Google Gets Generic on Local Web Search Queries
The Google blog announced that Google is now showing more local results in web search for more generic queries. This is something that was noticed before the announcement but now it is officially confirmed by Google.
This means that searches for local-like keywords no longer need to have a location in the query. For example, a search on web design automatically shows me a local box in the middle of the Google web search results, without me specifically specifying web design, suffern, ny, which then shows the local box at the top of the results. Here is a picture of Google detecting that I am near the city of Monsey, in New York and it even ranks my company in the number two spot.
Google explains how they get your location:
In most cases, we match your IP address to a broad geographical location. You can also specify your likely location using the "Change location" link on the top right corner, above the map.
These searches work for a wide range of keywords, such as restaurants], [dentist], [groceries], [sporting goods], [flowers], [bank], [gym], [post office], or even [111 8th ave].
My big question is why are there so little people discussing this new change in Google in the forums? I know there are plenty of blog posts on this topic, but very few forum threads.
Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.
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rustybrick in Google Search Engine at April 8, 2009 8:28 AM
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I'm not a fan of this. Ultimately, it opens the door for this one day to be made a paid inclusion product. I'm also not a fan of alot of the word joins that were broken with code changes made by Google back in March.
Who is Google to tell the user and force local is better in all cases? California sustainability gone mad? It comes across as telling the searcher something they didn't see. Giving the searcher any information that wasn't expressly expressed sets a bad, bad precedent. It would be far better to teach searchers to add qualifing words - which they do not do nearly enough! With your web design example I have a friend that went through 10 web designers before he found the one he wanted - in Brazil!
If someone gets cancer are they looking for a local solution or the best treatment money can buy regardless of location? I'd prefer the latter if it was me.
Worse, what if I'm a online only business like Market Motive? Should a user be directed towards a local solution with high fixed real estate costs that would likely cost more? I'd say no.
Google built it's reputation (and market share) on pointing users to the highest quality content. The Google local business data simply does not do that with the same relevancy that traditional SERP does and they should roll back this change. If they don't they are creating an awesome opportunity for market share shift if another search engine could actually execute on it.
Posted by David Dalka at April 8, 2009 09:18