What is a keyword phrase? How many words in the pjrase?

[RQB]

[DarinPirkey]

Keyword is generally one word like "shoes" where a keyword phrase is generally a set of keywords that are combined to make a phrase like "buy red shoes".

I don't believe there is a set number of words that have to be in a phrase for it to be considered a phrase.  It's a general term we use to identify keywords.  Many people use the words "keyword" and "keyword phrase" interchangably as most SEOs will not target a single keyword.  They might say, "The keyword I am targeting is 'AC Repair'."  Even though this is a keyword phrase it is okay to use it either way.

[Ron_McCabe]

I think you are referring to long tailed keywords. So instead of "exterminators" you might say "Portland organic exterminators".  This more detailed phrase targets your customers while creating a phrase that people are going to actually type in.  With the hummingbird update using natural language and descriptions as well as citing places in your area if you are a local business has become increasingly important.

[ocelot]

With the recent changes to the algorithm Google has started the move toward more semantic / intelligent search.  What this ultimately means is writing for the user.  So it's still very important to include your key phrases that you have identified as part of your research phrase but in a way that is very natural and what the user would want to read to help them find their answer they were looking for when they entered it into Google.

In the past many SEO agencies etc have made the mistake of just cramming pages with keywords / phrases that might rank in Google and deliver traffic but do not deliver any conversions.

Hope this makes sense and helps