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Google Featuring Location-based Search

Internet Marketing

Josh started this discussion 14 years 1 month ago

Google Puts the Emphasis on Location in Search:
http://mashable.com/2010/10/18/google-location-search/

The big change, announced earlier today on Google Blog’s, is that Google (Google) has moved the user location setting to the left-hand panel of the search engine results page. This feature automatically detects your current location and tailors search results based on that. For example, searches for “pizza” or “gyms” will provide local business results near your location, which tend to be a lot more relevant than a Wikipedia (Wikipedia) article on everybody’s favorite cheesy snack.

Google's announcement:
http://googlepublicpolicy.blogspot.com/2010/10/more-transparency-and-control-over.html

Location-based functionality is the future of the Internet, especially with mobile devices like tablets (e.g., iPads) and smartphones...

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balibali

14 years

I had website ranking well for a high search term where it was showing in the "7-pack". That listing has died with this recent change and the traffic that was coming through it.

I read the thread on webmasterworld on this new change and most webmasters weren't happy with it (probably expected).

It's going to take some time for SEOs to work out how to work with these changes. You have got to love this business :)

In the long haul, this should be good for real hostels and businesses as in theory booking engines should appear lower in the results. Google is favoring real bricks and mortar businesses with this recent change.

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Scotch Argus

14 years

How do they know where you are though? If I search for pizza say I get as the 1st results pizza joints in a city 600 miles from mine. I assume this is where my ISP is based possibly? Not exactly local though.

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Roi

14 years

they use Geo-Targeting.
It's not perfect but it's working nice.

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Josh Hostels

14 years

If you're using a mobile device, Google can also use your GPS as well as triangulate your position based on nearby wifi signals. Google used to collect the wifi data with their Google Maps Street View vans, but now they collect it through Android phones. The phones send Google snapshots about the wifi signals near you.

If you're on a desktop browser like Firefox or Chrome, Google Maps can record your exact location if you click on this button and let the browser remember your preference:

You can even tell Google where you are:

My presentation at the World Hostel Conference next month is on location-based technology and hostel reviews. I'll post some of the info here in a few weeks...

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balibali

14 years

Google can't rely on geo-targetting alone. You could be searching for a business or service outside of your current city or country like when you are making travel arrangements.

In this case it would be up to the searcher to specify the city like "Tokyo Hotel".

Google is also pulling in data from review sites like "Tripadvisor" and it wouldn't surprise me if places had more reviews, they would appear higher in the rankings.

Google's results pages are looking more and more different and just highlights the fact that you need to broaden your internet marketing strategy to social media and not just rely on building links to your website.

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Roi

14 years

Well, apparently it's working.

I just got a order. the woman said she looked in Google and I came No. 1 since I am closes to the place she was looking for.
And it's free.

I'm happy.

now off to make breakfast.

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