Keywords and key phrases for use in ENC 4930 - Writing for the Web
Introduction
The data provided within this report simulates search-engine collected data for use in keyword optimization.
The data here are completely falsified, and were compiled via the random word generator and random sentence generator at Randomwordgenerator.com.
Key phrases were further distorted by cutting sentences in half such that odd-numbered sentences (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) were left only with their first halves, and even-numbered sentences (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) were left only with their second halves.
Random websites were generated by using the “random article” feature at Wikipedia.org, landing on a random article, and providing the first link offered by the article (e.g. references). Links have been screened for inappropriate content and functionality.
Quantifying analytic data (how many visitors, how many searches) were fabricated using the Random Integer Generator at random.org.
These searches were performed on 2 June 2022.
Note that this report is intended for digital reading, thus hyperlinks are included for navigation and reference. When necessary, to accommodate print readers, URLs are left in their entirety.
Using this Report
The simulated keywords, key phrases, and referring site data presented on the following pages can be used in a number of different ways. A few suggestions follow.
- Emphasize the Most Popular Keywords
Perhaps the most predictable SEO tactic is to emphasize the most popular keywords. For example, if most users find your site by searching for the keyword “horses,” then emphasizing “horses” should attract more users interested in that topic. - Play Up Less Popular Keywords
While emphasizing more popular keywords may contribute to site growth by capitalizing on established success, some writers will want to encourage more diversified readership by increasing frequency and attention on less popular topics. Referencing the example above, if “horses” is already popular, then increased frequency of “cows” might encourage other enthusiasts, hobbyists, etc. to visit the site. - Compile Keywords into a Coherent Narrative
An example of reading around the data, looking for patterns or common interests in referring sites and keywords can help to create a consistent persona identity (see “Amalagamate….”, below). - Refer Specifically to Referring Sites
Apps, websites, and other online entities tend to be operated by people looking specifically for mentions of their own product or brand. Acknowledging that most visitors come from twitter, facebook, etc. may encourage continued or increased engagement with that entity. - Amalgamate Referring Sites into a Persona Community
Continuing from 3, above, and referring to examples present in 1, and 2 (above), a writer may spot consistent trends in aggregated data, and deduce that readers are coming to their site for a specific experience. Repeated searches for “horses” and “cows” from websites like farm.com or livestock.com suggests agrarian interests that should be understood and accommodated. - Use the Keywords that are Easy to Use (Not Highly Recommended)
An unreliable strategy, but a manageable one – choosing keywords based on which ones are easy to incorporate into your writing is one possible strategy with modest benefits.
Analytic Data
The following mock analytic data is for use in ENC Web Writing projects, and should not be understood as meaningful beyond the confines of those assignments.
All results below are posted in order of popularity, with 1 being the most popular, and 10 being the final referrer.
Keywords
The top 10 keywords for those using report Delta are as follows:
| Keyword | Number of Referrals |
| quote | 8321 |
| silver | 7648 |
| soldier | 7250 |
| spend | 7002 |
| steam | 6914 |
| shine | 5958 |
| main | 4964 |
| crime | 2787 |
| torch | 886 |
| tradition | 123 |
Key Phrases
The top 10 key phrases for those using report Delta are as follows:
| Key Phrase | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| everyone pretends to like | 8021 |
| the smallest spark and seek their revenge | 7423 |
| I had a friend in high school named | 7356 |
| really good with empathy vs sympathy and all that, but I hate people | 7004 |
| I am counting my calories, yet | 6509 |
| always be prepared for random cats | 6156 |
| it was her first experience | 5979 |
| Red is greener than purple | 1989 |
| not best for relationships | 1384 |
| friend in baby oil | 272 |
Referring Sites
The top 10 referring sites for those using report Delta are as follows:
| Referring Site | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| http://google.com | 8684 |
| https://soundcloud.com/soundcloud-hustle/sets/drippin-best-rap-right-now | 7171 |
| https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&ID=370066000264 | 6900 |
| http://www.skmuseum.co.kr/ | 6298 |
| https://www.levante-emv.com/cultura/2013/11/07/valenciana-carmen-calvo-premio-artes-12845325.html | 6125 |
| https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/182164/brady-brammer | 3787 |
| https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/09/us/3-in-family-escape-crash.html | 2269 |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Danner_(inventor) | 1990 |
| https://books.google.com/books?id=nNl8AAAAMAAJ&q=%22Slovak+Central+Mountains%22&dq=%22Slovak+Central+Mountains%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=sHBPU4LaLMOGOPX_gfAB&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAA | 1125 |
| http://www.netmarine.net/bat/hydro/borda/ancien.htm | 23 |
Conclusion
By incorporating the search terms and phrases that are already leading people to your content, and by engaging with the sites directly referring readers to your site, you are more likely to increase overall engagement by interested readers, and thus grow your brand and increase interest in your online presence.
It is worth remembering that keyword density is no direct guarantee of success. Additionally, “gaming” search engines via black-hat SEO can be harshly punished by the major search providers.
A keyword density of approximately 1-2%, or one keyword or keyphrase per substantial paragraph, is generally considered to be correct.
Furthermore, keyword density is no substitute for lively, energetic, and thoughtful content. Keywords augment content – they are not content in and of themselves.
For further discussion of keyword inclusion, please contact this report’s author, Dr. Vytautas Malesh, by email: vmalesh@fiu.edu. You may also refer to Dr. Malesh’s website: myweb.fiu.edu/vmalesh.