Much like meaning of life, best keyword density percentage is a hotly debated topic. Theories and opinions ranged from 1.5 to as high as 20 percent. We recently ran a test with a page that only had a keyword phrase on it, thus representing a 100% keyword density. The only search engine that reacted was Yahoo, which listed it at number 1 for 25 days before dropping it. Notwithstanding this test, simple fact is that nobody really knows optimal density, except for programmers at search engines. Rumor has it that programmers are permanently hidden in secret labs in Himalayas, so there isn’t much hope of getting any information from them.

Our experience is keyword density really doesn’t matter if you have flowing text on page. The point of your site is to sell, so write copy that accomplishes that goal. Once you have completed copy, modify it to make sure important keywords appear at least once in first paragraph. Do not force keywords into sentences; just make sure they appear at least once. We have clients with number 1 rankings on Google, Yahoo and MSN that have keyword densities ranging from .5 to 18.5 percent. Yes, these rankings are on keywords with lots of competition and traffic.

In Closing

In my opinion, meta tags and keyword density are mystified far too much. They are important factors, but content on your pages is far more so. Be judicious with your content, pursue a targeted linking campaign and rankings will follow.

Details can be found at: http://trading-web-solutions.com/keywords/

eBay themselves have a smaller less powerful version that lists top 10 keywords in each category. With just 10 words you are less likely to find words relevant to your item. It's still worth a look though - You can find eBay pulse at: http://pulse.ebay.co.uk

However a word of warning about your title. NEVER KEYWORD SPAM - This is listing irrelevant keywords in hope of your item being found. It's used most often with vehicles, if you've used eBay to search for vehicles before surely you must have saw an item titled such as following

"SEAT LEON CUPRA - NOT CRX, MR2, AUDI, TURBO OR LOTUS"

See in this example how seller would be using popular keywords to draw visitors to their auction. It's a clever tactic but if someone reports you to eBay your auction will be removed and you may be issued with a warning, or even have your account closed.

Finally, if 70% of buyers use search function, what about remaining 30%. We can assume that majority of them browse though categories on eBay. Did you know for a small fee of £9.95 (eBay.co.uk) you can feature your item so it's at top of section. If your items of high value, them featuring it is strongly recommended. This way you should gain high coverage however your bidders search.

Mark Kenny is an eBay seller & online entrepreneur who highly recommends the Keyword-Pro. Full details are at: http://trading-web-solutions.com/keywords/