Overoptimization Penalty: Keyword or Page Basis

Know this is probably a simple answer but I just wanted to make sure I'm looking at it right. Are overoptimization penalties done on a page or keyword basis?

If I'm trying to rank for say "hammocks for camping" do I just need to watch my usage of that particular phrase or can I also get a penalty (for the page as a whole) if I'm using and linking with 'hammocks' too much?

Basically, can you be overoptizimized for one keyword on a page and fine on others (even if that overoptimized keyword is part of your exact phrase)?

Just one bump...

Hey OP!

Yes that is correct, anything that is exact match or keyword specific can be over-optimized both on-page or off-page.

Therefore, when it comes to your on-page optimization, keep the keyword density low, I suggest around 1-2% for all keywords. You can use this free keyword density analysis tool to check out the keyword density yourself for free.

Now when it comes to off-page optimization, try to diversify as much as possible. Think outside of the box and target partial match, lsi, and other keywords that aren't exact match but are semantically related terms.

There are some great case studies as well as threads that dive deeper into anchor text variation and how to balance your backlink profile properly, do a bit of searching and you will find a goldmine of information buried here within these forums

Warm Regards,
~SDSEOGURU

It's both the keyword and the page. It's the portion of those keywords pointing at that page...
And yes - if you get an over-optimization penalty, it will be solely for that keyword - rankings for the same page for other keywords will be unaffected.

They're done for both as a few people mentioned above.

Just mention your main money keyword once in the site title (and your h1 tag) and once in the image alt-tag.

Then sprinkle keyword related anchors within your article.

After build generic and brand anchors with web 2.0s and comments (from authority sites)

Then hit it with powerful PBN links with keyword related anchors (not all in one go but around 5 a week)

This is what's been working for me like clockwork.