Does 'a' make a difference when searching?

[JimMichael]

I've just had some keyword research completed for a client.

For example sake, it returned the following result as a keyword that is high in search volume and low in competition:

"Get car wash" (this isn't the actual keyword, just an example).

Now, in terms of on-site SEO, and in particular page titles etc, the phrase 'Get car wash' could sound like bad English.

If we were to add a into the mix, and make it 'Get a car wash', would that now not reflect the keyword the research threw up, or would it remain the same?

I am not sure if 'a' would make it a totally different keyword or if Google sees past this kind of thing.

Thanks.

[Buyseech]

To my knowledge it doesnt affect SEO. I wouldnt concern about it, if I were you.

[MikeFriedman]

Simple solution to figure this out yourself. In the Google search bar, type 'get car wash'. Then type 'get a car wash'. Check and see if the SERPs are the same. If they are different, then you know they are being treated as two different keywords.

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by MikeFriedman

Simple solution to figure this out yourself. In the Google search bar, type 'get car wash'. Then type 'get a car wash'. Check and see if the SERPs are the same. If they are different, then you know they are being treated as two different keywords.

Exactly, you can check this for yourself in Google. I think, the word "a" sometimes may make a difference (if it somehow changes the meaning of the search string, and it can in some cases), but usually, I don't think it matters too much.

[Will P]

In my opinion, Google does not give any attention to fillers...

example:
the
my
a
e
i
etc..

I use these kind of keywords all the time to rank high, even use filler key-phrases for exact match domains to gain rankings easily on EMD's that are not available. Works like a charm

[paulgl]

It makes a difference, and the difference is big.
Google tries to discern what you are searching for.

Consider the difference in these:

get drunk
get a drunk

get drunk home
get drunk at home

The best advice always is to use google instant and see
what google "thinks." Tweaking your site for instant is
actually a good practice, whether a searcher uses it or
not. It gets you into the mind of google's algo.

You'd also be surprised at the words google changes or
ignores.

Paul

[socialbullets]

Originally Posted by JimMichael

I've just had some keyword research completed for a client.

For example sake, it returned the following result as a keyword that is high in search volume and low in competition:

"Get car wash" (this isn't the actual keyword, just an example).

Now, in terms of on-site SEO, and in particular page titles etc, the phrase 'Get car wash' could sound like bad English.

If we were to add a into the mix, and make it 'Get a car wash', would that now not reflect the keyword the research threw up, or would it remain the same?

I am not sure if 'a' would make it a totally different keyword or if Google sees past this kind of thing.

Thanks.

Well i think it won't effect because i have searched this type of keywords, google gives same results like if you search for get car wash and then if you search for get a car wash. Google will gives you almost same results.

[MikeFriedman]

Originally Posted by socialbullets

Well i think it won't effect because i have searched this type of keywords, google gives same results like if you search for get car wash and then if you search for get a car wash. Google will gives you almost same results.

Almost the same results is not the same results, which means Google treats them as two different keywords.

I would think that somebody with signature links of 'SEO Company' and 'SEO Experts' would know that.

[Elion Makkink]

I don't think it matters... too complex algorithm that probably ignores the 'a' when the other website has better content...

[paulgl]

Originally Posted by MikeFriedman

Almost the same results is not the same results, which means Google treats them as two different keywords.

I would think that somebody with signature links of 'SEO Company' and 'SEO Experts' would know that.

I knew it would make a difference, but for fun I just did the search.

Putting "a" in the car wash example makes google think I'm looking
to buy a car wash. Business, that is. Which makes me think google
gets most people looking to get a car washed with another
phrase, like: where can I get my car washed? My main point was
to try and out think google's algo to have you site tweaked for
what searchers are actually typing in when you are tweaking for
your page.

Using the car wash example, which BTW, is pretty darn good right
off the top of your head, I would not want to make links with
get a car wash unless I was selling a car wash business.

It could be all about the "a" actually, and "car wash," but the "a" seems
to denote not getting a car washed, but getting a "car wash."

Okay this was a rambling post, but I have told people over and over
to check results, instant and not, and see what pops up.

Adwords users most definitely want to eliminate negative words.

Paul

[Will P]

Putting quotes on the Google search term does not give accurate search results for the given key phrase.

To actually pull the correct search results you need to quote the key-phrase and then link to the deepest search result (which will not be what google initially stated), hence the very reason they state "about XXX results".

[MikeFriedman]

Originally Posted by flipgrind

"a" is a stop word. It doesn't affect your search results.

Bull**** it doesn't.

And can you stop signature spamming? 25 posts in about 30 minutes just to get your stupid WSO seen.

[JimMichael]

Now that's an assumption to make when you haven't even tried his WSO!

*points toward the aisle that sells the chill pills*

[Domainate]

In terms of appealing to an exact phrase, Google would see them as different exact phrases so it would make a difference.

That said, do you really want to put up a "bad English" title? I wouldn't be surprised if among the Panda algorithm changes, Google looks for titles that clearly are trying to appeal to SEO vs. visitors and keeps a closer eye on those sites for possible penalization.