Different versions of keywords. Which one to optimize?

[hosttech_ch]

For some keywords, we have slightly different versions available.

For example: people search for 'webhosting', but also for 'web hosting'. Same for 'cloudserver' and 'cloud server'.

I used google trends to compare the keywords and find the more popular one. But in different countries, different keywords are searched more often. So we can't really optimize for the BEST version of the keyword, since there is no real BEST version.

What would you suggest to do? We could also just develop pages for both keywords, but that could end in duplicated content. Would be an option to use canonicalization then, but this would not really improve ranking for one of the versions.

I'm very confused. If anyone has a good idea on how to optimize here, please let me know.

Thank you in advance!

Best regards
Klemens

[NickW816]

I would recommend using the Google Keyword Planner or Moz's Keyword Explorer to track different search volumes for keyword phrases. I looked it up in the GKP and found the following numbers for searches in the United States:

• "web hosting" = 165,000/mo.
• "webhosting" = 40,500/mo.
• "cloud server" = 49,500/mo.
• "cloudserver" = 49,500/mo.

So they all have a pretty decent amount of traffic and are going to be fairly competitive to rank for I would imagine, however if you are simply wanting to target the keyword phrase with the most monthly searches, do "web hosting" and then whichever version of "cloud server" is grammatically correct. Hope this helps!

[Joe_Stoffel]

Hi Klemens,

Do not create individual pages for both variations of keywords, this is an old school tactic and hasn't worked well in years. You'll just be creating near duplicate content that does not provide additional value.

I'd optimize for whichever is grammatically correct. Google has come a long way and will understand that people searching for "webhosting" are also looking for the same results as those searching for "web hosting".

Search Results for "Webhosting" - https://www.screencast.com/t/AAEv5f4B6EN

Search Results for "Web hosting" - https://www.screencast.com/t/t3ztacXDCM

Hope this helps!

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Klemens,

Joe's advice is right on, and I'd recommend these Whiteboard Fridays to help you get into a powerful mindset about this topic:

https://moz.com/blog/beat-your-competitors-rankings-comprehensive-content-whiteboard-friday

https://moz.com/blog/optimizing-for-rankbrain-whiteboard-friday

Hope you enjoy those!

[hosttech_ch]

Hi Joe

Thank you for your answer. However, as you can see, the search results are not exactly the same. Still, the difference is not that huge, so I will stick with your answer

[hosttech_ch]

Dear Miriam

I will definitely check those Whiteboard Fridays. Thank you!

[fatetmpwcosl]

There are different types of keywords that have different intent. I'm working with bestcoffeemaker2021.us and I'm using buying intent keywords.