miss subtle issues.<\/p>\n<p>And typically won\u2019t flag anything until it\u2019s really obvious.<\/p>\n<p>So, it\u2019s best to use them as a guide rather than a final verdict.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"On_Page_SEO_Checker\"><\/span>On Page SEO Checker<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Want a smarter, more in-depth look at keyword usage on your pages?<\/p>\n<p>Use Semrush\u2019s <a title=\"On Page SEO Checker\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/on-page-seo-checker\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">On Page SEO Checker<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of manually scanning your content, this tool benchmarks your keyword usage against top-ranking competitors.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s how to use it:<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-note.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p><strong>Side note:<\/strong> A free Semrush account gives you limited access to the On Page SEO Checker. Or you can use this link to access a <a title=\"Backlinko &amp; Semrush: 14-day PRO Trial\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/lp\/backlinko-offer\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">14-day trial on a Semrush Pro subscription<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-note.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Enter your domain into the tool and press \u201c<strong>Get ideas<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"On Page SEO Checker \u2013 Scrappygardeners \u2013 Get ideas\" alt=\"On Page SEO Checker \u2013 Scrappygardeners \u2013 Get ideas\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.39857142857143\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/on-page-seo-checker-scrappygardeners-get-ideas.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Next, configure your settings.<\/p>\n<p>(It\u2019ll ask you to choose your location and preferred pages to analyze.)<\/p>\n<p>When your report is ready, scroll to the \u201cTop pages to optimize\u201d section.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"On Page SEO Checker \u2013 Scrappygardeners \u2013 Top pages to optimize\" alt=\"On Page SEO Checker \u2013 Scrappygardeners \u2013 Top pages to optimize\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.50857142857143\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/on-page-seo-checker-scrappygardeners-top-pages-to-optimize.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Click the blue \u201c<strong># Ideas<\/strong>\u201d button next to any page to view detailed recommendations.<\/p>\n<p>If keyword stuffing is detected, the On Page SEO Checker will call it out.<\/p>\n<p>And show you exactly where the issue is.<\/p>\n<p>Including the body content, meta tags, or headings.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"On Page SEO Checker \u2013 Scrappygardeners \u2013 Optimization ideas\" alt=\"On Page SEO Checker \u2013 Scrappygardeners \u2013 Optimization ideas\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.91428571428571\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/on-page-seo-checker-scrappygardeners-optimization-ideas.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>If your keyword usage is clean, you\u2019ll see notes like:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo keyword stuffing detected in &lt;h1&gt; tag.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"On Page SEO Checker \u2013 Scrappygardeners \u2013 No keyword stuffing\" alt=\"On Page SEO Checker \u2013 Scrappygardeners \u2013 No keyword stuffing\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.35714285714286\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/on-page-seo-checker-scrappygardeners-no-keyword-stuffing.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>You\u2019ll also get recommendations for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Additional keywords to include<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"SERP Features: What They Are &amp; Why They Matter\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/hub\/seo\/serp-features\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SERP feature<\/a> opportunities<\/li>\n<li>Internal linking suggestions<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Keyword Cannibalization: Why Avoid It and How to Fix It\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/keyword-cannibalization\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cannibalization issues<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Backlink ideas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"On Page SEO Checker \u2013 Scrappygardeners \u2013 Backlink Ideas\" alt=\"On Page SEO Checker \u2013 Scrappygardeners \u2013 Backlink Ideas\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.42714285714286\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/on-page-seo-checker-scrappygardeners-backlink-ideas.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Use the recommendations to create higher-ranking content that search engines and readers love.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Keyword_Optimization_Best_Practices\"><\/span>6 Keyword Optimization Best Practices<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>So, how do you avoid keyword stuffing?<\/p>\n<p>And still optimize your content without sounding like a broken record?<\/p>\n<p>Here are some do\u2019s (and a few don\u2019ts) to help you strike the right balance.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Write_for_Humans_Not_Search_Engines\"><\/span>1. Write for Humans, Not Search Engines<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Keyword density isn\u2019t a <a title=\"Google\u2019s 200 Ranking Factors: The Complete List\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/google-ranking-factors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ranking factor<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>So, don\u2019t worry about hitting a specific number.<\/p>\n<p>Focus on creating <a title=\"10 Ways to Create Helpful Content + Examples and Checklist\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/helpful-content\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">helpful content<\/a> instead.<\/p>\n<p>Answer your audience\u2019s questions. Solve their problems. And satisfy their search intent.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__visual-chart backlinko-image\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"The 4 types of search intent\" alt=\"The 4 types of search intent\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.76857142857143\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/08\/the-4-types-of-search-intent.