State abbreviations vs full name

So I am looking to do some area specific websites (ie...local businesses, local topic related).

In m keywords, should I be using the full state/city name or the abbreviations or does it matter? Like: tires for hyundai in phoenix arizona or: tires for hyundai in phx az ?

Is there preference?

 

I would assume using the full names would be better because Google often automatically detects common acronyms and abbreviations as full names.

It'd be better for SEO and possibly more recognizable.

 

It'd be safer to just use the full names. Google does pick up a lot of abbreviations but your best bet is full names.

 

Full names would be the safer bet as they are more universally accepted and known.

 

i suggest seo too. it is better for them to recognize

not very sure how google works thou.

 

Full names are probably better but build in anchors within the site for abbreviations to the full name pages.

ie Trust your first thought and include them but concentrate on full names.

 

If it were my project I would spell out the cities and abbreviate the states.

 

I'd do both, you don't have to pay more or anything, just do both and split test them. See which one does better.

 

Thank you for all the replies.

Sounds like google would turn AZ to arizona and put it in it's index as Arizona, not AZ.

is this right?

 

Use full names better for SEO