The rules of search engine optimization and key words seem like a never ending cycle of evolution. There are a few strategies for applying an even balance of relevant content and keyword density. For starters, following ingredients are required for search engine friendly web copy:

100 percent original content Well-researched – accurate information A non-overused key word to propel search engine rankings A relevant key word density ratio of three to four percent per 500 words

The ingredients appear rather simple to come by for writers and individuals who have a knack for communicating gripping information, online. Unfortunately, a prevalent mistake amongst webmasters or search engine optimization experts are in compilation of plagiarized web copy or replicated content. Another common blunder is use of inappropriate key words. (These rules do not apply when a web site offers a directory of articles authored by divergent writers).

Usually owner or designer of website is person designated to drive traffic to site. The chief ingredient in generating traffic is search engine. Of coarse, you can use advertising, but it's going to cost you. Using search engines to generate targeted (interested in your product) traffic is least expensive method known.

Unfortunately, many website owners do not understand importance of search engine visibility, which leads to traffic. They place more importance on producing a "pretty" website. Not that this is bad, but it is really secondary to search engine placement. Hopefully, following list of common mistakes, made by many website owners, will help you generate more targeted traffic to your site...after all, isn't that what you want.

1. Not using keywords effectively. This is probably one of most critical area of site design. Choose right keywords and potential customers will find your site. Use wrong ones and your site will see little, if any, traffic.

2. Repeating same keywords. When you use same keywords over and over again (called keyword stacking) search engines may downgrade (or skip) page or site.

3. Robbing pages from other websites. How many times have you heard or read that "this is Internet and it's ok" to steal icons and text from websites to use on your site. Don't do it. Its one thing to learn from others who have been there and another to outright copy their work. The search engines are very smart and usually detect page duplication. They may even prevent you from ever being listed by them.