How To Optimize For Same Word, Different Spelling

[Webpresence]

Hi all.

Just wondering what peoples stance is on using multiple variations of keywords on a webpage - those keywords that have the same meaning and search intent, but are just spelt differently.

i.e. 'woodscrews' and 'wood screws' (the latter has a significantly higher search volume)

You could approach the webpage in 4 different ways;

1. Use ONLY 'wood screws' on-page, and in the page <title><br />2. Use ONLY 'woodscrews' on-page, and in the page <title><br />3. Use BOTH 'wood screws' and 'woodscrews' on-page, and BOTH in the page <title><br />4. Use BOTH 'wood screws' and 'woodscrews' on-page, but ONLY one variation in the page <title></p> <p>We've run some tests in the past but there were never any clear takeaways, a mixed bag of results really.</p> <p>Also, If they are considered the same keyword by Google why are the ranking positions always different for each variation?</p> <p>I'm not sure there' a specific answer to this, just interested to hear peoples thoughts really.</p> <p>Many thanks in advance!</p> <p>Lee.</p></title>

[Webpresence]

Many thanks, Donna.

I'm seeing things completely different to you. Screwfix does use both variations on-page (METAs and content). They also rank #1 for both variations.

Strange! I am searching from the UK, but the ranking Screwfix pages should be the same regardless.

Lee

[DonnaDuncan]

You will rank for both, once your site has earned enough authority on the topic. Google appears to be interpreting the terms as synonymous. You're likely seeing variations cause they (Google) are perpetually testing.

If I search for "woodscrews" today, only one page 1 search result (Screwfix) uses "woodscrews" in their title tag and on-page content. The nine others do NOT and yet still manage to rank on page 1 for the term.

You may see different results, but my point is, it may be less of a conundrum than you think. If you want to try to rank for both variations, you're going to have to out-optimize all competitors, including the 1 (Screwfix) that does manage to rank for a different spelling of the term. Screwfix has not used the spaced version of the term (wood screws) even once on the page. When you take into consideration EGOL's points, that may be a problem for you.

Also of note, Screwfix does NOT rank on page 1 for "wood screws" (with the space). So they really have traded off one for the other.

[Webpresence]

Fair commments, Egol.. I can certainly see the logic.

The problem is that people use both variants.. so we want to rank for both!

It’s a conundrum

[EGOL]

For me, there are two issues.

A) If one of the variants is incorrect or ignorant then my visitors will see it.  This is a concern of people who run formal or academic sites. Some people might not link to me If I don't know how to spell some of the most commonly used words on my site.

B) Incorrect or ignorant usage could be a slight deduction from Google.

[Webpresence]

Many thanks, Egol.

Do you think that using both variants on page would cause any issues?

All the best.

Lee

[EGOL]

I usually go to Google.com and do a few searches.  That usually reveals what variants of the query are being used by people in their content and how Google will respond to the different variants.

In the case of "woodscrews"... Google says....

**About 3,990,000 results (0.54 seconds) **

Did you mean: wood screws

Now, I know what most vendors are using and see that Google will offer "wood screws" as the preferred variant.   So, I would write all of my content using that variant.   I usually agree with Google's preferred variant from my personal experience.  However, if their preferred variant was an incorrect usage or an ignorant usage, then I will think about how that would fit into my website.  But, since my websites are written in a formal context, I almost always go with proper, formal language.