Searchers Want "Pages From [Country]," Google Might Drop It

So Gabs spotted last week that Google was testing removing the "pages from UK" radio search button at Google UK. He was the only one I saw mention that until now, but I blogged it at Search Engine Land, because I knew it would come up again.

Today, I spotted a thread at Google Web Search Help with complaints from some searchers that Google South Africa is no longer showing the radio button "pages from South Africa" only. They are pretty upset about Google dropping this. Keep in mind, it seems to be a limited test and Google might not go this route.

Here are some screen captures from Gabs:

Google UK With the Country Specific Filter:

Google UK without the Country Specific Filter:

To make up for the lack of the radio button, Google will add a link to the bottom of the search results page that shows: "Show only results for United Kingdom."

Forum discussion at Google Web Search Help.

Like The Story? Vote For It On Yahoo Buzz! Or On Sphinn!

posted rustybrick in Google Search Engine at July 2, 2009 9:15 AM Comments (3)

Comments

First they make it harder for UK sites to compete against their US competitors, then they consider stopping us being able to search for UK sites specifically!!!

I think Google are clearly moving away from their do no evil stance.

They have already stopped restrictions on double serving and bidding on competition. Why not go the whole hog and just remove all the organic listings?

Posted by C at July 2, 2009 10:31

Hi Barry,

Specially for Google.co.uk, I found no specific difference in results when I made a country specific search or (global) web search. May be google is elliminating the global search and pushing more relevance on local orientation of a site. If that happens, then the country specific radio button will not be required anyway.

Asif Anwar.

Posted by Asif Anwar at July 2, 2009 15:39

Google pairs the geographic location of the searchers IP address with sites that are nearby automatically.

I think Google are trying to promote their Maps system and segregate things.

This reminds me of musical chairs in schools. Google is paying the music, we must dance to their tune.

Posted by Rob Abdul at July 3, 2009 05:12