'key word' SEO question

[MeridianGroup]

Does having '   ' around your keyword/phrase within the content on your website have an effect on SEO for that keyword? 
For example, in the copy of my site, we reference 'buy local' instead of buy local. I am trying to optimize for buy local and I am wondering if the apostrophes are getting in the way?

Thank you so much! -Sam

[94501]

Other than be odd for the user, it wouldn't do anything positive for search.

[TranslateMediaLtd]

Nor would it do anything negative. Searches for 'buy local' and buy local appear to return the same results...in my location anyway.

[AlanMosley]

no but bold does, all be it not much

Bold not using css, but overdoing this will look spammy to SE's as well as users