Does a part of a keyword also count?

[Partouter]

Hey Mozzers!

I just received a question from a copywriter: How does Google see part of keywords?

E.g. When a page is optimized for "Pain", does the word "Painkiller" also have influence then, because "Pain" is a part of it? The question is about how he should use keywords for the right density.

Love to read some answers from you guys, thanks!

[AnthonyMangia]

Google certainly recognizes that the phrases are related, but they most likely distinguish these semantically.  You'd probably want to work in phrases like "Pain Management" or "Pain Relief" to optimize for the keyword "Pain".

Moreover, though, you shouldn't really be paying attention to keyword density when you're creating your content.  In fact, you really shouldn't be thinking very much about Google at all when you're creating your content.  The very best content is written for people.  Think of your readers.  Think of what they would find most interesting/engaging/helpful.  Appeal to your readers and write like Google doesn't even exist, and you'll find that you've created the type of content that gets links on its own, and gets shared socially without having to "fake it".