Explaining Google Personalization Settings

Have you ever wondered why your search results differ depending on the computer you are on? It has to do with a concept called Google Personalization Settings. These settings allow Google to find results that are of frequent interest to its user.

Google search engine results depend on whether the user is signed into Google or not. A user can access their specific search results at any computer, if they are logged on. If a user isn't signed in, Google stores previous search activity based on all previous users for that specific computer that is being used. This information is stored on Google's server as an anonymous cookie with search information saved from as far back as 180 days.

Some of our clients may notice that their business listing rank differs at home rather than at the office. It is simply because frequently searching a specific site will automatically "bump" it up at a higher rank in Google. If you check your website often, Google will list it higher because it knows that you are more than likely, looking for that site. Although this concept is great for Google users to simplify the need of delving through an extensive search listing, you will not be able to get a genuine outlook of what potential customers may see on their screen. Some of you may be thinking, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is obsolete. Fortunately, SEO is even more vital than ever before. Organic results, or those that haven't been personalized, are still prone to being ranked by a website's title, description and valuable inner content. Therefore, web site owners must market their business much more effectively.

If you would like to have your Google search ratings return to its default settings, you can manually switch it off. For Google users, you need to access 'My Account', but keep in mind that by removing your 'Web History' it will delete all of your old searches. If you aren't signed in as a Google user, you can turn it off by clicking on 'Web History' and hitting the 'Disable customizations' link.

Interested in a locally based website development company? Look no further, here at Meyer Computer, Inc. we specialize in creating, hosting and marketing for web sites. Our Custom Design with CMS allows you to manage your own site without worrying about html. Contact us if you have any questions. Mahalo for reading this week's blog!