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Does 'a' make a difference when searching?

by JimMichael
13 replies
  • SEO
    • |
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.
#difference #make #searching
  • Profile picture of the author Buyseech
    To my knowledge it doesnt affect SEO. I wouldnt concern about it, if I were you.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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    • Profile picture of the author Trevor
      Originally Posted by MikeFriedman View Post

      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.
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      • Profile picture of the author 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
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        If you were disappointed in your results today, lower your standards tomorrow.

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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author socialbullets
    Originally Posted by JimMichael View Post

    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.
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    • Profile picture of the author MikeFriedman
      Originally Posted by socialbullets View Post

      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.
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      • Profile picture of the author paulgl
        Originally Posted by MikeFriedman View Post

        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
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  • Profile picture of the author Elion Makkink
    I don't think it matters... too complex algorithm that probably ignores the 'a' when the other website has better content...
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  • Profile picture of the author flipgrind
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author MikeFriedman
      Originally Posted by flipgrind View Post

      "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.
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      • Profile picture of the author 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*
        Signature

        .

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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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