If you are a small business owner trying to get ahead with your local SEO, it’s good to ask questions and explore all of your options. You never know what kind of tricks and tips you’ll be able to unearth! For example, can you use slang names for locations (e.g., the Big Apple) and is it worth your while? Read on and let’s find out…
Can you use slang names for locations in SEO?
There is no ‘hard and fast’ rule to using slang names for locations in SEO, however, you do need to be conscious of monthly search volumes.
Using ‘the Big Apple’ (which is another name for New York City) as an example, you have to ask: how many people are likely to search for this keyword on a monthly basis?
Choosing a slang name as your primary / focus keyword is generally not recommended. This is largely because most people will type the official name into Google when conducting a local search.
However, that’s not to say that you can’t use slang names for other local SEO related tasks (e.g., writing social media posts or adding synonyms / semantic keywords to a service area page).
How to implement slang names into your local SEO content?
Let’s say you are writing a service area page for your website targeting the keyword: “Pest Control Services New York City”.
The key to writing a quality service area page is to create unique, high-value content without stuffing too many of your focus keywords in.
In this case, using a slang variation can be beneficial. Rather than write ‘pest control services in New York City’ too many times, you can say: ‘pest control services in the Big Apple’ to break things up. They’re semantically similar and Google will recognise it.
Not only will Google and your audience understand the synonym, but the fact that you are not over-using your focus keyword will keep the writing flowing naturally, which is important.
Other ways occasional slang use in local SEO can benefit you
Again, it’s not advised that you solely rely slang terms for your focus service areas in exchange for the official, higher search volume keywords. However, occasionally including some slang in your content, emails, and social media engagements can:
- Make you sound more relaxed and conversational.
- Create intimacy with your local community.
- Clarify your brand voice.
- Set you apart from your competitors.
- Demonstrate a deeper local knowledge (e.g., New Yorkers tend to refer to Manhattan as “The City”).
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no rule that states you should avoid using slang names in your local SEO. However, we strongly advise that you thoroughly research your keywords and look at how often your target audience types a specific keyword into Google. If you wish to enhance your business growth, you must target keywords that receive a high enough monthly search volume.
If you are looking to take your local SEO to the next level and could do with some expert guidance, we recommend exploring this agency that offers SEO services in New York City.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this article and wish you the best of luck with dominating the SERPs and overtaking your competitors!
