How to Use Word Frequency Analysis for SEO

Updated September 2025

Word frequency analysis helps you understand which terms you emphasize in your content and whether those terms align with the search intent you’re targeting. In this guide, you’ll learn a practical workflow to use word frequency and keyword density to improve relevance without drifting into keyword stuffing.

1) Start with intent, not keywords

Before analyzing frequency, clarify the reader’s task. Are they researching, comparing, or ready to take action? Write a draft that fully answers that task. Frequency analysis is a revision tool, not a writing crutch.

2) Run an initial analysis

Paste your draft into the tool and click Analyze. Note your top terms, total word count, and the presence of branded or location modifiers if relevant. Don’t fixate on the exact percentages yet; we’re looking for big signals.

3) Calibrate density

As a rule of thumb, primary terms often settle around 1–2.5% density in well‑written articles. If you find a term above 3–4%, read the paragraphs where it repeats and replace a few instances with synonyms or rephrase sentences to reduce repetition.

4) Expand the vocabulary with related terms

Search engines understand topics, not just exact keywords. Add semantically related terms and entities. For a page about “meal prep,” include words like “batch cooking,” “portioning,” “containers,” “weekly plan,” and “shopping list.” This improves topical coverage and readability.

5) Optimize structure

Use headings to segment topics. Place the primary term in the H1 and in at least one H2 naturally. Include the term in the introduction and conclusion while keeping the tone human.

6) Revise and re‑analyze

After edits, run the analyzer again. You should see a more balanced distribution: fewer spikes on one word, more variety among supporting terms, and a healthy type–token ratio (unique words ÷ total words).

7) Publish with on‑page hygiene

• Compelling title tag (55–60 chars) and meta description (140–160 chars).
• Descriptive alt text for images.
• Internal links to related pages or tools (like our Word Frequency Counter).

Example

A 1,200‑word guide on “meal prep” used the phrase 22 times (1.83%). We trimmed a few repeats and added synonyms. Final density: 1.5%. TTR rose from 0.58 to 0.64, improving readability.

Takeaways

• Write naturally; use frequency as a diagnostic, not a quota.
• Balance the primary term with related vocabulary.
• Iterate: analyze → revise → analyze.

Try it now with the Word Frequency Counter and see what your draft reveals.