Keywords in URLs - How Important?

I have set up a quick and simple test at

http://www.theseofiles.co.uk/test/ajax/ajax-test-1.html

on the end of my AJAX / SEO test.

This test aims to determine the importance and effect of having the keyword in the URL.
I have created two similar pages both linked to by non relevant terms at the end of a paragraph in close proximity so as to reduce any impact of link proximity and keyword factors.

If the page with the keyword in the URL ranks higher this is an indication that it is a factor in ranking.

It is my opinion / prediction that the URL with the keyword will rank higher. As this is a non competetive non sensical search term on page factors will have a much higher importance than more competetive keywords. This should exaggerate any effect that the keyword in the URL has.

Very Important.

Define "Very Important".

1. A website cannot survive without keyword in url - it will never rank

2. A good idea on a brand new domain but if the domain is already established with non-keyword urls it is a bad idea to change - since "link and page history" are also important and negating these in favor of the new improved url is -- well -- maintaining the status quo [you don't get anything for your efforts.]

1 - 1 = 0

3. It so very important no one should consider any impact -- "JUST DO IT" and damn the consequences.

What exactly do you mean?

In my opinion keywords in the URL is an added advantage, but not a serious ranking factor.

To be more specific I personally think in low and sometime semi competitions keywords in the URL can be a factor, but for a high competition it is not going to play an important role.

These are my personal opinion, may be I am wrong.

Keyword in url is very less impact it may be possible if you target very less competitive keywords then your website may be rank but if you target high competitive keywords then it is totally depends your seo approach. How do you do you on page and off page optimization? If you do mix-up both in good tone then your website will be good rank

how can you make it clear?

Just a minor factor in non competitive areas as others said, nothing like "very important"......If such is the case, i dont think for all the keywords, we will be seeing any other #1 search result other than the website having Keywords in domains (KID).....

Thats not the case i am afraid....

Every factor in SEO is very important mate. Nothing can be minor or a major factor in the field of SEO.... I Consider all the aspects of SEO are very important and each one has got its own importance

IMO, URLs with kws has a small advantage but I don't think that it can outrank your competitors sites w/o their kws in URL.

Its not all about what you consider as important or not, this is a general fact and there's no hiding from it. how many sites do you own or will be owning in the future? I would love to know the domain name for those websites and if they do not have their main keyword in that, i'll be surprised.

Move on and see all around yourself, websites easily outrank those competitor websites consisting of KID's. If it were so big a major factor, how come that is possible.

Its just a minor factor and will remain a minor factor in areas having minimal competition, certainly not a thing for me to ponder over and obviously not a thing which gives me shivers seeing my competitor having keywords in domain names....

Thats what i think about it....

You are right each has own significant role we know that keywords in domain very less effect in ranking and doesn’t give us professional touch in corporate sector what do you think about micro soft, yahoo and any brand may be I am wrong but as I feel keywords in URL is ethically wrong so post it....

Whats wrong ethically with KID's?

Aesthetically wrong means it not looks like a branding

Understood ! Love your passion on what you post.