How Many Keywords Are Enough?

Proponents of keyword density formulas will quickly spout out a percentage: 4%, 6%, 12%. If you do a search in Google for any key phrase (say [cast iron frying pan], for example), you will immediately see why keyword density formulas do not add up. Either version - cast iron or cast-iron - bring the same listings on the search engine results pages (SERPs).
Please note: I was looking at the source code for each page so as to include mentions in tags as well as on the page.

Cast Iron Frying Pan
Your results may be different than what I see, as everybody does not view results from the same database. But, when I type in [cast iron frying pan] (no brackets, of course), the first site that comes up is http://whatscookingamerica.net/Information/CastIronPans.htm. Total word count: about 1,611. Keyword density for [cast iron frying pan]: 0%. Keyword density for [cast iron]: 3%. Keyword density for [frying pan]: < 1%.

Next up, Ask Yahoo: http://ask.yahoo.com/20000419.html. Total word count: about 622. Keyword density for [cast iron frying pan]: < 1%. Keyword density for [cast iron]: < 1%. Keyword density for [frying pan]: < 1%.

In the #3 position is Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Logic-Pre-Seasoned-Cast-Iron-Skillet/dp/B00063RWUM. Total word count: about 2,405. Keyword density for [cast iron frying pan]: < 1%. Keyword density for [cast iron]: < 1%. Keyword density for [frying pan]: < 1%.

Mexico Cruise Vacation
Here is another example: [Mexico cruise vacation]. At #1 we see Cruise Web, http://www.cruiseweb.com/MEXICO.HTM. Total word count: about 488. Keyword density for [Mexico cruise vacation]: < 1%. Keyword density for [Mexico cruise]: < 1%. Keyword density for [cruise vacation]: < 1%.

eCruises.com is up next with their page found at http://www.ecruises.com/. Total word count: about 238. Keyword density for [Mexico cruise vacation]: < 1%. Keyword density for [Mexico cruise]: < 1%. Keyword density for [cruise vacation]: 0%.

It goes on and on. Yes, you do find some sites that have really high keyword densities, but it is not a given that attaining a certain across-the-board keyword density will guarantee you good success. In fact, from what we have seen, keyword density has not been a valid measure of SEO copywriting success in years. I believe it once was, but Google and other engines quickly plugged the loophole.

To be continued..