As an SEO expert, I often get asked about the ideal number of keywords to target. The truth is, there's no magic number, but I'll help you understand exactly how to approach keyword usage in 2024.

For most pages, you should focus on one primary keyword and 2-3 closely related secondary keywords. This approach helps maintain topical focus while covering semantic variations that search engines understand as related concepts.

Let's break down the recommended keyword distribution:

• 1 primary keyword (your main target)
• 2-3 secondary keywords (closely related terms)
• 3-5 tertiary keywords (supporting terms)

I recommend using your primary keyword in these key places:

• First 100 words of content
• At least one subheading
• Meta title
• Meta description
• URL (if possible)

However, it's crucial to understand that modern SEO isn't about keyword density or hitting specific numbers. Search engines now use advanced algorithms to understand context and user intent, making natural language usage more important than stuffing content with keywords.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Forcing keywords where they don't fit naturally
• Using the same keyword repeatedly (keyword stuffing)
• Targeting too many unrelated keywords
• Ignoring user intent to focus on keyword count

The best approach is to write naturally while keeping your target keywords in mind. Focus on creating valuable content that answers user questions comprehensively. A well-written 1,500-word article might naturally include your primary keyword 3-4 times and secondary keywords 1-2 times each.

Remember: Quality over quantity is the golden rule. If you're writing naturally about a topic, relevant keywords will appear organically. Your primary goal should be creating content that serves user intent, not hitting specific keyword counts.

For local SEO, include location-based keywords where relevant, but again, only where they fit naturally into the content. This might add 2-3 location-specific terms to your overall keyword mix.

My final recommendation: Rather than obsessing over keyword numbers, focus on creating comprehensive content that naturally incorporates relevant terms while thoroughly addressing your audience's needs. This approach will serve both search engines and users better in the long run.

By following these guidelines, you'll maintain a healthy balance between optimization and readability, which is exactly what modern SEO demands.

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