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Google calls this people-first content \u2014 content made for readers, not algorithms.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Google Search Central \u2013 Focus on people-first content\" alt=\"Google Search Central \u2013 Focus on people-first content\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.75076923076923\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/google-search-central-focus-on-people-first-content.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Yes, you should use your target keywords.<\/p>\n<p>But if you\u2019re covering the topic thoroughly, they\u2019ll appear naturally.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if you\u2019re writing about meal prep for beginners, you\u2019ll probably mention:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Easy meal prep<\/li>\n<li>Weekly food planning<\/li>\n<li>Healthy lunch ideas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>No keyword stuffing required.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bottom line:<\/strong> If your content reads well out loud and actually helps someone, you\u2019re on the right track.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p><strong>Further reading:<\/strong> <a title=\"6-Step Essential Guide to Choosing Keywords\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/hub\/seo\/choosing-keywords\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">6-Step Essential Guide to Choosing Keywords<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Include_Keywords_in_Key_Elements\"><\/span>2. Include Keywords in Key Elements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You don\u2019t need to repeat your keyword 55 times.<\/p>\n<p>But placing it in a few prominent spots helps Google (and readers) understand what your page is about:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>URL<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"H1 Tags: What Are They, Best Practices, and Examples\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/h1-tag\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">H1<\/a><\/li>\n<li>First paragraph<\/li>\n<li>Subheadings (minimally \u2014 mix it up with keyword variations)<\/li>\n<li>Title tag<\/li>\n<li>Meta description<\/li>\n<li>Alt text<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Always prioritize natural language over forced keyword insertion.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p><strong>Further reading:<\/strong> <a title=\"On-Page SEO: The Definitive Guide + FREE Template\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/on-page-seo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">On-Page SEO: The Definitive Guide + Free Template<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Use_Secondary_and_Semantic_Keywords\"><\/span>3. Use Secondary and Semantic Keywords<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Secondary and semantic keywords make your content more engaging.<\/p>\n<p>They also make it easier for Google to understand what your content is about.<\/p>\n<p>Secondary keywords are terms that are closely related to your primary keyword.<\/p>\n<p>They help your content rank for a broader range of relevant searches.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if your primary keyword is \u201cvegetarian recipes,\u201d secondary keywords would include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Vegetarian meal ideas<\/li>\n<li>Meatless recipes<\/li>\n<li>Vegetarian dinner recipes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Keyword research tools like Semrush, <a title=\"7 Best Ahrefs Alternatives (Free and Paid)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/ahrefs-alternatives\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ahrefs<\/a>, Moz, and others let you find secondary keywords.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Keyword Magic Tool \u2013 Vegetarian recipes \u2013 Keywords\" alt=\"Keyword Magic Tool \u2013 Vegetarian recipes \u2013 Keywords\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.89285714285714\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/keyword-magic-tool-vegetarian-recipes-keywords.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p><a title=\"What are LSI Keywords? And Do They Help With SEO?\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/hub\/seo\/lsi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Semantic keywords<\/a> are contextually related words and phrases that help search engines understand the meaning behind your content.<\/p>\n<p>These terms aren\u2019t direct matches or synonyms.<\/p>\n<p>For a vegetarian recipe article, semantic keywords would be \u201cveggie burgers,\u201d \u201ctofu,\u201d and \u201cvegetarian chili.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019re likely to include these terms naturally.<\/p>\n<p>But Google can also help.<\/p>\n<p>Conduct a search for your primary keyword and check \u201c<a title=\"FREE \" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/tools\/people-also-ask\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">People Also Ask<\/a>\u201d and \u201cRelated Searches\u201d for ideas.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"People also search for \u2013 Vegetarian recipes\" alt=\"People also search for \u2013 Vegetarian recipes\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.44142857142857\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/people-also-search-for-vegetarian-recipes.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Avoid_Irrelevant_Keywords\"><\/span>4. Avoid Irrelevant Keywords<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Targeting <a title=\"Irrelevant Keywords: What They Are &amp; How to Avoid Them\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/hub\/seo\/irrelevant-keywords\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">irrelevant keywords<\/a> won\u2019t trick Google.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019ll just confuse your audience \u2014 and dilute your topical authority.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if your <a title=\"25 Best Blog Niche Ideas (Data Study)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/blog-niche-ideas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">blog niche<\/a> is fitness, don\u2019t target irrelevant keywords like \u201ctop vacuum cleaners\u201d or \u201cbest mattress.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Keyword Overview \u2013 Best mattress \u2013 Overview\" alt=\"Keyword Overview \u2013 Best mattress \u2013 Overview\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.64\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/keyword-overview-best-mattress-overview.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Even if you\u2019re actually able to rank for these terms, it\u2019s unlikely to do you any good past a bump in vanity metrics.