Is Too Much SEO Optimization Hurting My Website?

[BidNinja]

Hi everyone,

I have a different type of question. Can too much SEO actually hurt a website?
I recently reviewed my content and realized I was over optimizing everything. Exact match keywords in headings, too many internal links, bold keywords everywhere, and strict keyword density.
Now I am thinking maybe this looks unnatural to search engines. Some of my pages are not ranking even though content quality is decent.
So I am confused. Should we focus less on technical perfection and more on natural writing?
Has anyone experienced ranking drops because of over optimization?

 

[hipcat]

Write content for people, not bots.

 

[ryanfalner]

Yes, your website may suffer from over-optimisation.

The content may appear unnatural if you stuff internal links, use bold text excessively, force exact match keywords, or concentrate too much on keyword density. Helpful, user-focused content is given priority by search engines over flawlessly optimised pages.

User engagement and rankings may suffer if your writing comes across as robotic or repetitious.

The most effective strategy is:

* Write organically for readers first.

* Where appropriate, use keywords.

* Limit and keep internal links pertinent.

* Prioritise value and clarity over "SEO perfection".

Balance, not over-optimisation, is rewarded by modern SEO.