Keyword stuffing is considered a disruptive SEO (Search Engine Optimization) technique that consists of inserting or loading a webpage with keywords to manipulate the page’s ranking on Google’s search result pages. It typically includes either a list of phone numbers that a site wants to rank for, locations where they want to rank, or a huge number of keywords. This method goes against Google’s Webmaster Guidelines and can lead to a website being penalized or banned from search results.
Search engines use a variety of algorithms to determine relevant search results for a specific query. One of the factors they consider is keyword density, or the frequency at which a specific keyword is used. However, when a webpage features an excessive number of the same keyword (keyword stuffing), search engines may penalize the site by lowering its rankings and thereby reducing its visibility.
The heydays of keyword stuffing were in the late ’90s and early 2000s, where search engine algorithms were less sophisticated. Back then, repetitively loading a webpage with keywords was often enough to get a top ranking. But the search engines improved their algorithms and can now identify and penalize keyword stuffing.
According to Google’s Webmaster Guidelines, they discourage the practice of keyword stuffing: “Filling pages with keywords or numbers results in a negative user experience, and can harm your site’s ranking.” They even look out for techniques like listing cities in a way that’s irrelevant to the content, using keywords that are irrelevant to the topic, or repeating the same words or phrases so often that it sounds unnatural.
To illustrate an example of keyword stuffing, let’s say you own a bakery. An example of keyword stuffing on your website might look something like this: “We sell bread. Our bread is the best bread. You won’t find a better bread than our bread. If you’re thinking of bread, think of our bakery’s bread.”
Instead of keyword stuffing, a more prudent strategy would be to use keywords strategically and in context. It’s better to focus on creating meaningful content that readers will find useful and that naturally incorporates keywords. That way, the website has a better chance of attracting and keeping its audience, and of achieving a higher search engine ranking.
Sources used in constructing this answer include:
1. Google Webmaster Guidelines – https://developers.google.com/search/docs/beginner/seo-starter-guide
2. Moz SEO Learning Center – https://moz.com/learn/seo/keyword-frequency
3. Search Engine Journal – Keyword Stuffing guide https://www.searchenginejournal.com/seo-101/seo-keyword-stuffing/
It’s essential to remember that keyword stuffing not only affects a website’s SEO negatively but can also lead to a poor user experience. Hence, it’s recommended to use natural language that incorporates keywords thoughtfully and judiciously.
