Using synonyms when creating a site?

Hello BHW,

I'm new to SEO and I'm working on ranking my first site, and I want to know if it's okay to use synonyms when trying to rank for a keyword, and how that affects your rank.

Example: my site is (not actually my site) is jobswith.com, when I'm trying to go after the keyword 'jobs for'. When I write content for the site, I'd be using the keywords 'jobs for ex-marines', and the link would be jobswith.com/ex-marines.

With & For are synonyms, but I don't know if google would still give me points, or rank me higher because of this. Also, in the post I know the keyword density should be around %2, but is that only for my main keyword? Can I also have a %2 keyword density for a second keyword I'm trying to rank (colleges with, colleges for), how does this benefit/penalize me. I have a couple more questions and if anyone could PM me and tell me they are up to help answer some of my beginner-type questions it would be much appreciated

Thanks, Jake

Let's say for example you are writing about skimmed milk. To make search engines know that your page is about skimmed milk (your main keyword), you should keep the density between 1 to 2. Of course you are going to use related keywords like, yogurt, cheese, whole milk, cream, and others. Those will only emphasize to the search engines that your page is very related to the topic. Remember one thing: Search engine bots can't read what you have written (to analyse your masterful work). So it becomes very important to mention you primary keyword multiple times, but don't overoptimize it. Keep it between 1 to 2.

I agree with fastaccess. Proof read what you've written to make sure it reads well and your keyword doesn't pop up so many times that it throws your whole content off.