ASM Development - taking websites beyond design

Are Americanisms Sneaking Into Scotland SEO

Every region has its own word usage and we here in Scotland are no different. When it comes to search engine optimisation and keyword research, we stick with what we know, what we are used to and the way we do things. The problem is, the internet, television and the movie industry are collectively reducing the size of the perceived world.

The end result is a language that looks very different to what out grandparents, or parents for that matter, grew up with. As a website owner, have you ever checked your keyword use for Americanisms -  American spelling and the use of American words? In this industry, the word ‘optimisation’ is one that is now being used with a ‘z’ – optimization. Color is another word that is creeping in and I notice one or two sites in the UK including the word ‘tire’ as well the traditional ‘tyre’ in the auto industry.

Like it or not, Americanisms are creeping into our language. People are using these spellings when searching for items. The question is, are you remaining a purest, or are you following the trend? The answer lies in your ‘reason for being’. If you’re a business trying to attract customers then you have to move with the times. You have to check for all alternative spellings in your keywords otherwise you will miss out on a growing chunk of business.

If your website is purely informative such as a blog and not monetized then staying with tradition won’t hurt. In fact, it may win you more visitors – those also wanting to stick with tradition.

Search engine optimisation in today’s online world has to move with the times. If you’re in business and you want to target every possible customer then you have to move with the times as well – even if that means including Americanisms in your keyword lists.