Blow away the smoke and look in the Mirror folks. I was very interested to see an article named “Organic Conversions Match Paid Search Conversions” especially since I recently published some data on Organic V Paid Search. Is it heresy? Is it Link Bait? Let's look closer.

Ok, I ran into a discussion of a ‘keyword density tool’ that got me thinking. I think the whole area of keyword density is over-done to an extent. Yeah, I am always ranting about something being over valued, but this is a little different. It’s not the KWD that is over-valued, it’s the tools that may be. I can appreciate that you read about what optimal density you should have, but really, is that necessary?

Sure, you want to ensure a good density and prominence (H1,bold and italic tags) in your page, but it also has to serve the purpose of converting visitors. If it’s a saleable product, forum sign up or newsletter subscription, every site has a conversion measurement. Writing ‘technically’ correct content can often lose sght of the ultimate goal, conversions.
I would say to get a feel for what a well optimized page (high ranking) does with it’s density. Want to use that tool? Is it to analyze the competition for any ryme or reason.

In the end, look at not only ‘optimizing’ for search engines but for humans as well. After all, they’re the ones we’re here for isn’t it?