Comments on: Local Triggering Customized Google Results Without Signing In?

By: MG

MG — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 13:39:47 +0000

wow.. thanks for this discovery! i will observe if there is a similar function for google germany

By: Miriam Ellis’ HyperLocal Blogging Tips: A Home Run!

Miriam Ellis’ HyperLocal Blogging Tips: A Home Run! — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:23:40 +0000

[...] There aren’t many seo blogs that cover original material or break new ground, but I must say that Miriam certainly has done so here! In addition, she’s recently discovered a new element of G’s universal search – local personalization. Not only that, but these personalized results are location independent! [...]

By: Miriam Ellis’ HyperLocal Blogging Tips: A Home Run! | SEO ROI Services. Search Marketing Expo Speaker. Email Us.

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:02:23 +0000

By: admin

admin — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:34:56 +0000

Greetings, David!

Thank you for taking a look at the SERPs from your corner of the world. Would you be able to tell me what results you ARE seeing for the ‘hyperlocal blog’ search, if you have a moment. I’m not quite sure from your response whether you’re seeing different results, or simply aren’t seeing the notice of ‘customization’ on the right side of the page.

I really appreciate your willingness to take a look.

Thanks!
Miriam

By: admin

admin — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:33:18 +0000

Hi Stever,

You said:
“The personalization may be taking in their search history factors but your IP could still be triggering something else as its not truly local anymore.”

I agree…you’re probably right about this, and I wondered how it would actually affect the SERPs. While it did seem to get my away from my own customized results, I really don’t know what Google would make of my location at that point.

I complained very loudly about personalized search when it was first being discussed (was that about 2 years ago, now?) but, like you, the changes do seem somewhat minimal…more benign than I originally feared.

Thanks for taking the time to comment! It’s nice to see you here.
Miriam

By: David Cox

David Cox — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 11:03:34 +0000

I tried the search here on the east coast and do not see this result. I am not outside of a metro area and could not trigger it. My IP would only show as being here in CT

By: Stever

Stever — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:04:39 +0000

I to greeted personalized search with much skepticism and some displeasure. Has potential to throw a wrench in optimization. And leaving it up to Google to determine relevance beyond my actual keyword usage sounds like a crappy idea.

The little I’ve noticed so far about personalization and location is minor in its effects on SERPs. Rankings may change by a few positions it seems, so not a huge change. That’s just what I think I notice, no real testing.

Your usage of a clients Goog account on other coast may not produce the results you might expect. The personalization may be taking in their search history factors but your IP could still be triggering something else as its not truly local anymore. ???