<\/p>\n<p>Aka \u2014 you might get clicks, but you won\u2019t get conversions.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, you\u2019ll send confusing signals to Google about your site\u2019s core purpose.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Dont_Use_Grammatically_Incorrect_Keywords\"><\/span>5. Don\u2019t Use Grammatically Incorrect Keywords<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>During <a title=\"Free Keyword Research Tool by Backlinko\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/tools\/keyword\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">keyword research<\/a>, you\u2019ll inevitably run into terms that are misspelled yet somehow still get thousands of searches.<\/p>\n<p>For example, \u201cmorgage calculator\u201d gets 27,100 searches per month.<\/p>\n<p>And \u201cbest morgage rates\u201d gets 14,800.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Keyword Magic Tool \u2013 Morgage \u2013 Keywords\" alt=\"Keyword Magic Tool \u2013 Morgage \u2013 Keywords\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.71428571428571\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/keyword-magic-tool-morgage-keywords.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>But using misspelled keywords isn\u2019t worth the risk.<\/p>\n<p>They make your writing less credible and can make your site look spammy.<\/p>\n<p>Search engines are smart enough to know what users actually mean when they search for \u201cmorgage\u201d instead of \u201cmortgage.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As <a title=\"The ABCs of spelling in Google Search\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.google\/products\/search\/abcs-spelling-google-search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google says<\/a>:<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/google-logo-square.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p>Our natural language understanding models look at a search in context, like the relationship that words and letters within the query have to each other. Our systems start by deciphering or trying to understand your entire search query first. From there, we generate the best replacements for the misspelled words in the query based on our overall understanding of what you\u2019re looking for. For example, we can tell from the other words in the query \u201caverage home coast\u201d that you\u2019re probably looking for information on \u201caverage home cost.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/google-logo-square.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Same goes for grammatically incorrect or just plain awkward keyword phrasing like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cRunning shoes cheap\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cHow to train dog fast\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Yes, people search like this:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Keyword Overview \u2013 Running shoes cheap \u2013 Overview\" alt=\"Keyword Overview \u2013 Running shoes cheap \u2013 Overview\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.75428571428571\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/keyword-overview-running-shoes-cheap-overview.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>But you shouldn\u2019t mirror that phrasing word-for-word.<\/p>\n<p>Or you risk lowering the readability and trustworthiness of your content.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Spread_Out_Keyword_Usage\"><\/span>6. Spread Out Keyword Usage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Don\u2019t use a bunch of keywords in a single paragraph or section.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Keyword stuffing example\" alt=\"Keyword stuffing example\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.17833333333333\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/keyword-stuffing-example.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Distribute them naturally throughout your content, from the introduction to the conclusion.<\/p>\n<p>This creates a more cohesive piece that flows naturally while still signaling relevance to search engines.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p><strong>Further reading:<\/strong> <a title=\"The FREE Keyword Difficulty Checker (+ Guide) by Backlinko\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/tools\/keyword-difficulty-checker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Free Keyword Difficulty Checker + Free Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Recover_from_Keyword_Stuffing_Penalties\"><\/span>How to Recover from Keyword Stuffing Penalties<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Worried your rankings declined from excessive keyword usage? Don\u2019t panic.<\/p>\n<p>Recovery is possible with the right approach.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Check_for_a_Manual_Penalty_in_Google_Search_Console\"><\/span>Check for a Manual Penalty in Google Search Console<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>First things first: confirm whether you\u2019ve received a manual penalty.<\/p>\n<p>Log into <a title=\"Google Search Console: The Definitive Guide\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/google-search-console\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Search Console<\/a> (GSC) and follow this path:<\/p>\n<p>\u201c<strong>Security &amp; Manual Actions<\/strong>\u201d &gt; \u201c<strong>Manual Actions<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"GSC \u2013 Security &amp; Manual Actions\" alt=\"GSC \u2013 Security &amp; Manual Actions\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.57142857142857\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/gsc-security-and-manual-actions.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>If you don\u2019t have any manual actions, you\u2019ll see this message:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"GSC \u2013 Manual actions \u2013 No issues detected\" alt=\"GSC \u2013 Manual actions \u2013 No issues detected\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.27666666666667\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/gsc-manual-action-no-issues-detected.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>If you have a manual action, you\u2019ll see a report with the number of issues detected.<\/p>\n<p>And a description of each one.<\/p>\n<p>Like unnatural links, cloaking, thin content, and \u2014 you guessed it \u2014 keyword stuffing.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"GSC \u2013 Manual actions \u2013 Issues detected\" alt=\"GSC \u2013 Manual actions \u2013 Issues detected\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1.0942857142857\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/gsc-manual-action-issues-detected.