I have a keyword that doesn't read naturally, but would with a comma, is that bad?

[jasonwdexter]

Let's say I wanted to target a website design company for "Web Design Manchester".

Now, that doesn't read well in a sentence, however I could fit it in if it was "Web Design, Manchester"

What does Google do with the comma?

Ta!

[TomRayner]

Hi Jason

Google will ignore the comma when you type it into a search term - you can check this out yourself (you might have already done so) and you should see the same results.

Matt Cutts also addresses the question in this video, looking at if Google treats the comma as a separator.

In my personal view, I'd maybe use a hyphen in my title tag "Web Design - Manchester | Brand" for example, or perhaps even "Web Design in Manchester", but you run the risk of encountering Google Local results in those SERPs.  You shouldn't have too many problems with a comma in 2013, I wouldn't think, judging from that video.

[KeriMorgret]

Actually, I believe that Google doesn't do local results for the query of web design.