Ideal number of Anchor text keyword variations

[RightDirection]

Let's suppose that I want to rank for the keyword "hotels". If I put this keyword in ALL of the link anchor texts then Google will very likely penalize the site. My question is: How many keyword variations should I use in anchors (provided I want to rank for just one KW i.e. "hotels")? Would one keyword variation be okay and is it fine to use main keyword in 80% anchors and the keyword variation(s) in just 20% anchor texts, such as : hotels 80% cheap hotels 20% Note: I do not want to rank for "cheap hotels", just want to use it as an anchor variation of my desired keyword "hotels". Thanks!

[RightDirection]

thanks.

[HiveDigitalInc]

NP

[RightDirection]

"The easiest thing to do is look at the top 10 in your space. Determine the average percent of exact match anchor text, then make it your goal to match that percentage."

Thanks for suggesting this awesome tactic!

[HiveDigitalInc]

This number varies widely based on keyword and industry. In template industries like people who sell wordpress templates or joomla templates, you can safely get 80 and 90% exact match anchor text. In other spaces, you need to keep it less than 10 or 15%.

The easiest thing to do is look at the top 10 in your space. Determine the average percent of exact match anchor text, then make it your goal to match that percentage. More importantly, get your Overall link metrics above your competitors, so while your percentages are in line, you have more in both quantity and quality than your competitors, but all within safe proportions.