Google and Geographic Targeted SERPs

[surreypcsupport]

I heard a rumour recently that Google were beginning to change their search results depending on the geographic location of the person searching.

This Christmas I ran a test to find out if this part of the algorithm has been implemented yet.

On 23rd I ran some SERPs tests for a handful of keywords from my machine in Surrey and recorded the positions.

On 25th I ran the same tests from the Somerset/Devon border and compared the results.

While there were small differences in position for some key phrases the differences were minimal. Say two positions for a key phrase ranked down on page 7 or something. On the whole the positions were the same. The greatest difference I saw was 5 positions for a page 3 key phrase.

I came to the following conclusion. Google may be beginning to implement geographic targeting into their algorithm but if they have they have only done so in a very small way to far.

Currently, us optimising for local business still need to continue targeting locality related keywords.

[temi]

I don't think this is as recent as you think, they have been incorporating this for quite some time now.
In my experience, I notice this more when you search for a local business or services, first they serve website from their local search database and then the national search results.

[MES]

Hi Surrey,

Thanks for your info. At least we can be aware with this changing. But I think you can run test again in next month to get better result

[surreypcsupport]

I will keep an eye on it and repeat the tests the next time I take a trip away from Surrey.