#1 with grade F page optimization

[Onlinq]

For a specific keyword we rank #1 in Google. Nevertheless, I got a Grade F on SEOMoz regarding page optimization. All comments were certainly true.

On another keyword (keyword 2) we got a grade A, on this keyword we rank #3.

Strange enough I did linkbuilding on keyword 2 to the page regarding this keyword. I did not do linkbuilding for the first keyword.

How can this be explained? Both keywords have average competition.

[Highland]

Did SEOMOZ pick the right keyword for your page? I've had SEOMOZ tell me a page was a F after picking the wrong keyword. Once I picked the right keyword the same page got an A.

[sprynewmedia]

"Domain authority 82"

There's your answer right there - that's a fantastic link.  One to cultivate and track.  Hopefully you can be a resource to the domain again sometime.  Perhaps the topic can be updated year by year etc.

[Onlinq]

The page with keyword 1, which ranks 1 in Google for this keyword, has an incoming link from a domain with Domain authority 82. And has just a few other incoming links.

The page with keyword 2, ranks #3, has much more incoming links but with lower Domain and Page authoroties.

Regarding internal links: Both pages are direct links from the main menu and no other incoming internal links.

[sprynewmedia]

How do the back link profiles compare?  One really good link for keyword 1 could be enough to propel it to the top.  Alternatively, perhaps it gets better treatment by your internal link structure.

Another thought: competition is usually a measure of how many pages are returned for a search but it doesn't get into how well optimized those pages are for a given term.  It also doesn't measure the authority and trust of the domains.  It could be the competition for the first keyword is low value domains and unoptimized pages.