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>If you received a penalty, you\u2019ll need to address the issues and submit a reconsideration request.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fix_the_Issues\"><\/span>Fix the Issues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve identified the problem pages, it\u2019s time for cleanup.<\/p>\n<p>But this isn\u2019t just about fixing one page. It\u2019s about showing Google you\u2019ve changed your approach.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what to focus on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Rewrite keyword-stuffed content:<\/strong> Focus on clarity, depth, and user intent. Cut repetition and use natural phrasing and keyword variations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Remove hidden keywords:<\/strong> If you used any black hat tactics, such as white text on white backgrounds, keyword-stuffed alt tags, or hidden links, remove them from your site<\/li>\n<li><strong>Upgrade the content:<\/strong> Check that each page meets search intent, thoroughly covers the topic, has meaningful <a title=\"Information Gain: How Top Content Leaders Win at SEO\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/information-gain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">information gain<\/a>, and includes E-E-A-T signals. Like high-quality sources, author expertise, and expert insights.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Audit your site:<\/strong> For best results, consider following the above steps for every page on your site (if possible) \u2014 not just the ones Google flagged. This may improve your chances of getting the penalty removed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__visual-chart backlinko-image\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"What is E-E-A-T\" alt=\"What is E-E-A-T\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.69285714285714\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/what-is-e-e-a-t.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Request_a_Review\"><\/span>Request a Review<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Once your content is cleaned up, go back to Search Console and follow these steps:<\/p>\n<p>Open the \u201c<strong>Manual Actions<\/strong>\u201d section and click \u201c<strong>Request Review<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"GSC \u2013 Manual actions \u2013 Request review button\" alt=\"GSC \u2013 Manual actions \u2013 Request review button\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.23571428571429\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/gsc-manual-action-request-review-button.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Next, you\u2019ll be asked to check a box confirming you fixed all of the issues.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll also need to explain what you fixed and how you did it.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"GSC \u2013 Manual actions \u2013 Request review\" alt=\"GSC \u2013 Manual actions \u2013 Request review\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.67692307692308\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/gsc-manual-action-request-review.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Don\u2019t copy and paste generic language. Be honest, transparent, and direct in your answer.<\/p>\n<p>Explain the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What caused the issue<\/li>\n<li>The exact steps you took to fix it<\/li>\n<li>The outcome of your efforts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Expect to wait anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for a response.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll get an email with Google\u2019s decision when the review is complete.<\/p>\n<p>If your first request is denied, you can try again.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stop_Stuffing_Start_Optimizing\"><\/span>Stop Stuffing. Start Optimizing.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Google doesn\u2019t count keywords anymore.<\/p>\n<p>Why should you?<\/p>\n<p>Ranking in 2025 isn\u2019t about gaming the algorithm \u2014 it\u2019s about creating content that actually helps people.<\/p>\n<p>So, leave the keyword stuffing to 2005 and focus on what modern readers and search engines want:<\/p>\n<p>Helpful, trustworthy content.<\/p>\n<p>Ready to write content that reads and ranks well?<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p>Check out our <a title=\"10 Best Practice to Improve Your SEO Rankings\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/hub\/seo\/best-practices\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SEO best practices<\/a> guide. It\u2019s packed with proven strategies for writing high-performing content without sacrificing quality or user experience.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/keyword-stuffing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What is Keyword Stuffing? How to Avoid Doing SEO Like It\u2019s 2005<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Backlinko<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Back in the early 2000s, keyword stuffing actually worked. All you had to do was repeat the same phrases, and you could rank pretty well. (Readability be damned.) I\u2019m not exaggerating here \u2014 these sites were literally littered with keywords. Like this one from 2005. Yes, this is a real site I found on The Wayback Machine. And yes, \u201conline casinos\u201d was used enough times to make your eyes burn. But that game is over. Today, keyword stuffing makes your content unreadable and unrankable. Google\u2019s smarter. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12959,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"h5ap_radio_sources":[],"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12958","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-backlinko"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/thewaybackmachine-online-casinos-Wk9GKT-600x400.png","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/thewaybackmachine-online-casinos-Wk9GKT-600x600.png","author_info":{"display_name":false,"author_link":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/author\/craig\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12958","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12958"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12958\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12959"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12958"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12958"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12958"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}