The Anatomy of an Article
Attaining top search engine rankings using keywords

If you'd like to achieve top search ranking it's imperative to understand the role of the keyword and how it effects your rankings. It's also important to note that overuse of your keyword can be just as damaging as under use. Let's face it, showing up on page 18 of the search results is a waste of time.

With this in mind, how many times should you use your keyword when you develop your article?

Before I answer it, it's important to understand that we're all shooting at moving targets. About 10 of them to be specific (Yahoo, Google, Lycos, Excite, etc.) each of which who uses a slightly different ranking criteria ...that changes periodically.

By not even trying. What? Well, instead of trying to trick the search engine...why not just feed it wants...quality content, clearly displayed and easily identified through the proper use of keywords.

How often should you use they keyword? Well, since there can be no hard fast rule, a good rule of thumb that has served this author well is as follows:

Here's a sample article that would attain top search engine rankings for the "primary" keyword "credit card company". As you can see the keyphrase is strategically placed throughout the article. It appears once in the title, twice in theng paragraph and once in each subsequent paragraph.

If you take the time to incorporate relevant "secondary" keywords into your article you will attract additional visitors to your site who search using slight variations of your keywords. In the example above, the primary keyword phrase is "Credit Card Company". Relevant secondary keywords may include:

Incorporating secondary keywords into your article does take more work, however if done properly you could cover 3 or 4 keyword phrases with one article.

June 4, 2001

By Arlene Martell

Website: http://www.1st-choice-credit-cards.com

Shopping for a good credit card company

Shopping for a good credit card company can be a bit confusing. There are so many offers out there it is difficult to choose. Do you choose one online, at the bank, through the firm you work for or where? Do you accept the Visa, Discover or Capital One application that arrived in your mailbox? Which credit card company should you choose?

When choosing a credit card company it is important to know how you are going to use your credit card. If you pay your balance off monthly, get a low annual fee. If you carry a balance, it is best to get a low APR. If you are a student or just reestablishing your credit, there are special secured credit cards, which may be more suited to your needs.

Don�t be discouraged� with a little self education you can get the credit card that best meets your needs. Don�t get pressured into the �apply now before a certain date�, as there are more offers than you can imagine and it is important to know what the interests of the credit card company are.

Lastly, read the fine print to establish the credit card company annual percentage rate, late fees, annual fees, grace period and other fees that will affect your payments.

About The Author:

Arlene Martell is a successful author and the publisher of http://www.1st-choice-credit-cards.com. Your one-stop resource for credit reports, credit cards and online banking services.

On the topic of headlines, keep in mind, each article should be written editorial style and should include an attention getting headline! I recommend visiting a number of newspaper's websites to study how there headlines are written.

Don't rush this. It's not a race. Quality is everything. The headline is the bases of your story and it must capture the attention of the audience in just a few words. No headline. No story or readers for that matter. The headline is everything!!!

If you're looking to attain top search engine rankings, your articles should read between 150 and 300 words salt and peppered with one keyword and sprinkled with secondary keywords. Don't dilute your topic. The keyphrase should be located in the title, twice in the first paragraph and preferably once in each paragraph throughout the body of the article.

When it's completed, take the time to do a spell and grammar check, then submit your article to us and we will automatically add the meta-tags and search engine behind the scenes programming needed to attain a top search engine ranking and your done. Simple.